Pregnancy is an exciting and beautiful time for any mother-to-be. You’re sitting on the precipice of an incredible transformation and awaiting a brand-new arrival into your family. However, it often comes with its fair share of challenges, many of which are physical. From weight gain to morning sickness to exhaustion, there are several bodily changes that can be tough to tackle. There is one helpful remedy that offers a wide range of benefits for soon-to-be mothers: massage therapy. Here are four of the most attractive benefits of massage therapy for pregnant women.

1. Alleviates Muscle and Joint Pains

Many pregnant women experience muscle and joint pain, and it can be rooted in several causes. For one, it could be due to the weight gain and the added pressure on your lower ligaments. It could also be related to the postural shifts that occur during pregnancy or to the growing uterus. Whatever the cause, the mother’s main priority is likely getting rid of the pain. Fortunately, massage therapy can help significantly in relieving these kinds of muscle and joint pains.

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Levels

Are you feeling anxious about your upcoming birth, or feeling stressed about the task of taking on motherhood? Anxiety during pregnancy is very common and completely normal. However, feelings of anxiety can hinder you from having the most enjoyable pregnancy possible. With the help of massage therapy, you can lower your stress and anxiety levels. From there, you can get back to what matters: caring for yourself and your baby.

3. Improves Sleep Quality

Sleep is extremely important during pregnancy. In fact, lack of sleep has been tied to some serious health complications, such as preeclampsia and premature births. In other words, getting the right amount and quality of sleep is essential for both the mother and the baby. One of the best benefits of massage therapy for pregnant women is that it can help ameliorate your sleep quality. Massages often trigger serotonin release within the body, which is a neurotransmitter that incites feelings of joy and calmness. This can lead to easier and more restful sleep.

4. Added Relaxation

As a soon-to-be mother, you likely know already that when the baby arrives, you won’t have much time to relax. That’s why it’s so important to use your pregnancy (especially those later months) as the optimal time to soak up as much relaxation as possible. Massage therapy has been linked to higher relaxation levels, particularly in pregnant women. When you go for a massage, you’re intentionally setting aside time in your schedule for you and your self-care. By making yourself a priority, you’ll likely benefit from the relaxing effects of a massage much more deeply.

Pregnant women must prioritize their health and wellness above all else, for both their own benefit and that of their baby. Massage therapy offers a host of physical perks for soon-to-be mothers, including less joint pain, lower anxiety levels, better sleep quality, and higher levels of relaxation. If you’re a pregnant woman experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms, there’s no better time to try massage therapy.