Massage During Pregnancy and Postpartum.

Authors: Sarah L Pachtman Shetty, Sarah FogartyJournal: Clinical obstetrics and gynecologyPublished: October 15, 2021DOI: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000638

Q2 JournalSJR: 1.25h-index: 40SCImago

Moderate EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trial

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: pregnancy, explained

A study focused on the effects of massage therapy during pregnancy and labor. The researchers found that massage can effectively reduce anxiety and pain in pregnant women, making it a valuable alternative to medications during childbirth. This underscores the importance of integrating non-pharmacological methods like massage to enhance maternal wellbeing.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about pregnancy

✓Massage therapy significantly reduced anxiety levels in pregnant women.
✓Participants reported lower pain perception during labor when receiving massage.
✓The study supports the use of non-pharmacological interventions for managing labor pain.

What This Means for You

For those considering reflexology treatment, this study suggests it could help alleviate anxiety and pain during pregnancy and labor, providing a natural option for those seeking relief without medication.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can utilize these findings to promote their services, highlighting that reflexology may be beneficial for pregnant women dealing with anxiety and pain during labor, thereby expanding their client base.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

varied with sessions during pregnancy and labor

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study's sample size was not stated, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the effectiveness may vary depending on individual circumstances.

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Pregnancy: common questions

What does this study say about pregnancy?

What did this study find?

Massage therapy significantly reduced anxiety levels in pregnant women. Participants reported lower pain perception during labor when receiving massage. The study supports the use of non-pharmacological interventions for managing labor pain.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It was published in Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study's sample size was not stated, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the effectiveness may vary depending on individual circumstances.