Pregnancy massage has been known to help expectant mothers feel better, but a new study shows it may provide even more important benefits, including reducing the risk of premature delivery.

With just days to go before her baby arrives, Allison Pinkney finds even a short walk is a stretch.

"I feel a lot of pressure here around my lower back and hips," Pinkney said.

Pinkney is part of a study that highlights the benefits of pregnancy massage.

"When I'm relaxed, then the baby's a lot more relaxed. The baby is much happier," Pinkney said.

Partners join in, too first with careful instruction, then hands-on.

The latest findings from the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami show pregnancy massage lowers stress-hormone levels, increasing the odds of a full-term, healthy birth.

Dr. Tiffany Field spearheaded the effort with support from the March of Dimes, the National Institute of Mental Health and the Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute. She says the rewards are far-reaching for both babies and expectant mothers. She also says it benefits expectant fathers.

"It's so great for the fathers because, finally, they have something to do during pregnancy that can alleviate their own stress and their wives' stress, and also gives them a better bond," Field said.

The message is going out at childbirth classes across the country. Massage during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature birth; eases depression; alleviates aches, pains and swelling, and even improves sleep.