Benefits of Prenatal Massage Flashcards

The Touch Research Institute's studies on prenatal massage most commonly measured outcomes related to:

Answer: Maternal anxiety, depression, and labor outcomes

Touch Research Institute studies by Tiffany Field consistently measured maternal psychological outcomes such as anxiety and depression, as well as labor outcomes as primary endpoints.

Which of the following best describes the effect of prenatal massage on the autonomic nervous system?

Answer: It shifts the body from sympathetic to parasympathetic dominance

Prenatal massage promotes a shift from the fight-or-flight sympathetic response to the rest-and-digest parasympathetic state, reducing stress and promoting healing.

Research suggests that prenatal massage may contribute to shorter labor by:

Answer: Reducing anxiety and muscle tension that can prolong labor

By reducing maternal anxiety and muscle tension, prenatal massage can contribute to a more efficient labor process, potentially shortening its duration.

Prenatal massage benefits for the fetus most likely occur because:

Answer: Improved maternal circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients

Better maternal circulation resulting from massage ensures more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the placenta.

Which condition frequently co-occurring with pregnancy is most supported by evidence for improvement through massage?

Answer: Prenatal depression

Multiple studies support prenatal massage as an effective complementary approach for reducing symptoms of prenatal depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine.

How does prenatal massage benefit clients experiencing sciatic nerve pain?

Answer: By releasing piriformis and surrounding muscle tension that compresses the nerve

Sciatic pain in pregnancy is often caused by piriformis and other hip muscle tension; massage releases this tension and reduces compression on the sciatic nerve.

Research indicates that prenatal massage is most beneficial when performed:

Answer: Regularly throughout pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters

Research consistently shows cumulative benefits when massage is received regularly throughout pregnancy, with particular relevance in the second and third trimesters when discomfort increases.