Pregnancy, without a doubt, can be one of the most stressful times of your life. Whether it is your first time or not, the stress levels endured by mothers-to-be do not reduce by much. In these trying times, care must be taken to ensure that you remain as stress-free as possible, in the circumstances. After all, stressful experiences are not good for the growing child.
One of the most common methods to alleviate stress-related problems is a good, long massage. Although massages can be done for any individual, it works great to help mothers too.
A prenatal massage is not different in many ways to a regular massage. The aim of the action is to help the mother become relaxed, work out tension from muscles, reduce soreness and improve the flow of blood in the body. The actual body parts covered may range from foot massages in pregnancy, to head massages when pregnant. Prenatal massages are tailored to the common areas of soreness in mothers-to-be and customised towards the needs of pregnant women.
Prenatal massages must only be carried out by trainers certified in such massages, as there are some differences in the massage techniques and areas to focus on in the case of pregnancy massages. For example, pregnancy tends to weaken ligaments, which make them rather unstable, especially under the application of force. Also, certified trainers know the right spots most affected by the travails of pregnancy, and also have an idea of which areas to avoid.
Although it sounds harmless and it really is, there is a misconception that a prenatal massage at the start of the pregnancy is harmful to the formation of the foetus. As a result, many massage centres do not allow pregnancy massages for women in the first trimester of their pregnancy. However, it has been found that the massages do not affect the child, in any way. Most experts recommend getting these massages throughout the period of pregnancy, as they are beneficial. The usual schedule is to get one every two weeks up to the third trimester, and then, a massage every week.
Among the many benefits of a prenatal massage, a few are listed below.
The massage has to be done carefully since it has a direct effect on the health of the mother and baby. There are many things to note, depending upon whether the massage is done at home or in the clinic.
Massaging at Home:
While getting a massage in the comfort of your own home, you only need to remember to stay as relaxed as possible. Talk to your masseuse, and elaborate on the sore areas and the areas which do not need much care.
Massaging at the Clinic:
If you plan to get a massage from a certified practitioner at his clinic, you first need to get comfortable with the surroundings of the room. You need to have a talk with your practitioner too, and may even be asked to shed all clothing for the massage to happen smoothly.
Especially at the later stages of your pregnancy, you should never be lying on your back to get the massage. This can compress any of the blood vessels running through your back, and consequently, lower blood pressure. Usually, prenatal massages are done with the mother lying sideways, even if it is an oil massage during pregnancy. However, some tables have deep cut-outs in the belly area, which enable the mother to lie face down comfortably.
There are not many areas to be avoided during the prenatal massage, except for a few spots in the ankles or palms, as they tend to cause contractions in the uterus. Therefore, it is best to get the opinion of a certified masseuse before proceeding with the prenatal massage.
The best place to get a massage, prenatal or not, is the comfort of your own home. However, there are a few things to note before carrying out the prenatal massage.
Right Techniques for the Massage
Tips for the Partner While Giving the Massage
There are not many alternatives to a proper prenatal massage, as it can have wonderful effects when it is carried out in the right way. However, some common massage-like practices. which can be practised as alternatives. include shiatsu techniques or the practice of acupuncture. Acupressure and foot reflexology are other alternatives, which have similar effects on the mother.
While there have been a few reports of massage clinics not performing pregnancy massages on mothers in their first trimester out of the fear of miscarriage, it has been found that these fears do not have any scientific standing whatsoever. A pregnancy massage can be received throughout the duration of the pregnancy, with the ideal schedule being one every two weeks until the third trimester, and one every week from there on.
Pregnant women may not always have people nearby, so they might have to rely on themselves for that massage they crave. However, there are many limitations associated with self-massaging, as there are many parts which are hard to reach on your own. While the feet and arms can be massaged well, it is difficult to reach the neck and back satisfactorily.
For a relaxing belly massage, sit against a couple of pillows on your bed, in such a way that your body is at a 45-degree angle, and stroke your belly in motions towards the heart (upwards). Apply lotion/oil as needed. You can also try a head massage with your favourite, calming essential oil. Simply rub your temples in a gentle, circular motion, trace along your eyebrows, and return to your temples. This head massage even works as a pre-bedtime ritual.
After the massage, women experience deep sleep and an overall relaxed feel. The improved blood circulation and reduction of muscle soreness also help them cope up with the increased weight better and makes them feel rejuvenated and refreshed for extended periods of time.
The pregnancy massage or prenatal massage can work wonders in making you feel more at ease, and comfortable. However, like with every action, massages too have to be done with care in the right way. Make sure you get a massage from a trained individual so that both you and your baby are able to benefit from it.