Evidence standard
This article summarises research indexed by PubMed in plain language. It provides general information, not personal medical advice.
What the clinical review covered
A 2021 clinical narrative review described research on massage and relaxation, wellbeing, pregnancy pain, and labour pain during pregnancy and postpartum. The review also reported that the available literature was limited.1
Why the setting and stage matter
The review covered different settings and stages. Findings about labour pain cannot be treated as findings about routine pregnancy massage appointments.1
What the research cannot decide
A narrative clinical review does not determine whether a particular appointment is appropriate for a particular person. It also does not establish one massage approach, position, or schedule for every pregnancy.1
Reading the evidence carefully
The review provides context for questions about pregnancy massage research. It does not replace individual advice from the health professionals involved in a person's care.1
Research sources
References
Pachtman Shetty SL; Fogarty S. Massage During Pregnancy and Postpartum.. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2021.
What it supports: Clinical narrative review of research concerning massage during pregnancy and postpartum, including several settings and outcomes.
Important limitation: The authors described the literature as limited. A broad narrative review cannot determine suitability or an expected result for an individual appointment.
View PubMed record 34323238