Fatigue, swelling, a feeling of “bricks” on the lower back is by no means a complete list of the problems that the expectant mother faces. From the first months, the physical and emotional stress makes itself felt. Unfortunately, not all standard relaxation methods are allowed in this situation. Is massage for pregnant women available? Will this procedure negatively affect the condition of the future mother and fetus?
Massage for pregnant women: the pros and cons
Does a woman who is expecting a baby need massage? Experts have different opinions on this matter. Some say that pregnant massage is good. The procedure helps to get rid of the accumulated stress and pain, relieve muscle fatigue, prepare the body for childbirth. Also, due to massage, the blood flow in the veins increases. Consequently, the child receives more nutrients.
There are those who oppose. They motivate their prohibition by risks to the fetus. Representatives of both groups are unanimous in that a woman carrying a child should not prescribe a massage for herself. This decision can only be made with your doctor.
What are the indications
When is a pregnant massage really good? Indications for such a procedure are:
- spinal problems;
- swelling;
- back pain;
- need for increased blood circulation;
- fatigue, stress.
What is the difference
Do they give a massage to pregnant women? This question is answered in the affirmative. Like classical massage, it should relieve muscle tension, eliminate back pain, activate blood circulation and calm the nervous system. What are the differences?
- Strong and sharp movements of the hands of the masseur, as well as pressure on the body are under the strictest ban. All manipulations should be soft and calm.
- There are areas that can not be affected, for example, the stomach.
- A pose is chosen that does not harm the baby, convenient for the expectant mother.
- The admissibility of massage depends on the health status of the woman who is expecting a baby. Her emotional state is also taken into account.
Benefits
The answer to the question of whether it is possible for pregnant women to massage, is given above. What can be achieved with this procedure? What benefit will she bring to a woman bearing a child?
- Eliminates pain and heaviness in the back.
- Prevents the appearance of stretch marks, swelling of the arms and legs.
- Activates blood circulation.
- It will alleviate the condition in the presence of varicose veins.
- Relieves fatigue and stress, tidies up the nervous system.
- It will relax muscles, eliminate tension.
What massage is allowed
Is it possible for pregnant women to massage in the first three months of expectation of the baby? Experts give a negative answer to this question. The procedure will not only bring no benefit, but will also create a threat of miscarriage. During this period, only cautious stroking is allowed, providing a calming and relaxing effect. It is about self-massage or the help of a loved one.
What massage for pregnant women is available starting from the fourth month? Expectant mothers are allowed:
- general massage;
- massage of the back, legs;
- Anticellulite massage;
- vacuum massage;
- massage of the face, collar zone.
Each of these species deserves more detailed consideration.
General
General massage can be done once a week. The duration of the procedure is thirty minutes. From the seventh month, the procedure is allowed to be performed daily, but only in the absence of contraindications.
Massage should be done by a specialist, not an amateur. The procedure consists in gently stroking and kneading the hands and feet, careful effects on the collar zone and shoulder girdle, back, feet.
Back
The fetus grows in the abdomen, breasts increase. In this regard, the load on the spine is becoming more and more. The center of gravity shifts, there is a deflection of the spine, compression of organs. Muscles are constantly in tension. Can a pregnant woman have a back massage? Yes, this procedure is also available and shown to expectant mothers.
This massage effectively fights against unpleasant symptoms, positively affects the well-being of a woman expecting a baby. The best posture for the procedure is on its side. The technique that the specialist uses directly depends on the stage of pregnancy. It is strictly forbidden to affect the spine.
Legs
Can pregnant women have foot massage? This question is also answered in the affirmative. Constant heaviness in the legs is a problem that many expectant mothers face. The procedure will help prevent cramps and swelling, activate blood circulation. Also, with its help, you can remove the load from the legs.
Foot massage for pregnant women is possible, but with reservations. On the feet are points that are dangerous to stimulate in this position. Simple kneading, rubbing, stroking are welcome, and strong pressing is prohibited. The pose should be comfortable for a woman, for example, on her side or sitting. The procedure should be regular, carried out from the fourth month. Particular attention is paid to the feet and calf muscles, while clicking on the vein area is prohibited.
