Other benefits of prenatal massage include

Other Benefits of Prenatal Massage Include:

Decreased emotional stress, depression, and anxiety.
Increasing circulation and lymphatic flow, controlling development of varicose veins.
Stabilized hormone levels by stimulating glandular secretions.
Increased muscle flexibility — reducing the strain of childbirth.
Sedated nervous system- producing rest and relaxation (which the developing baby can feel

The Overall Picture

The overall goals of pregnancy massage are to help minimize stress promote relaxation, and prepare the muscles for childbirth. Massage involves manipulation of the soft tissues and is the physical movement, stroking, and stretching of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue. Massage may also be beneficial in the postpartum, or recovery phase. The primary benefit is to relieve the aches and pains of muscle soreness, ward off fatigue, promote rapid healing, and restore muscles to their normal status. A postpartum massage gives the new mother time for herself, which she often neglects to take after having a baby.