Which massage is best in pregnancy?
Prenatal massage is a self-care and complementary medicine practice that can help relieve the emotional and physical discomforts of pregnancy. Prenatal massage allows you to get all those feel-good benefits of massage in a pregnancy-safe practice. That can include massage techniques like: Swedish massage. Similarly, it is a good idea to avoid home massage during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. There could be risk of miscarriage if certain pressure points are activated and massage can put a strain on the uterine ligaments.Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester.The difference lies in the needs. The techniques and tools used in prenatal massage are tailored to the needs of pregnant women. Women undergo bodily transformations during pregnancy. The massage therapist adjusts the techniques to ensure the clients reap the benefits of this therapeutic experience.Pregnant women are encouraged to wear their underwear during a prenatal massage. However, you will be asked to remove any bras that may cause discomfort or irritation on your back and shoulders while lying down for the duration of your session.
When should you start a pregnancy massage?
The nhs considers pregnancy massages to be safe when performed by qualified professionals any time after the first trimester. Before this time, it can make you feel dizzy or a little nauseous. The second trimester, weeks 13–27: perfect time for a massage. Generally speaking, this is the most pleasant and safest time to get a pregnancy massage. The danger of miscarriage lowers, and frequent bodily discomforts start to show up, so massage becomes even more helpful than it ever has.The first trimester carries an increased risk of miscarriage, and some therapists are concerned that the increased blood flow during a massage might be harmful. Second, there are pressure points in the body that are thought to initiate contractions or potentially induce labor.The first trimester is also the critical time when your baby’s major organs are developing. Some healthcare professionals and massage therapists don t recommend mothers take the risk of having a massage during this important period.While the second trimester is often considered the most ideal time due to increased stability and reduced discomfort, prenatal massage can offer valuable benefits across all stages of pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner and with appropriate precautions.You can still massage your breasts during the pregnancy, excluding the two special periods of early pregnancy (first trimester) and late pregnancy (third trimester).
What is included in a pregnancy massage?
Included in the Pregnancy Massage During a session, a trained therapist will provide gentle and specialised massage techniques designed to alleviate discomfort, reduce stress, and promote relaxation for expectant mothers, ensuring a soothing and safe experience for both the mother and the baby. Massaging certain points, particularly on the ankles, feet, and hands, induces labor. Therapists need to avoid these areas during pregnancy, especially before full term, and to consult only trained professionals.To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot.Gentle massage can be applied to most areas of the body, but some pressure points must be avoided. Experts stay safe by avoiding pressure points associated with the pelvis, wrists, hands, and ankles. Due to the risk of blood clots during pregnancy it is also important to avoid deep tissue massage in the legs.Pregnancy massage, however, is designed to target these specific issues. Standard Massage”: While a regular massage may focus on general areas of tension or stress, it doesn’t specifically cater to the common aches and pains associated with pregnancy, such as swollen ankles, sciatic nerve pain, or round ligament pain.
What is the best position for a pregnancy massage?
The optimal lying position is on your left side and, for massage, ideally with plenty of pillows to keep your legs, hips, back and neck supported. You can lie on your back for short periods of time and communicate with your therapist/partner if you begin to feel unwell. It’s best to avoid lying on your back, especially in late pregnancy, when the weight of the heavy uterus can press on the large blood vessels in your belly. When lying on your side, keep your body in line, with your knees bent slightly, and avoid twisting.As your pregnancy progresses, the best positions are sitting on a chair or stool or lying on your side. The left side is best later in pregnancy. After 12 weeks of pregnancy (or much earlier if you are carrying twins or more), avoid lying on your belly. After your fourth month of pregnancy, avoid lying on your back.Lying on your side with a pillow to support your belly is usually the preferred and safest option. However, in early pregnancy—before 22 weeks—it’s generally safe for pregnant mothers to lie on their back. After 22 weeks, you should avoid lying flat on your back.Yes. Massage is a good way to relax and improve circulation. The best position for a massage while you’re pregnant is lying on your side, rather than facedown. Some massage tables have a cut-out for the belly, allowing you to lie facedown comfortably.As a general rule of thumb, antenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth.
How often should a pregnant woman get a massage?
As a general rule of thumb, antenatal massage can benefit you throughout your pregnancy with monthly appointments until around 27 weeks, then twice monthly appointments from around 27 weeks to 36 weeks, and weekly appointments from 36 weeks until you give birth. To be safe, pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Instead, they use very light, slow strokes on the legs.There are a few circumstances when it’s not considered safe and your doctor might advise you not to have a massage. These include if you have: A risk of going into early labour. Preeclampsia.Gentle massage can be applied to most areas of the body, but some pressure points must be avoided. Experts stay safe by avoiding pressure points associated with the pelvis, wrists, hands, and ankles. Due to the risk of blood clots during pregnancy it is also important to avoid deep tissue massage in the legs.Massage is generally considered safe following the first trimester of pregnancy. If you’re at risk for preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or other possible complications, your doctor or midwife may advise against massage during pregnancy.
Which oil is good for pregnancy massage?
Lavender Oil As the ultimate sleep-inducing oil, this is one of the best oils that you can use for prenatal massage. As compared to other oils, lavender reduces anxiety, calming, and is excellent at relieving pain. Neutral-scented, plant-based oils are the best choice. Almond, apricot, calendula, geranium, lavender, mandarin, peach, wheat germ and vanilla all help to enhance the massage experience without harming the mom-to-be or her baby.Which essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy? From the more commonly known essential oils the following should be avoided: arnica, basil, cedarwood, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, cypress, jasmine, juniper, myrrh, nutmeg, sage, wintergreen.