Alleviates Depression
Depression affects around 7% of pregnant women, but often these symptoms are attributed to pregnancy rather than pre-existing mood disorders. Additionally, the focus of obstetricians tends to be on the physical health of expectant mothers, rather than their mental well-being. Unfortunately, if left untreated, these women face an increased risk of receiving suboptimal prenatal care, having lower nutritive intake, and developing postpartum depression.
A recent study compared the effects of massage therapy and yoga on women with perinatal depression, and the participants in both treatments reported experiencing reduced levels of depression and anxiety, as well as improved relationships with their life partners. The researchers behind this study suggest that both massage and yoga stimulate pressure receptors, leading to lower levels of cortisol and increased activity of the vagus nerve. As a result, the body becomes more efficient at reacting to stress.
Massage during Labor: A Natural Pain Relief
Massage therapy during the labor process has shown promising results in reducing both the intensity and duration of pain experienced by women giving birth. A study conducted on pregnant women revealed that receiving massages on their backs and legs for 15 minutes every hour during labor had a significant impact. The participants who received labor massages reported experiencing less discomfort and had a reduced need for pain medication compared to those who did not receive any massages. Furthermore, the labor duration for the massage group was found to be approximately three hours shorter compared to the non-massage group.