Pregnant women massage can be done as a way to relieve discomfort and make pregnant women feel relaxed.
When a woman contains, there will be some pressure that can be felt, especially in the areas of the abdominal muscles, neck, back and shoulders.
As the weight increases, many pregnant women complain of pain in the lower back and a change in posture because the position of the pelvis progresses forward.
Based on scientific evidence
In general, research shows the benefits of massage for people in general, including relieving pain or the possibility of improving the performance of the immune system.
Other studies have found the possibility of massage to reduce lower back pain, chronic headaches, reduce stress, and help with relaxation.
Meanwhile, research aimed specifically at the benefits of massage for pregnant women is still very limited.
However, a study says that massage for pregnant women may have positive benefits such as reducing tension and stress hormone levels, relieving back and leg pain, improving mood and increasing happiness, and making you sleep better.
It's just that, massage for pregnant women should pay attention to the gestational age first.
Pregnant women who still experience nausea and vomiting, should avoid this treatment first.
It is recommended that the massage of pregnant women begin after 12 weeks of gestation or enter the second trimester.
Then, avoid re-massaging pregnant women when the gestational age is getting closer to the time of delivery, which is pregnant 32 weeks and above.
Appropriate Massaging Techniques
Generally a pregnant woman's massage will last for one hour. Some spas or massage places for pregnant women have special chairs or beds.
Because, massage of pregnant women will usually be done in various positions, such as sitting, half lying down, or lying to the side.
Massagers of pregnant women are usually trained to understand which parts of the body often feel uncomfortable. However, if pregnant women feel uncomfortable or feel certain body parts need extra massage, it is advisable to immediately say that.
There are various types of massage types for pregnant women, such as deep tissue massage that pushes down to the muscles, or Swedish massage with a long enough pressure towards the active muscles and joints.
In addition, a common pregnancy massage technique is Shiatsu with emphasis and massage on the acupressure point to stimulate natural energy.
These techniques are intended to improve the condition of the body of pregnant women, such as preventing blood clots in the legs due to increased blood flow experienced by pregnant women. Some massagers, will only touch the abdomen very lightly or not at all.
Although classified as safe, massage for pregnant women must still pay attention to several things such as:
Immediately say if pregnant women feel uncomfortable. Extra pillows are likely to help a more friendly position.
Pay attention to essential oils or aromatherapy used during massage. Choose according to taste and ask again about the safety of essential oils used.
As much as possible avoid treatment that uses heat, such as saunas, hot tubs, steam baths, and so on. Only use a temperature of no more than 32 degrees Celsius to avoid overheating.
Pay attention to the right gestational age before doing a massage for pregnant women. Then, choose a location and a professional and experienced masseuse. If you have a special condition while pregnant, you should consult with your doctor first.