08/10/2026
Touch is one of the most underused tools in pregnancy and labor. 🤲
The research on massage during pregnancy and labor is genuinely worth knowing — so let's talk about it.
Studies out of the Touch Research Institute found that pregnant people who received massage therapy during pregnancy reported lower anxiety, reduced depression, and less back and leg pain. Stress hormone levels dropped. Serotonin and dopamine went up. And there was a lower rate of prematurity in the massage group compared to controls.
That's not small.
And during labor? Those who received massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labors were on average 3 hours shorter with less need for medication. PubMed Central
In one study, pregnant people who received massage alongside breathing coaching reported decreased anxiety, depressed mood, and pain — and showed more positive affect after just the first massage during labor. PubMed
Another study found that massage was an effective intervention for decreasing pain and anxiety during labor — and also increased overall satisfaction with the birth experience. PubMed
Touch matters. Having someone present who knows how to use it matters even more.
Whether it's a partner, a doula, or a support person — learning how to use massage during labor is one of the most practical things you can do to prepare.
Want your birth partner to be ready for labor- check out Massage Techniques for Pregnancy and Birth THIS Sunday from 4-5:30pm
