Pregnancy massage reduces prematurity, low birthweight and postpartum depression. Infant behavior & development [Infant Behav Dev] Journal article

Title	Pregnancy massage reduces prematurity, low birthweight and postpartum depression.
Author(s)	Field T, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M, Deeds O, Figueiredo B
Institution	Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami Medical School, PO Box 016820, Miami, FL 33101, USA. tfield@med.miami.edu
Source	Infant Behav Dev 2009 Dec; 32(4):454-60.
MeSH	Adult Anger Anxiety Back Pain Depression, Postpartum Depressive Disorder, Major Female Humans Hydrocortisone Infant Behavior Infant, Low Birth Weight Infant, Newborn Infant, Premature Massage Pregnancy Prenatal Care Psychiatric Status Rating Scales Questionnaires Sleep Disorders Socioeconomic Factors Stress, Psychological Young Adult
Abstract	Pregnant women diagnosed with major depression were given 12 weeks of twice per week massage therapy by their significant other or only standard treatment as a control group. The massage therapy group women versus the control group women not only had reduced depression by the end of the therapy period, but they also had reduced depression and cortisol levels during the postpartum period. Their newborns were also less likely to be born prematurely and low birthweight, and they had lower cortisol levels and performed better on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation and motor scales.
Language	eng
Pub Type(s)	Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
PubMed ID	19646762