The browser you are using is too old for our website. Please visit www.aptaclub.ie from Chrome and you will be able to browse normally.

Pregnancy

      Pregnancy massage

      Pregnancy Massage

      Pregnancy massage

      A loving touch

      Discover the benefits for you and baby

       

      Pregnancy massage can be a beneficial way to help mums-to-be unwind and feel more connected to their baby, as well as helping treat prenatal depression and potentially reduce the risks of premature labour.

      Pregnancy massage touch points

      Unborn babies are thought to start to respond to touch by the 13th or 14th week of pregnancy1. Research shows that applying pressure to a mother’s abdomen can cause an acceleration in the baby’s heart rate and increase movement1. While you don’t want to put strong pressure on your bump, gently massaging moisturiser into your tummy may help you to feel connected to your baby – and you may get rewarded by some kicking too. It’s a two-way thing, so give it a go!

      Pregnancy Mum Hands On Bump Sofa 2

      Massage can reduce stress, take away the pain of physical symptoms like backache, improve mental health and lift the mood.

      Benefits of pregnancy massage for mum and baby

      It’s thought that the main way an unborn baby benefits from touch is through the effect it has on you. Studies into therapies for pregnant women have indicated that massage can reduce stress, take away the pain of physical symptoms like backache, improve mental health and lift the mood2.

      Pregnancy massage and meditation have also been linked to the successful treatment of prenatally depressed women, as well as a reduction in premature labour and low birthweight3,4.

      Woman Smiling At Baby Bump

      Feelings of relaxation and wellbeing are good for you at any stage of life.

      Despite limited research, there can be no doubt that feelings of relaxation and wellbeing are good for you at any stage of life, but particularly during pregnancy. So, if a massage helps you to feel good, that's good news for your baby too. If you are at all concerned that you may be depressed, speak to your midwife or GP. Talking things through could be all the help you need, or they may suggest alternative treatment, such as counselling.

      NEXT STEPS

      • Try to spend a few minutes every day talking or singing to your baby. 
      • Feeling tired or stressed? Treat yourself to a specialist pregnancy pamper package, including a massage.
      • If you don’t like people touching your tummy, opt for a head, neck and shoulders; hand; or foot massage. It’ll be just as good.
      • Buy a soothing, pregnancy-friendly aromatherapy oil – the smell could help reduce stress too.
      • Ask your partner to massage away tension in your shoulders, back or feet.
      • If massage isn’t for you, relax your muscles, and your mind, in a warm, scented bath.

      1. Lecanuet JP, Schaal B. Fetal sensory competencies. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1996;68:1-2.

      2. Schitter AM et al. Effects of passive hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu) in the third trimester of pregnancy: Results of a controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015;2015:437650.

      3. Field T et al. Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2004;25:115-22.

      4. Field T et al. Benefits of combining massage therapy with group interpersonal psychotherapy in prenatally depressed women. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2009;13:297-303.

      Last reviewed: 19th June 2016

      peranting-icon-circle.png

      Brighter futures start here

      Discover more about infant development to help shape your baby's future

      Join now for free

      Your baby's future health begins here

      Your baby's future health begins here

      At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; that
      each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your
      baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one
      round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

      Join Aptaclub

      Related articles

      Questions about feeding and nutrition?

      Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.

      Brighter futures start here

      Discover more about infant development to help shape your baby's future

      Join now for free

      Your privacy is important to us and therefore we would like to explain how we use cookies on this website. With your consent, we will use cookies to measure and analyse how our website is used (analytical cookies), to tailor it to your interests (personalisation cookies), and to show you relevant advertising and information (targeting cookies) we think you will like. For more information please read the cookie statement.

      Privacy Settings

      You can choose your preferences anytime for cookies and tracking. For more information please read our cookie policy.

      • Strictly necessary

        They are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services (setting your privacy preferences, logging in, filling in forms, etc.). You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.

      • Analytical cookies

        They allow us to count visits and traffic sources, to measure and improve the performance of our site. They show us which pages are the most and least popular and how visitors move around the site. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

      • Personalisation cookies

        They enable website’s enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third parties whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

      • Targeting cookies

        They may be set through our site by our advertising partners, to build a profile of your interests and to show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.