August 29th, 2011 by Hasham

Massage During Pregnancy

Many women have some pains in back during pregnancy; they can feel the tension or numbness in various parts of the body. Gentle massage can help them ease this state. In addition, it will help you to alleviate the state of insomnia, back pain, edema, headache, and other possible ailments during pregnancy.

Before birth:
Pain in the back very often appears during pregnancy (as well as during breastfeeding). To facilitate such a pain you should do massage of back, neck, legs and feet, massage stomach with very soft movements. Many pregnant women have difficulties in circulation of fluids, this condition can be corrected with the help of general body massage that will stimulate and improve the movement of blood. Feet massage will help to relax, relieve the pain in legs and reduce swelling. During this massage, avoid areas with veins varicose (if there is any).

Those women who have problems with sleep, relaxing effects of massage will help them calm down and relax. Some pregnant women say that the soft abdominal massage helps to ensure that the child calms down and falls asleep too.
Massage relaxes and soothes, and helps to alleviate the unpleasant physical sensations, as well as enables your partner or children to help you and take part in your pregnancy.
Consult a doctor before you begin a massage. If the doctor does not recommend a stomach and back massage, you can conduct face, neck, feet and hands massage, this massage will help the body to relax very well.

When and how to massage:
While some schools of massage do not recommend holding it in the first three months of pregnancy, many women think that a light massage throughout pregnancy is very useful. When you massage a pregnant woman, all movements should be very soft and accurate, especially in the abdomen and waist. Do not use a strong press and strikes.
You can add a few drops of aromatic oils in your massage oil.
During massage it is recommended to use the following aromatic oils: Mandarin, ylang-ylang, Geranium, lemon, sandalwood, tea tree.
Aromatic oils, which are not recommended: anise, arnica, basil, mint, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper and marjoram.

Massage During Pregnancy
Manage pregnancy back pain and tension with a soothing pregnancy massage

Tense? Back hurt? Poor Mommy. A massage may be just what the doctor ordered — as long as you stick with your practitioner’s orders.  If it’s safe to get a rubdown, go for it by picking a massage therapist, but not any massage therapist: Choose one who’s well versed in the do’s and don’ts of prenatal massage.

Some things to keep in mind:

* After the fourth month of pregnancy, lying flat on your back can cause pressure on important blood vessels, so ask your therapist to use pillows that allow you to face the wall rather than the ceiling.
* Ask for an unscented lotion or oil (not only might the strong fragrance turn you off, but some aromatherapy oils can stimulate uterine contractions).
* Reflexology, a therapy in which pressure is applied to specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears, can work wonders on swollen, tired tootsies and reduce overall stress. Be certain, however, that your therapist is knowledgeable about pregnancy  since pressure applied to certain areas (such as the area between the anklebone and heel) can trigger contractions.

‘massage during pregnancy’

Many women want to get a massage during their pregnancy. We have previously explored the many benefits for mothers and their children. Once you understand how good a massage can truly be for you, then its time to hop on that massage table and relax. But where can a woman find a massage therapist or clinic that has the expertise required for pregnancy massage?

Choosing a Specialty Massage Therapist

-Search the internet or yellow pages to find qualified massage therapists

-Call the local massage clinics in your area and ask if they have a massage therapist on staff that is trained to perform pregnancy or specialty massage.

-Find out if they have a certification in Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy

-Your massage should be in either a massage chair or while lying sideways on a massage table. NEVER lay face down or up while getting a massage. Massage tables that have a hole for your belly may seem like a good idea but in fact this is very detrimental

At Home Pregnant Massage

-Take a workshop or a course on performing massage while pregnant, many massage schools or clinics offer them in your area.

-Buy a book that has instructions and illustrations some good ones are:

Mother Massage: A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy

Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Practioners’ Guide to Pregnancy, Labor, Postpartum

Massage Practice for Pregnancy

Massage for a Peaceful Pregnancy: A Daily Book for New Mothers and Fathers

-Buy a video that demonstrates the proper techniques a good one is:

Mastering Pregnancy Massage

Pregnant Chair Massage

Tips

-Keep an open line of communication throughout

-Trim nails and remove jewelry before beginning

-Avoid massage during the first trimester, the second and third will make the mother most comfortable

-If pain is ever felt immediately stop, there shouldn’t be pain during this process

-Use massage lotions and oils to lubricate the skin and reduce friction

-Play soothing music, fountains and running water are also very relaxing

- Massage should be performed on a weekly basis, sometimes even more

- The back is not the only place to massage, try including the neck, arms and legs as well

-Avoid massaging any open wounds, sores or cuts

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can be a great help to the body and facilitates massage for a more effective experience. Some of the best oils for pregnant women are:

1. Tea Tree
2. Neroli
3. Tangerine
4. Sandalwood
5. Lemon
6. Geranium

Some oils to avoid are

1. Jasmine
2. Basil
3. Aniseed
4. Juniper
5. Majoram
6. Sage