Health/Natural: 6 Reasons Massage Contributes to a Successful Pregnancy

"Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself," reports Michele Merhib, who offers six reasons why massage can help expectant mothers to be..

If you're pregnant, or know someone who is, a prenatal massage might be just what the doctor ordered.

Massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage, a Colorado-based franchise, announced on Tuesday why prenatal massage is beneficial to expectant mothers-to-be. "Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself," reports Michele Merhib, certified massage therapist (CMT) and founder of elements therapeutic massage, a retail massage outlet with over 35 locations in the U.S., Costa Rica and Ireland.

Merhib reported that massage has many physiological effects, and the benefits of prenatal massage are numerous, listing a few of those benefits here:

1. Massage contributes to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety and even possibly shortening hospital stays.
2. Massage enhances the production of t-cells in the mother and baby. T-cells are part of the body's immune system.
3. Massage decreases edema in the lower extremities by increasing circulation.
4. Massage increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
5. Specific massage techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts, concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and baby.
6. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety.

Merhib warns prenatal massage goers to not begin massage therapy until the first trimester has been completed. She reports that the increased circulation and blood flow as a result of massage may cause dizziness, and could add to an existing case of morning sickness.

Few insurance companies cover the costs of prenatal massage therapy, although Merhib says that at Elements, a pre-natal massage is only $49 and can fit into most anyone's budget. "A prenatal massage can also be a great gift from the father who does not know what else he can do for the soon to be new mom," Merhib added.

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