Expert Answers

Alice Domar, psychologist

There's no scientific evidence that massage improves fertility and increases pregnancy rates. But at least one study showed that the hands-on bodywork can dial down your anxiety level. Since stress has been shown to interfere with getting pregnant, it makes sense that reducing stress through massage could — theoretically — improve your odds of conceiving.

The road to pregnancy can be a stressful one. Over time, chronic stress may hijack your attempts to get pregnant. Although we don't fully understand the connection between stress and fertility, we think high stress levels confuse the brain's hormone center. As a result, the brain may not send out the reproductive hormones necessary to tell the ovaries when to release an egg, thus delaying ovulation.

In a study published in the January 2004 issue of the International Journal of Neurosciences, researchers assigned 36 healthy adults to have one of three types of basic massage: moderate, light, or vibratory (think drumming instead of kneading). Although the researchers didn't look at the effects of massage on fertility, they did find that the bodywork significantly reduces stress. During ten-minute treatments, scientists measured volunteers' stress levels and heart rates with the help of an EEG, a machine that traces brain waves, and an EKG, an instrument for recording differences in heartbeat. While anxiety decreased in all three groups, the moderate-pressure massage group saw the biggest nosedive in stress levels. And the good news is that the massages in the study were only ten minutes long, so if you can't afford a full hour massage, even a mini one can help you unwind.


So, what better way to temporarily escape your troubles than to lie under warm sheets, listen to soothing music, and have someone knead you from head to toe?

If you're undergoing expensive infertility treatments, you may balk at the notion of spending money on anything that doesn't directly involve eggs and sperm, but give yourself permission to get an occasional massage. The relaxation will do your body good.

• The American Massage Therapy Association has a database of licensed massage therapists across the country. The association can also help you find a massage therapy school in your area where you can typically get treatments at a discounted rate.

Community Answers

As a Massage Therapist i can tell you that massage helps!! Regular massage can boost immunity and help to regulate hormone production in the body as well as helping emotionally and spiritually to relax the body. Good Luck!!

posted 2/04/2008 by Blue5.0

Thank you!

My job gets stressful sometimes and we were trying to get pregnant during one of those times and only 3 months after moving to a new city. I had a massage and got pregnant 2 weeks later. I know that there is no direct connection between the two, however, I also know that the massage played a critical role in reducing my stress level and helping me relax. I was having stress headaches and crazy backpain. The massage was so good that I actually found myself crying a little bit while my back was being worked on. No doubt in my mind that the massage helped me get pregnant!

posted 2/03/2008 by carboda

Thank you!

The ingredients are... You are fertile - you are ovulating - you are relaxed - and you are NOT thinking about it!! Have fun! Good luck!

posted 8/20/2007 by Wieduwilt Mom -

I'm 40 years old and 7 1/2 weeks pregnant. Either the day we conceived or the day after I had a massage having no idea that I was pregant at that point. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant. Regardless of whether there is any scientific proof, I believe the massage helped with implantation because it helped with my stress level. Like many of you, my husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for some time. Since it can't hurt, I encourage you to try a massage during your ovulation time. Hopefully it will bring you the same positive results it brought me. Good luck!

posted 6/18/2008 by Sharon-1st timer

Was this answer helpful? 1 out of 1 found this answer helpful

Thank you!

me and my husband have been trying for 3 years i hope this works!!!!!!

posted 3/08/2008 by expectingmomndad2141

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