Back pain is extremely common in pregnancy (as well as during the period of breastfeeding, or having to carry small children). It can be relieved by massage to the whole of the back area, the neck, legs, and feet, and by gentle stroking of the abdomen.
Poor circulation also affects many pregnant women, and can be helped by a general body massage, which stimulates and improves the blood flow throughout the body.
Leg massage, stroking from the ankles up toward the thighs, can help relax the body, relieve pain and reduce swelling in the legs (but avoid working directly over varicose veins).
For women who develop problems sleeping, the soothing effects of massage can help relax and calm. Some pregnant women claim that lightly massaging the abdomen can even help to send the foetus to sleep.
As well as relaxing and soothing away physical symptoms, massage can be a wonderful way of including your partner and children in the course of your pregnancy.
Pregnant women should check with their physician before having a massage. In cases where the physician recommends that the lower back and abdomen area should be avoided, massage the face, hands, arms, and feet to assist in relaxation.
When And How To Massage:
Although some schools recommend avoiding massage during the first three months of pregnancy, many women find gentle massage throughout their pregnancy to be very beneficial.
When massaging a pregnant woman you must be very gentle, particularly on the abdomen and lower back. Avoid using deep pressure and percussive strokes.
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