Pregnant women do not often use massage because of the many restrictions and contraindications. However, massage and pregnancy go hand in hand. With the physical, hormonal and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, massage can do a lot of good for mothers-to-be. However, it is important to be careful to follow a few recommendations for use.
Is massage during pregnancy useful?
During pregnancy, some women undergo many physical and psychological changes. During this wonderful period, many upheavals such as joint pain, digestive problems, excessive weight gain, heavy legs and others can occur.
Massages for a pregnant woman can therefore provide greater comfort and softness. It can soothe all these ailments and improve blood and lymphatic circulation. They can also relax muscles and gently soften joints and prevent stretch marks. However, prenatal massages are strongly discouraged for diabetic mothers-to-be, those with high blood pressure, open wounds, skin inflammation or varicose veins.
Which massages are recommended for a pregnant woman?
The advice of her midwife or her doctor is very important to avoid the risk for both mother and baby. The most recommended period for massages is after the foetus has stabilised, between the fourth and eighth month of pregnancy. It is practiced only once during the second trimester and twice during the last trimester. During the sessions, it is advisable to use creams and neutral oils, without essential oils such as sweet almond, avocado, sesame or apricot oil, shea butter and avoid heat sources.
In general this moment of cocooning and relaxation does not last more than an hour, it is practiced lying down as a rifle dog, on one side then the other, or on a special chair that does not support the weight of the belly. This type of massage must be gentle, less deep, progressive and never brutal. The massage should start from the bottom up, from the calves to the heart and not the other way around. Pressure on the legs, at the level of the malleoli or shoulders for example, should be avoided.
What are the benefits of prenatal massage?
It also feels good to massage on the mobility of the pelvis, which can facilitate childbirth. The massage alleviates all the small pains related to pregnancy. It relieves muscle pain and tension, leg cramps and promotes sleep. From the baby's fourth month, he experiences everything his mother feels and appreciates the caresses. The decrease in cortisol is also a benefit of this massage.
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