Prenatal Massage
It’s recommended to practice prenatal massage starting on the 14th week of pregnancy to the end of the gestation period. It eases muscle tension, reduces pain, especially in the back and buttocks as well as upper back and neck. In addition, it reduces joint pressure, helps the body to remove waste and toxins and boosts blood flow. Furthermore, this type of massage increases venous return and diminishes leg swelling. Massage also helps to ease stress, to get rid of anxious thoughts, to settle nerves and normalise hormone balance.
Researches prove that prenatal massage eliminates stress and symptoms of depression before childbirth and eases the process itself; it has salutary influence over the new-born’s health.
Researches, conducted in America, showed that the level of relaxation-related hormones increased and the level of stress-related hormones decreased because of the treatment. The massage has positive influence on cardiac work and reduces the amount of birth complications and has beneficial effect on the mood of the woman during labour.
Technique
The therapist must take into account the special state of women during prenatal massage and know about the areas that require special attention. It’s necessary to apply moderate pressure and to know of the location of the points that must be avoided in order not to cause premature birth. In cases of late birth the therapist, on the contrary, has to apply pressure on those points to induce labour. Patients must be in the most comfortable and cosy position during the massage session. During late pregnancy when the woman can’t lie on her stomach, the massage is performed with her lying sideways or on the back. In any case, it’s important to avoid any pressure on the abdominal zone.
The therapist should pay special attention to the woman during massage to make her feel not only comfortable but also safe. For this purpose the therapist uses pillows if necessary.
The therapist can combine various massage techniques and breathing exercises taking into account delicate situation and the woman’s needs.
During massage sessions the therapist can demonstrate to the husband some simple exercises that would help to improve woman’s health during her pregnancy.
It’s significant for patients to make sure that the therapist is qualified and has documents to prove that he is allowed to practice this type of massage.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
- Reducing lower back pain
- Breathing normalisation
- Minimising psychological discomfort
- Relieving tension in the upper back and neck
- Reducing fatigue and leg pain
- Alleviating leg swelling
- Reducing the feeling of heaviness and discomfort
- Sleep normalisation
- Relieving headaches etc.
It’s crucial to know that the use of essential oils for prenatal massage helps to avoid postpartum stretch marks and has a beneficial effect on skin.