Massage is a useful way to relieve muscle pain, improve range of motion, and soothe and relax pregnant women. Professional prenatal massage is one option. However, this treatment is often expensive and must be adjusted to the busy activities of the mother. So, as a partner, try to learn some easy steps to give your pregnant wife an effective massage.
Step
Method 1 of 7: Learning the Correct Position When Massaging
Step 1. Learn flooring techniques
Preferably, prepare a mat that can provide a more solid surface.
- Place 2 pillows on the floor so that they resemble arrows and ask your wife to lie on her side while placing her armpits between the two pillows.
- Use pillows to support his stomach and back.
- Place a pillow or two under his head to support his neck and straighten his spine.
- Keeping your lower leg straight, bend your upper leg, and place a pillow or two under it.
Step 2. Learn a kneeling technique that will support your wife's tummy while reducing the pressure
- Have your wife kneel by the bed with her shoulders resting on the bed.
- Place a pillow or two under your knees to make him more comfortable and make sure his tummy is not compressed.
- Let your wife determine her comfort level.
Method 2 of 7: Learning Massage Techniques
Step 1. Relieve back pain by massaging both sides of the spine with open palms
- Start the massage from the nape of the neck and then down until it reaches the hips.
- Then slowly return to the nape of the neck on the other side of the spine.
- Massage both sides of the spine at once, but avoid your wife's spine.
Step 2. Try to reduce the tension in the buttocks by gently massaging the base of the spine
- Make a fist then use it to press in and down while slightly covering your wife's pelvis.
- Avoid massaging too low and touching the tailbone.
Step 3. Relieve sore feet by gently rubbing the outside
- Use circular motions and start massaging where the soles of the feet and calves meet.
- Gently massage towards the thighs and end at the meeting point of the thighs and buttocks.
- Always massage from the soles of the feet upwards and avoid the inner thighs to relieve swelling in the legs.
Method 3 of 7: Knowing What To Pay Attention To When Massaging
Step 1. Understand that all types of massage oils and essential oils should be avoided until the first trimester
Step 2. Give a large glass of water each time the massage session is over
Step 3. Avoid stretching the uterine ligaments
Don't put any pressure on the stomach.
Step 4. Avoid pressure points on the ankles and hands
These points are known to stimulate the uterine and pelvic muscles thereby triggering contractions.
Step 5. Do not give a massage that is too strong
Always do massage gently and slowly during pregnancy. Deep tissue massage should not be given to pregnant women.
Step 6. Stop the massage immediately if your wife complains of discomfort or dizziness
Method 4 of 7: Consult a Professional Practitioner
Step 1. Ask a health practitioner if massage therapy is suitable for your wife
If your doctor thinks your wife is suitable for a prenatal massage, try asking her recommended massage therapist.
Step 2. Find a trained massage therapist who understands pregnancy massage techniques
Try asking about safety and precautionary measures to take, and learn specific techniques you can try at home. If you're having a hard time finding a prenatal massage therapist, ask friends, neighbors and coworkers for advice. Remember that you are not just looking for a massage therapist, but a massage therapist who understands care for pregnant women.
Step 3. Consider making a one-time professional prenatal massage appointment
Talk to a massage therapist and tell them that you want to copy the technique at home. Ask him to explain the important steps to you during the massage. There are many therapists who don't mind taking the time to discuss the main points of prenatal massage both during and after a massage session.
Method 5 of 7: Using Essential Oils
Step 1. Consider using essential oils as aromatherapy
Research shows that essential oils can affect the body in a variety of ways. In addition, because pregnant women are advised to avoid the use of drugs in general, there are many who use essential oils as a safe symptom reliever. However, remember to always check the safety of any oil used during pregnancy as pregnant women should also avoid some of these oils.
Step 2. Find out the effect of oil on pregnant women
Find out the benefits of oil against certain symptoms. For example, mandarin oil is useful for relieving morning sickness, insomnia, and preventing stretch marks. Or grapefruit oil which is beneficial for reducing fluid retention and fatigue.
Step 3. Avoid using fir wood, clary sage, and ginger oils which can stimulate menstruation and trigger miscarriage
Clove, birch, and black pepper oils can cause skin sensitivity and should also be avoided during pregnancy (especially as pregnant women's skin is much more sensitive). In addition, there are many oils that are also toxic. Thus, knowing which oils to avoid is very important for the safety of both mother and baby.
Step 4. Consider enlisting the help of a professional aromatherapist to create a special oil blend according to your wife's symptoms
There are many oils that can be mixed to relieve a variety of symptoms at the same time.
Method 6 of 7: Determining Your Approach
Step 1. Find out if your wife is interested in trying out specific massage positions and techniques, not just a general massage
If done correctly, massage therapy is very beneficial for relieving muscle tension and stress. Research shows that regular massage during pregnancy can help reduce risks during labor while improving the health of the baby.
Step 2. Learn what positions are suitable for pregnant women and what benefits can be obtained from various massage positions
Some pressure points and positions are best avoided during pregnancy. So you should learn what recommendations to follow.
Method 7 of 7: Considering Other Options
Step 1. Do simple things and make your wife feel comfortable as often as possible
- Hug your wife while gently stroking her scalp.
- Take a walk while chatting together.
- Prepare a hot tub for him.
- Light candles and soft music to help her relax.
- Sit with him in a comfortable chair while elevating his legs.
Tips
The focus in prenatal massage varies. Some women will feel more comfortable having a massage while listening to winning music or inhaling the aroma of essential oils. Meanwhile, the thing that must be considered in the massage of other women is the type of pressure or certain areas on the body. This is a very personal choice. So ask what your wife wants. That way, you can work to meet their specific needs, and not just give them a regular prenatal massage
Warning
- Do not apply pressure to the inner thigh. Taken from a source article on BabyZone: "Secondly, you shouldn't massage your inner thighs or give your feet a deep massage. As MacInnis explains, during pregnancy, while preparing for labor, it's easier for blood to clot. These clots can form in the inner thigh and detached from the forceful massage-a very dangerous and potentially fatal problem."
- Seek immediate medical attention if after using the oil or massage your wife feels any unusual discomfort or atypical symptoms.
- Always consult the safety of using oils and massage during pregnancy with medical personnel.
