An increasing number of B.C. women are taking a unique approach to dealing with the aches and stresses that come with being pregnant. Pregnancy can be difficult because a woman has to deal with hormonal change, a shift in her centre of gravity and of course her size and shape constantly changing.
Massage therapy keeps muscles healthy and mobile.
And, particularly in pregnant women, helps to reduce swelling in hands and feet, while promoting circulation and nutrition for tissues and skin. Many therapists who specialize in maternity massage therapy also have additional training in working with pregnant women. This may include having post-graduate or doula training or a nursing background. RMTs often provide massage therapy treatments in hospital for the first four to six hours of labour for additional benefits noted in the study by the Touch Research Institute. The study, conducted in 1997, researched 26 pregnant women during labour - some received 20 minute massage therapy sessions every hour for five hours, others engaged in labour activities they had learned during prenatal classes.