How to Use Prenatal Massage Techniques
Prenatal massage is a tool used to improve both your physical health and your emotional health. There are many benefits of prenatal massage. You can relieve back pain, neck pain, swelling, tension in the abdomen, as well as decrease your stress level. If you choose to have your husband give you the massage, there is also the added bonus of his loving touch, which will improve your countenance greatly.
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Instructions
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Lie on the table or bed. When you are pregnant, make sure to be on your side using several pillows to support your head, arm, baby belly and in between the knees will provide you both comfort and relief from bearing the weight of the baby. This is called the sideline position. Be sure your spine is straight and there is no part that is strained, such as your neck. There are also tables with holes for your belly and breasts; or you can use an air mattress or simply lie on the bed in your most comfortable position.
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Prepare with oil. Choose a massage oil to help your partner's hands glide smoothly over your skin. Any rubbing creates friction and you don't want uncomfortable rub burns. You do want smooth long strokes with the hands sliding across your skin. Any massage is more comfortable with oil or massage cream, and it can help relieve dry skin areas as well. Be careful not to use too much or the hands won't be able to penetrate the muscles and reduce your stress.
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Start with the back. Have your partner use a couple of drops of oil and put his hand in a soft fist. At the base of your neck, your partner will glide his hand down your back, avoiding your spine and curving across your lower back and gliding back up to where he started. This is referred to as the raindrop technique. This should be done over and over, then repeated in the other direction until your muscles are relaxed and your back feels relieved. The amount of pressure used should be lighter than a regular massage.
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Massage the gluteus. Your behind can bear a lot of the weight of your baby, so massaging this personal area is necessary to reduce your overall body stress. Have your partner press on the bone at the end of your spine. He should be using light pressure, yet pushing in and down so that it tilts your pelvis and loosens the muscles supporting your hips. If you feel any physical discomfort whatsoever, either have him adjust pressure and position, or simply stop.
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Move on to your legs. The most important information to know when having your legs massaged is that the inner thighs should be avoided. During pregnancy some women tend to get blood clots in preparation for delivery and massaging the inner thighs can release the clots causing serious medical issues. Have your partner use his palm or a soft fist and rub from ankle to hip with long gliding strokes. Always have your partner massage toward the heart. This improves circulation and helps reduce swelling.
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Finish with your hands and feet. As with the legs, have your partner massage with light pressure toward your heart. Small circular motions and constant movement to the center of your body can help reduce swelling, increase circulation and keep you feeling relaxed. Some people believe you should use exceptionally light pressure with the feet due to possible pressure points that may induce labor.
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