How to Perform Prenatal Massage
Many women suffer from various aches and pains due to being pregnant, such as stress, back aches and sore feet. Performing a prenatal massage is one of the kindest things you can do for a pregnant woman. You will almost be able to see the stress and pain leaving the pregnant woman's body as you massage her aches away. The following steps will show you how to pamper the mother-to-be.
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Instructions
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Get a chair and a pillow. Have the pregnant woman straddle a chair and place a pillow between her belly and the back of the chair.
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Pour some unscented lotion or oil on your hands. Rub your hands together to warm up the oil or lotion a bit, or place the bottle or tube in a glass of hot water for a few minutes to warm it up.
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Place your hands on her back. Use one hand on each side of the spine and work away from the spine. Glide your hands in circular motions while gently applying pressure. Work your way from the bottom of her back to her shoulders. Do this several times.
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Massage each arm. Start either at her hands or upper arms and rub the entire arm. Knead the muscles in the arm gently but firmly. Don't forget to massage the fingers too. Massage up and down each arm several times.
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Recline on couch. Make sure the mom-to-be is comfortable and then start with one foot. Gently but firmly, rub the foot and continue up the leg to the outside of the hip. Lightly knead the lower and upper leg muscles and then using a gliding motion from the ankle all the way up the leg. Repeat with the other leg and foot. As before, massage several times on each leg and foot.
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Tips & Warnings
If a chair feels too uncomfortable, then have the pregnant woman lie on her side with a body pillow. This might allow her to relax easier than sitting up.
Always ask a doctor first before receiving a prenatal massage.
The one giving the massage should always have short, smooth nails to decrease the chance of scratching the pregnant woman. Also remove all jewelry from hands.
Never rub hard enough for the woman to feel any pain. If there is any discomfort or pain, stop the massage immediately.
