5 Benefits of Prenatal Massage You Didn’t Know About

by Renée Curry | Sep 3, 2025 | Massage, Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, everyone talks about the usual discomforts — the sore back, the swollen feet, the restless nights. But what many parents-to-be don’t realize is that prenatal massage goes far beyond relaxation. In fact, research shows it can make a significant difference for both you and your baby.

Here are five surprising benefits of prenatal massage that you might not know about.

1. Improved Circulation for Both You and Baby

During pregnancy, your body produces up to 50% more blood and fluids to support your growing baby. This can lead to swelling, varicose veins, and that heavy “puffy” feeling in your legs and feet.

Prenatal massage helps by encouraging better blood and lymph flow. That means:

• Less swelling in ankles, hands, and feet
• Better oxygen and nutrient delivery to your baby
• Reduced risk of circulation-related discomforts like numbness or tingling

💡 Think of massage as giving your circulatory system a gentle boost at the exact time your body is working overtime.

2. Natural Support for Better Sleep

Insomnia is one of the most common pregnancy complaints. Between bathroom trips, hip pain, and an active baby, sleep can feel impossible. Massage helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system — your body’s natural “rest and digest” mode.

Many pregnant clients report:

• Falling asleep faster
• Sleeping more deeply
• Waking up feeling more rested

💤 It’s like hitting a reset button for your nervous system — without the need for medication.

3. Reduced Stress Hormones (and Happier Hormones Too!)

Stress during pregnancy isn’t just uncomfortable — it can also affect your baby. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can:

• Lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Increase levels of serotonin and dopamine (your feel-good hormones)

This hormonal balance doesn’t just help you feel calmer — it can also positively influence your baby’s development.

🌸 One study even found that women who received regular prenatal massage reported fewer complications during labor.

4. Relief from Aches You Didn’t Expect

Everyone knows about back pain in pregnancy, but prenatal massage can also help with:

• Jaw tension (from stress or clenching)
• Shoulder and neck stiffness (from posture changes)
• Carpal tunnel symptoms (numbness and tingling in the wrists/hands)
• Sciatic nerve pain (that shooting discomfort down the leg)

By addressing these less-talked-about pains, prenatal massage can make daily life so much more comfortable. Make sure to talk to your Registered Massage Therapist about the symptoms you are experiencing!

5. Building Connection and Confidence in Birth

Massage isn’t only physical — it helps you slow down, tune into your body, and connect with your baby. Some clients describe feeling their baby kick gently or shift during sessions, as if responding to the calm environment.

Prenatal massage can also:

• Teach you breathing and relaxation skills you can use during labor
• Boost confidence in your body’s ability to handle birth
• Provide a safe, nurturing space that reduces anxiety

💡 Some families even book couple’s sessions where the partner learns simple massage techniques to use during labor — strengthening connection as a team.

Prenatal massage is more than a luxury — it’s a tool that supports your body, your baby, and your mind. From improved circulation to reduced stress, better sleep to unexpected pain relief, it’s one of the most effective (and enjoyable!) ways to feel your best during pregnancy. Add to this a Body Ready Method® 1:1 assessment and sessions and you can better understand and help reduce the factors that can cause symptoms in the first place! (more on this is a future post)

✨ Ready to experience the difference yourself? Book your prenatal massage today and discover benefits you didn’t even know you needed.