The advantages of pregnancy massage
October 6, 2009
The pregnancy massage is a soothing massage that focuses on the physical and emotional health of the mother as well as the baby inside. It is supposed to be therapeutic and calms the mother-to-be.
The pregnancy massage could be deep tissue, Swedish or neuromuscular. Pregnant women are advised to wait to have a massage until after the first trimester, when it will be safer.
This massage is good to reduce the various aches and pains in body; additionally, it can relieve tension and help the mother-to-be de-stress and relax. The touch of a hand provides tremendous comfort, and a feeling of being loved and cared for.
The primary and most obvious difference is that a pregnancy massage is given to a pregnant woman, while a regular massage can be given to any individual.
It is essential that the masseuse is aware that the woman is pregnant, as the massage for a pregnant woman is different from the normal massage. The position while massaging is different. Extra care and safety measures should be taken while massaging. Certain parts of the body are to be avoided during the massage.
The very idea of pregnancy and impending childbirth can take a toll on a woman’s mental health, causing a lot of stress and tension in addition to the aches and pains caused by pregnancy.
A massage provides the gentle and nurturing touch that reassures the mother-to-be and reduces her stress levels to an extent. It helps her sleep better, reducing the discomfort and all the tossing and turning at nights.
A massage not only reduces back and neck pain and the stress on various joints, it also helps reduce the swelling in the hands and feet. It also reduces sciatic pain. In some cases, it relieves the nasal passages, and the headaches and congestion caused by sinusitis.
Posture can also be improved with the help of a pregnancy massage. Due to increased blood circulation, massages provide relief from muscle cramps, various spasms, and pain in the lower back area, hips, neck and legs. It relaxes the muscles and helps the body prepare for childbirth.
A massage is not recommended during the first trimester due to the changes in hormones. Massage during the second and third trimester is fine, but there are certain parts of the body that are to be avoided.
Applying pressure on the area between ankle and heel is to be avoided, as it might cause early labor. While massaging the leg, do not massage too hard, as doing so might result in blood clots and leg cramps.
Similarly, apply light pressure with a flat hand to the abdomen. If there is any vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, massage should be avoided. Lying on the abdomen during the massage is not recommended; instead, a mother-to-be should lie to her side or be seated for the massage.
Always check with the doctor before opting for a pregnancy massage, and choose a qualified masseuse who understands how to give pregnancy massages.






