Anti-cellulite
During pregnancy, women are less worried about their beauty than usual. However, expectant mothers still want to prevent the appearance of stretch marks and the appearance of cellulite. But we must not forget that anti-cellulite massage is dangerous, as it increases the risk of miscarriage. The admissibility of this procedure is best discussed with your doctor.
The list of allowed tricks is limited. Pregnant women can easily massage the buttocks, as well as massage with spoons with minimal pressure.
Vacuum
Can I give a massage to pregnant women? The benefits and harms of this procedure should also be discussed with your doctor. During the massage, it is forbidden to work with the abdomen.
Face, Collar Zone
We can definitely say that facial massage is shown to expectant mothers. To carry out the procedure, a woman does not have to consult a specialist. You can do this at home.
Massage will help relieve facial muscle tension. It will also allow the skin to regain elasticity, eliminate headaches. It is important not to overdo it with cosmetics during the procedure.
The collar area massage lasts about ten minutes. With it, you can achieve muscle relaxation, get rid of fatigue. The procedure has a positive effect on cerebral circulation. During it, you can not touch the spinal column.
Restricted areas
Is it possible to massage pregnant women? Yes, subject to the ability of a specialist to avoid “abortive” zones. You can not touch not only the abdomen, but also the tailbone, sacrum, ankles and wrists.
You can not overdo it with a massage of the chest. Intensive movements affecting the nipples and areoles are strongly not recommended. This will increase the tone of the uterus, increase the likelihood of contraction of its muscle tissue. Light massaging manipulations, which can be combined with taking a bath or shower, are welcome.
Prohibited Views
Is Thai massage available for pregnant women? Masters of beauty salons may say yes. However, experts unanimously give a negative answer to this question. It is this procedure that tops the list of those that women who are expecting a child should definitely refuse.
The perineum massage is also on the forbidden list, which is becoming increasingly popular. You can hear the opinion that this procedure is used to prevent ruptures, helps to prepare for childbirth. In fact, with its help, you can only increase the tone of the uterus, as well as introduce an infection.
Stone massage, which is performed using specially heated stones, is strictly prohibited. Also, expectant mothers are not recommended hydromassage.
Contraindications
Is it possible to massage pregnant women? There are contraindications that make this procedure inaccessible to expectant mothers. What is included in this list.
- The prohibition of the gynecologist. If a doctor who has a woman expecting a baby prohibits massage, you should certainly obey his recommendations.
- Infectious diseases.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Dermatological problems.
- Purulent processes of any localization.
- Blood diseases.
- Some diseases of the abdominal cavity.
- Toxicosis and fluid retention in the body.
- Severe back pain.
- High pressure.
- Severe varicose veins, thrombosis, acute inflammation of the lymph nodes.
- Asthma is in disrepair.
It is better to abstain from massage if it causes discomfort in a pregnant woman. Touching a stranger can annoy and strain a future mother.
Caution with essential oils
Are essential oils allowed during massage? These funds are not prohibited, but some of them are still best avoided. Say, expectant mothers will not benefit from oils made on the basis of mint, sage, wormwood and lavender.
What ingredients are acceptable? In the fight against edema, a woman in position will be helped by compositions based on geranium and orange. Also suitable for pregnant women are ginger and lemon oil, a product made from wheat sprouts, carrots, rosewood. The appropriate composition is best chosen in the company of your doctor.
What you need to know
Whether it’s about face massage or back massage, pregnant women should not do this in the first three months anyway. All procedures are carried out only from the fourth. Also, do not forget about limiting the number of sessions. Massage should be done no more than once or twice a week. The maximum duration of the procedure is half an hour.
It does not matter whether it is general massage or foot massage - pregnant women can only have manual massage. Under the strictest ban are all kinds of vibration mats, belts, banks, electric massagers. All these devices are characterized by uncontrolled hard exposure, which can adversely affect the course of pregnancy. In case of emergency, the use of spoons, brushes, gloves is allowed. However, the touch should be soft and gentle, strong pressure is eliminated.
The procedure must be carried out by a qualified specialist who has the relevant documents, as well as sufficient experience. Permission for it should certainly be obtained from a gynecologist, who will take into account all the indications and contraindications.