Relaxing foot massage during pregnancy

For many thousands of years, massage has been considered one of the best and safest methods for treating various diseases and health problems. Pregnant women quite often resort to massage, since the changes that occur in the body of pregnant women do not always have a good effect on health.

Every second pregnant woman suffers from swelling of the legs, which has a negative effect on blood pressure. Headaches and cramps may occur. The best way to get rid of swelling is to massage your feet during pregnancy. In addition, a massage procedure is necessary to relax the legs, prevent varicose veins, tumors and cramps.

It should be clarified that foot massage during pregnancy can only be started from the second trimester. While in the first trimester, a woman is not recommended to perform any physical or massage exercises.

What are the contraindications:

1. viral, infectious diseases;
2. risk of miscarriage;
3. heat;
4. toxicosis;
5. severe back pain.

Basic rules for foot massage during pregnancy

Of course, someone will prefer to use the services of a professional massage therapist. And for those who want to perform a foot massage at home, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the basic rules for performing a massage complex:

1. Before performing a massage, you should prepare massage oil and a dry towel in advance.
2. You also need to prepare the room for the upcoming massage procedure. The room should be warm, comfortable and cozy, nothing should distract you from the massage. You can dim the lights a little and turn on some nice music. Spray the room with your favorite scented oils.
3. During the massage it is forbidden to lie on your stomach.
4. The entire body, with the exception of the legs, should be covered with a towel, of course, if this does not contradict the woman’s wishes.
5. All massage movements should be gentle and smooth. No sharp or pressing movements. First of all, massage should serve to relax. After a correctly performed procedure, the woman will have a desire to sleep.
6. Particular attention should be paid to the calf muscles, since this is the area most susceptible to tension and cramps.
7. It is not recommended to press on the veins. Gently glide around them.
8. You should not perform a massage immediately after taking a shower or bath. Steamed skin does not absorb oil well. Therefore the result will be much worse.
9. The duration of the foot massage should be 15-20 minutes, no more. It would be enough.
10. If you feel unwell, it is better to refuse a massage.
11. Spend a few minutes before bed for a massage and you will feel the lightness and relaxation of your whole body, which is necessary for every pregnant woman.

Technique for performing foot massage during pregnancy

The massage can be performed with one or two hands, using straight, circular, zigzag, spiral and combined light strokes.

1. We start by rubbing the right foot: with the thumbs of the right and left hands we rub the foot, moving from the heel to the toes, from the center to the outside.
2. Let's move on to the fingers. Using the index and middle fingers of your right hand, rub each toe.
3. We perform the same movements on the left foot.
4. Next, we take the foot in both palms and begin to swing from side to side, rising up.
5. Then we take the foot in both palms and carefully turn it in a circle, first in one direction, then in the other. This movement will improve blood circulation.
6. We clench our hand into a fist and begin to rub the sole, moving up the foot.
7. We perform similar techniques on both feet.
8. We finish the massage with smooth strokes, from the foot to the thigh.
9. You can put peas or buckwheat on the floor and walk around for a few minutes.

Massage in the third trimester is not only possible, but also necessary. During this period, the female body is most susceptible to stress, fatigue, and swelling. Thanks to the right massage, not only will all troubling ailments disappear, but also blood circulation will improve. This means the baby will receive much more nutrients.

In the last month of pregnancy, expectant mothers are recommended to massage the perineum. This gentle stretching of the skin in this area will prevent the possibility of tearing during childbirth.

Despite the fact that massage procedures have a huge number of advantages, you should consult a gynecologist before performing them. Perform a relaxing foot massage, improve your well-being and lift your spirits, which is undoubtedly important during the period of bearing a child.