Janet Shelton LMT, MLD-C; Palm Coast Mobile Massage, LLC

Prenatal Massage is recommended during pregnancy because it directly addresses many common discomforts associated with the structural, circulatory, and hormonal changes that occur.

In modern studies, Moms-to-be who received massages had lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine and increased dopamine and serotonin levels. These hormonal shifts decrease rates of anxiety and depression moms reported less pain and better sleep, this also lead to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight and premature birth.

These improvements occur in high risk pregnancies as well. Our therapist has been seeing prenatal clients including moms of multiples and other high risk pregnancies for fifteen years. Prenatal massage is tailored to your current needs in pregnancy. Your therapist will position you comfortably with pillows and drape according to your current needs, (often sidelying) and use long strokes, kneading, and passive release techniques to relieve tension with as little discomfort as possible.

Current evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.