How to Relieve Pregnancy Aches Through Massage

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can also bring about discomfort and stress. Massage therapy can be a wonderful way to alleviate some of these discomforts and promote relaxation. Here are ten massage techniques that can help soothe a pregnant woman:

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONCERNS.

1. First of all, make sure she is in a comfortable position.

Pregnant women should avoid lying on their back during massage. The weight of the baby and the uterus can compress blood vessels in this position, which can lead to a decrease in blood supply to the placenta.

The safest and most comfortable position for a massage is to lie on your side. Use pillows to support your head, abdomen, and legs. She can also try kneeling and sitting on the floor. She can rest her arms on the bed or an exercise ball in front of her.

2. Massage the neck and shoulders to relieve stress and tension.

During pregnancy, the back and neck are under a lot of stress. They are trying to adjust to the change in the body’s center of gravity. Muscles can become sore, too. However, there are techniques to help relieve stress and tension.

Start by placing one hand on your shoulder — specifically where the shoulder meets the neck. Slowly slide your hand up to the base of her skull, and then slide it back down to her shoulders in an outward direction. For balance, do the same thing with the other hand on the opposite side of the body.

You can apply pressure to areas where you feel muscles are tight. You can also move your hands up and down her arms as part of the massage.

3. A scalp massage can do wonders for your relaxation.

Place hands around the head of expectant mother, somewhere behind the ear. Then gently move your hands in a circular motion around her head. After that, you can move your hands up through her hair and down toward the nape of her neck. Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to the scalp.

For partners, giving your wife this type of massage will not only be a soothing experience for her. It can also be a way of showering her with affection. It can also be good for the couple’s connection and awareness of each other to engage in prenatal massage.

4. Knead your back or rub either side of your spine. This will help relieve sore muscles.

This massage can help relieve back pain caused by the growing baby bump. With the pregnant woman lying on her side, place your hands on either side of her spine and gently massage her back. Gently knead up and down her back with your palms or thumbs.

A back massage can also have other benefits. These include hormone regulation, reduced risk of swelling, improved blood flow, and better sleep quality.

5. Massage your legs and feet to relieve pain and swelling. Don’t apply too much pressure.

One of the changes in a woman’s body during her childbearing years is a decrease in blood volume. As a result, blood flow to the legs tends to slow down. This can put a pregnant woman at risk for blood clots. Excessive pressure on the legs can dislodge a clot and cause complications.

Rubbing the legs up and down with the palm of your hand is best. You can also rub your feet with your hands, using your thumbs to make gentle circles near the ankles and heels. Gentle tugging on her toes or rubbing your fingers between her toes may also do her some good.

6. For hip and pelvic comfort, try a few simple exercises.

One technique is the “double hip squeeze”. This is done with the pregnant woman either standing on an exercise ball or sitting on an exercise ball while she leans forward. It’s important to have something to support her torso, such as a counter, table, or bed. Stand behind her. Place your hands on either side of her hips. Then push inward as if to squeeze her hips together.

Another method is to “shake the tree. From behind, place your hands around one of her thighs, one hand on the inside and the other on the outside. Then gently “shake” or “jiggle” the thigh by rolling your hands in opposite directions. This is similar to the way you would move your hands when starting a friction fire with a piece of wood.

These exercises help provide comfort. They relax and release the ligaments, pelvic floor, and back.

7. Swedish massage

This gentle technique involves long, gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the topmost layers of muscles. It helps improve circulation and ease muscle tension.

8. Foot massage

The feet can become swollen and sore during pregnancy. A foot massage can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide relief from foot pain.

9. Hand massage

Swelling and discomfort in the hands are common during pregnancy. A hand massage can help reduce swelling and provide relief from pain and stiffness.

Bonus: Important tips to remember and things to avoid

• The belly is a no-go zone.
  Avoid massaging the abdomen, as pressure on the abdomen can put pressure on the uterine ligaments, which can lead to complications.

• It is generally advised to avoid doing massages during the first trimester.
  The first 3 months of pregnancy are an extremely delicate time with a high risk of miscarriage. Some therapists are also concerned that the increased blood flow during a massage may be harmful to the expectant mother. There are also pressure points on the body that are believed to induce labor.

• Double-check with her doctor if massages are safe.
  Before receiving a massage, check with your doctor to determine if the pregnant woman has any medical conditions. Women with morning sickness, high blood pressure, fever, abdominal pain, and other health problems may be at high risk during a prenatal massage.

• Avoid using essential or scented oils.
  Because the effects of essential oils on a growing fetus are not fully understood, it may be better to err on the side of caution and simply avoid them. You can use unscented massage oils or lotions to reduce friction during the session.

• When in doubt, go for a trained massage practitioner.
  If you feel that the massage techniques are too complicated, you can seek the help of trained therapists or prenatal massage practitioners instead.

• Stop the massage right away as soon as there are signs or indications of pain, discomfort, or contractions.
  If your symptoms do not improve within an hour, call your doctor or health care professional right away.

While massage can help with aches, have you ever noticed your limbs ’falling asleep’ at the most inconvenient times? In our next article, we’ll explore why this happens and how to wake them up quickly!