Depression, Pregnancy and Massage Therapy
Next January will mark the conclusion of a research study conducted by a
University of Miami director on the nuerohormonal effects of
massage therapy.
This research, sponsored by a grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), has been studying the way in which touch therapies can aid pregnant women in fighting depression, which can possibly prevent premature births as well as increase the growth rate and development of preemie babies.
The March of Dimes is also involved with the work, gifting additional funding to the first half of the project that explores the effects of massage therapy in preventing prematurity in infants of depressed mothers.
Light therapy is another alternative healing method recommended by the March of Dimes to pregnant women suffering from depression.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that on a yearly basis more than 20 million Americans will suffer from some type of depressive disorder. Two in every 10 pregnant women have reported feeling symptoms of depression, and women who have experienced depression prior to pregnancy have an increased risk for it during those crucial nine months.