Is it possible to give massage to pregnant women?

Since ancient times, massage has been used to alleviate the condition of the expectant mother. Even then, people began to understand that massage for pregnant women affects certain processes, which in turn accompany the favorable course of the entire pregnancy.

Before you start using massage, you should consult your doctor.

Often, when women learn about their interesting situation, they ask the following question: is it possible to massage pregnant women? Today, there are many claims that massage has a beneficial effect on the body. Massage during pregnancy is even more effective than in other cases. But before you start massage courses for pregnant women, be sure to consult your doctor.

Features of massage

The first 180 days of pregnancy have a special warning regarding massage, since massage can adversely affect the pregnancy of the child. In the worst case, this can lead to miscarriage. In the first three months, you can only do light stroking yourself, or with the help of a person close to you. This helps to relax and calm both mother and baby.

Make sure that all movements performed are very light and gentle.

The main areas for massage during pregnancy are the neck, shoulder girdle, back, arms and legs. Massage of the arms and legs helps normalize blood circulation. By massaging your back and neck, you reduce the load on the spinal column, which increases due to the enlargement of the abdomen.

All massage sessions should not exceed 45 minutes. It is not recommended to massage the abdomen - you can only perform light strokes, preferably by the woman herself. Absolutely all movements must be performed with a relaxed hand, without pressure or pressure.

By massaging tense muscles, we relieve pain in the feet, lower back, hips, spine, neck, etc. Massage during pregnancy activates blood circulation, which affects the timely supply of oxygen and nutrients to both the mother and the baby’s cells. In addition, massage is an excellent way to relieve swelling, stress and anxiety.

All movements are performed in a relaxed and easy state

Undoubtedly, you can carry out the procedure at home, provided that you are aware of the contraindications and the correct execution of the techniques. You can trust in the hands of your loved one, as this is a family process too. During this family sacrament, you and your baby will feel all the warmth, all the love and care of the hands of your loved one. This affects the emotional background - the woman relaxes and calms down, fatigue goes away.

As the belly increases, the technique and techniques also change. For example, in the first months of pregnancy, a woman is allowed to lie on her stomach. In the last months of pregnancy, it is strictly forbidden to lie on your stomach when performing a massage. As a rule, at this stage of pregnancy, massage is performed while sitting on a chair or lying on your side. It is also prohibited to use various massage instruments and muscle stimulators.

Massage during pregnancy allows the use of essential oils. Of course, not all oils may be suitable for a woman; some of them may cause an allergic reaction. To avoid problems, you need to check your skin for an allergic reaction - drop a small drop of oil on the skin and monitor the reaction.

Contraindications

It is necessary to familiarize yourself with those cases in which the procedure is contraindicated.

1. Threat of miscarriage;
2. Infectious diseases;
3. Abdominal diseases;
4. Severe back pain;
5. Phlebeurysm;
6. Skin disease;
7. Heat;
8. Chronic diseases of internal organs;

Execution technique

The massage should be carried out very smoothly, softly, at a leisurely and soothing pace. It is imperative to monitor the reaction of the pregnant woman.

Back massage

As a rule, when massaging the back, only the muscles are massaged, avoiding the spine area. You should start with light stroking, then move on to light rubbing, and then to kneading. Be sure to find out how the pregnant woman is feeling: whether she feels pain or discomfort.

The back bears the heaviest loads. Therefore, this area deserves special attention.

1. We begin the procedure with circular strokes, moving from top to bottom on both sides of the spine.
2. After gentle stroking, we move on to rubbing. To do this, use your palm to rub the area from the shoulder blade to the lower back vertically.
3. We stop in the lumbar region and begin to carry out horizontal rubbing.
4. Let's stretch the back a little: with four fingers we move up from the lower back, collecting the fold with the thumb, and back.

Movements are uniform and smooth

Foot massage

Performing a foot massage is very useful, since the main load also falls on the legs. During pregnancy, tumors, edema, and cramps occur. By performing a foot massage, blood circulation is activated. Start with stroking, gently turning into rubbing. You should massage one leg first, then the other.

1. We start with light strokes from the knee up to the thigh.
2. We perform circular rubbing in the same direction.
3. We move on to the calf muscles: we perform circular kneading with our thumbs, without touching the popliteal fossa.
4. We take the ankle in one hand, and with the other we begin to rotate the foot in different directions.
5. Use your fingertips to stroke your foot from top to bottom.
6. Then knead each finger separately.
7. Calm and even stroking finish the session.

After a foot massage, a pregnant woman will feel relief and lightness

Breast massage

Breast massage for pregnant women is an excellent preparatory course for breastfeeding. When massaging this area, make all movements very gently and carefully. Start with circular strokes from the base of the breast to the nipple. You can finish with a light vibration.

Face massage

Facial massage for pregnant women is performed with light stroking and tapping movements. For greater effectiveness, after completing the massage procedure, you can apply a face mask.

Now you are convinced that massage is possible for pregnant women. A properly performed massage will relieve you of stress and bring a huge amount of positive energy. This will be useful for you and your future baby.