Massage for relaxation - Being massaged by your partner, or doing it yourself, is a wonderful way to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Massage stimulates the nerve endings in your skin, improves your circulation, and soothes tired muscles, giving you a sense of peace and wellbeing. Your baby will enjoy the sensation of your body being caressed too, and find the movements comforting.
Soothing and relaxed touch
Use some good-quality massage oil (one with a vegetable oil base) to smooth your skin and make your massage more pleasurable. To create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere: dim the lights, put on some soft music, and put some pillows or cushions around and underneath yourself. Later on in your pregnancy, you may find it's more comfortable to lie on your side supported by pillows, or to sit astride a chair.
You can massage most parts of your body, apart from your back, quite effectively yourself. Using the palms and fingers of one hand, work clockwise around each breast, stroking from the base towards your nipple; gently knead your nipples between your fingers and thumb. Massage your abdomen, hips, and thighs, with the palms of your hands, using smooth, circular movements.
If your partner or anyone else is giving you a massage, make sure that their hands are warm before starting and that they've taken off any rings, bracelets, or watches. When you're both comfortable, take a few deep breaths to help you relax. It's best for the masseur to begin massaging you gently. The pressure can gradually be increased if it's comfortable for you, but always keep the movements slow and gentle.
If you should decide to go for a professional massage, always make sure the therapist knows that you're pregnant.
Circling for relaxation
Using the palms of both hands at once, make circling strokes in the same direction away from the spine. Lighten the pressure when massaging over the abdomen and breasts
Effleurage
Make light, feathery, circular movements with the fingertips as though tickling the skin. This type of massage can be done all over the abdomen during pregnancy.
Gliding for relaxation
Place the palms of both hands on either side of the lower back, with the fingers pointing to your head. Push the hands up to the shoulders, without exerting body weight on to the hands. Slowly glide the hands down the sides of the body back to the starting point.
Massage extras
- Scented oils will help hands glide over your skin, and leave it soft and smooth. The fragrance of the oil will add to the atmosphere, making each occasion special.
- Try rubbing feathers, fabric, and other soft-textured materials against the skin to leave it tingling.
- Cover any exposed skin with some warm, fluffy towels so you don't get cold.
- Use spinal rolls for firm, smooth counter-pressure.
- Gently brushing your hair with light strokes of a soft bristle hairbrush can be very relaxing.
Essential oils
Using aromatic oils in your massage can help you feel relaxed and refreshed. Their scents also help conjure up wonderful images.
These oils are distilled from flowers, trees, and herbs, and are said to have healing qualities. For example, lavender oil relieves headaches and insomnia. Be careful, however. There are some essential oils, such as camphor, aniseed, and fennel, that shouldn't be used in pregnancy, so always check with an experienced aromatherapist before using anything. Use only a small amount of essential oil - about two drops to 10ml ( ½ floz) of carrier oil. Blend any essential oils with a carrier oil such as almond or olive before applying it to your skin. Never use undiluted essential oil. ( doctissimo.com )
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