Ah yes, a massage. One of the simpler pleasures of life. From a quick kneading on your shoulder to a full-on body massage, a massage never fails to help you relax and make your day a little bit better. Be it an injury, tense muscles or just plain stress, a massage is an ideal solution to so many discomforts.
Now that you’re pregnant, things are slightly different than when you were not carrying a human. While it is fine – even encouraged – for you to get a massage when you’re pregnant, there are some pressure points to avoid during pregnancy massaging, especially if you are doing it on your own or you ask someone who is not qualified to perform a prenatal massage.
Which areas to avoid in pregnancy massage?
While a professional pregnancy massage is generally safe when done by trained experts, we understand that some moms prefer to get a massage from their close loved ones. Some areas that you might want to avoid or at least not put as much pressure on when massaging are the abdomen, breast, and certain pressure points. Sacrum (buttock) & cruft must not use an acupressure point. Most prenatal massage technique uses kneading which use the palm to massage in a circular motion.
What are the pressure points to avoid during pregnancy massage?
Every woman is different, and so is how their body reacts to massage during pregnancy. If your body is particularly sensitive and can be easily stimulated, you should avoid massaging pressure points like 3 fingers above your ankles and the area between your thumb and forefinger.
What part of the foot should not be massaged during pregnancy?
Related to the previous question, if you are worried about pressure points, one part to leave out in a foot massage pregnancy steps is the area about three fingers above your ankle bone, a pressure point known as Sanyinjioa. Most importantly, avoid using the pointing technique during the massage. Why? See the next question for further explanation.
Can you massage your ankles when pregnant?
Certain pressure points such as ankles, heels, baby toes and soles are suitable to be massaged for expectant mothers whose bodies are particularly sensitive or reactive to stimuli. However, the massage can only be done using the kneading technique. Acupressure must be avoided during a prenatal massage.
What positions should be avoided during pregnancy?
You should avoid lying on your stomach, especially when your baby bump is prominent. Unlike postnatal massages, you won’t have to lie on your tummy in a pregnancy massage. You can still massage your back to treat the hip and back aches, but you only have to lie on your sides.
All in all, just remember not to cut any corners or take unnecessary risks, especially regarding you and your soon-to-be-born baby. Knowing is just half the battle. Since you know what NOT to do, it is time to do what you should!
What prenatal massage techniques can a husband do for their wife?
We’ll answer this one with a technique that’s quite beneficial- back massage.
- Have your wife lie down on her sides.
- Rub and knead gently on muscles while paying extra attention to the tight ones from the lower back to back to upper back. Once you have identified those areas, knead them repeatedly with the base of your hands or palm. Make sure not to use your thumb and put strong pressure as it can be very painful.
- Do the first step, working up and down until you cover the whole back.
- Use your palm with firm pressure to knead different spots near the lower back in a circular motion. Gradually go up towards the neck.
- Repeat the first and second steps 3-5 times.
Source: PNSG web
