Pros and Safety of Prenatal Massage during Pregnancy

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of having a professional massage knows how relaxed your body and mind feel afterward. You get the same feeling after a prenatal massage with oil, which can feel amazing when extra weight and changes in posture bring up new pains and aches. Prenatal massages are designed for the changes one’s body goes through during pregnancy. 

Here’s everything a mom-to-be should know about getting a massage during pregnancy.

Benefits of prenatal massage

Research suggests that massage can decrease stress hormones in your body and unwind and loosen your muscles. It can also boost blood flow, which is vital when you are pregnant, and keep your lymphatic system functioning at the highest efficacy. And it realigns your mind with your body, a bond that's comforting if you sometimes wonder if there’s a baby inside of you.

Prenatal massages will not only help you relax, but also reduce:

• Neck and back pain
• Leg cramping
• Sciatica
• Insomnia
• Joint pain
• Swelling in your hands and feet (as long as that swelling it’s not preeclampsia)
• Carpal tunnel pain
• Sinus and headaches congestion

Our recommendation: If you want a relaxing oil massage while also reducing stretch marks and dark spots, then Herbostra’s Mother Oil is your best bet. Made with Probiotic technology, the Mother Oil is 100 % natural and especially made for Moms and moms-to-be oil. Regular use of Mother Oil increases skin elasticity and keeps it supple. The oil is transdermal with no synthetic colors in them.

Ask a friend or a partner to use these tips for a maternal massage at home:

• Back rub: Have your partner use both hands to stroke up and down the back, using lotion to help their hands glide while you are sitting up or lying on your side. The main focus is on the muscles on both sides of the spine. Then, move to kneading the muscles with thumbs or hands, moving up and down.
• Gentle foot rub: Using lotion for gentler strokes, your partner can begin by rubbing the top of the foot with normal pressure, starting from the toes towards the ankle and making smaller circles around the ankle. Next, use both thumbs and make small circles on the sole under the toes. When it comes to the heel, you can move one thumb down as the other moves up, and continue to alternate. You can also gently tug on each toe and use the index finger to rub in between. It might be a good idea to let alone the pressure point between the ankle bone and heel.
• Scalp massage: Use both hands and spread fingers to apply gentle pressure to the scalp, while moving from the base of the skull to the hairline. Circle hands together or apart. Gently stroke the face, which can be incredibly relaxing.
• Shoulder rub: Take the base of the hand or the pads of the fingertips, apply tender pressure on one side of the neck, and move smoothly between the top of the shoulder and the base of the skull. Repeat on both sides.
• Belly: Don’t even think of massaging it! Gently rub it in clockwise direction with oil for a calming effect that can also help prevent stretch marks after delivery. 

Prenatal massages have become a necessity for mothers-to-be. They are extremely calming and can keep you happy for the rest of the day. They also make you get a sound sleep.