Benefits of Prenatal Massage Flashcards

Which of the following is a documented benefit of prenatal massage on hormone levels?

Answer: Decreased cortisol and norepinephrine

Prenatal massage has been documented to decrease stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine, contributing to reduced maternal stress and anxiety.

Prenatal massage addressing carpal tunnel syndrome benefits the client primarily by:

Answer: Reducing edema and forearm tension that compress the median nerve

Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel is often caused by edema and muscle tension; massage reduces these factors to relieve compression on the median nerve.

From a research perspective, one of the most significant long-term benefits of regular prenatal massage is:

Answer: Improved birth outcomes including lower rates of prematurity

Studies demonstrate that regular prenatal massage is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower rates of premature birth and reduced low birth weight.

Which physiological mechanism best explains why prenatal massage reduces swelling in the legs?

Answer: Increased venous return and lymphatic drainage

Massage promotes venous return and stimulates lymphatic drainage, both of which effectively reduce peripheral edema common in pregnancy.

Research by Tiffany Field specifically documented that prenatal massage was associated with reduced rates of:

Answer: Cesarean delivery

Field's research found that women who received regular prenatal massage had lower rates of cesarean delivery, linked to reduced anxiety and better pain management during labor.

The benefit of prenatal massage for headache relief is primarily attributed to:

Answer: Reducing neck, shoulder, and scalp muscle tension

Pregnancy headaches are often tension-based; massage relieving neck, shoulder, and scalp tension addresses the root muscular cause of these headaches.

In terms of psychological benefits, prenatal massage most directly supports which aspect of maternal well-being?

Answer: Attachment and bonding with the unborn baby

The oxytocin release and deep relaxation from prenatal massage support maternal-fetal bonding and emotional connection, a key psychological benefit documented in research.