Performing massage during pregnancy, is quite a controversial topic among massage therapists, doctors, as well as pregnant women themselves. There is a belief in society that pregnancy is a contraindication to performing any massage. However, this is not true. Only ladies with an endangered pregnancy, can not enjoy the benefits of massage. Properly chosen method of massage, will not pose a threat to a physiological pregnancy. What kind of massages during pregnancy is worth doing? To this question, we will try to answer in the following article.
Prenatal massage – why should you be tempted by it?
Prenatal massage is a special type of massage aimed at alleviating discomforts associated with pregnancy. It must be carried out by a person qualified in such a direction, requires the pregnant woman to adopt the right position, use safe cosmetics, as well as a safe technique. Therefore, if you are interested in this form of relaxation, it is worth making sure that you put yourself in the hands of a specialist in such a field, as well as consulting a doctor as to whether massage will be advisable in your case. What advantages can there be in undergoing such a massage?
- Helping us fall asleep and improving the overall quality of our sleep,
- swelling reduction,
- Improving lymph and blood circulation,
- Headache relief,
- Reduction of nervous tension, stress and symptoms of pregnancy depression.
Self-massage of thighs, breasts and abdomen during pregnancy
Self-massage during pregnancy, it is worth treating as a beauty treatment. At home, you can massage those areas that you have access to – breasts, abdomen, thighs, calves and feet. Such massages, are a very good way to deal with stretch marks and swelling after a long day.
During pregnancy, as a result of hormones, the support fibers under the skin – elastin and collagen – are weakened. Massages performed once or twice a day during pregnancy, help stimulate cells to the regeneration process, which has a direct effect on strengthening these fibers.
Leg and spinal massage – it’s worth going to a specialist
If the doctor in charge of our pregnancy gives permission, and we feel like it, it is worthwhile for us to go to a cosmetic salon for a massage from time to time during our pregnancy. Classic massages, not only very relaxing, but also prepare for childbirth, also reduce pregnancy discomfort.
It will be best to go for a massage to a salon that is specialized in treatments for pregnant ladies, which gives us a guarantee that it will be carried out by a professional. In order for the effects to be noticeable and visible, you should go for a massage during pregnancy regularly. During pregnancy in beauty parlors, we can only undergo a classic massage. Apparatus massages during pregnancy are discouraged, as the touch of the head is not as accurate as hand pressure. Shiatsu or Thai massage, techniques that are designed to stimulate reflexoteric points on the body, are also not used, while performing foot reflex therapy is allowed as much as possible.
Manual lymphatic drainage
It helps reduce swelling in the legs, resulting from the narrowing of the vessels that are designed to drain lymph from the pelvic area, as well as increased weight and reduced activity. Massaging the corner areas for swelling (primarily the calves and feet), can support the process of penetration of tissue fluid into the lymphatic vessels, which aids in both reducing swelling and can also prevent it altogether with regular use.
Relaxation massage
It can restore proper blood pressure and circulation, helps with insomnia, also reduces stress-related ailments, such as hyperactivity, depression, back pain, headaches and neck pain. Massage relaxes, reduces muscle tension, and removes mental tension as well. The movements performed by the masseur, should be rhythmic, gentle, calm, so they can affect not only the muscles, but also the psyche. If the massage is properly performed, the muscles throughout the body relax to the point where you can fall asleep in the recliner. The treatment can be accompanied by quiet and peaceful music, as well as scented oils and incense. It is advisable for us to familiarize ourselves with the scents offered beforehand, as some of them may be irritating to us during pregnancy, which would negate the relaxing effect of the massage.
Relaxing massage
It is worth going for it if our problem is joint and back pain. During the treatment, the massager applies pressure to selected points on the body, allowing the muscles to relax. This brings definite relief to the joints and ligaments, helping to reduce pain in the spine, neck and shoulder areas. In general, mothers-to-be, can then make a choice of the position in which they will be most comfortable – they can lie on one of the sides or remain in a semi-sitting position, the decision always lies with the pregnant woman.
