Abdominal massage during pregnancy
As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel the occasional twinge or pressure in your body more often. A relaxing massage comes just at the right time, as it not only relieves tension but also offers you and your partner intimate moments with your baby. We will share the additional benefits of a massage and provide instructions for suitable massage techniques.
Is a massage safe to perform during pregnancy?
If your pregnancy progresses without complications, there is usually nothing standing in the way of a massage, although there are a few things to keep in mind. Some massage studios and midwives offer special pregnancy massages. However, you can also easily perform a gentle belly massage at home with your partner or alone. Be sure to apply less pressure than you might normally be used to, as your connective tissue is loosened during pregnancy. If you have conditions such as , preterm labor, or a cervical weakness, you should completely avoid having yourself kneaded. If you're unsure whether a massage is suitable for you, it's best to consult your midwife or your gynecologist for advice.
What are the benefits of a pregnancy massage?
A massage not only relieves tension and stress and alleviates pain, but during pregnancy it also offers additional benefits. When performed regularly with a nourishing oil, a belly massage quickly becomes a daily Relaxation moment for you. It also stimulates your circulation and blood flow, serving the Care the stressed skin and thus prevents Stretch marks before. This positive effect of massage occurs early on, even when there is not yet a large belly visible. From around the 8th week of pregnancy, external touches are transmitted to your baby through vibrations in the amniotic fluid. Around the beginning of the 20th week of pregnancy, your little explorer can consciously perceive the gentle caresses and may respond with kicks or movements that are also visible and palpable from the outside. Thus, a belly massage offers not only you but especially your partner a good opportunity to communicate with your child even before birth and to develop a Attachment to build upon him.
How does the massage work?
Preparation
For a relaxing abdominal massage, you can either entrust yourself to your partner's hands or perform it alone. If you don't have time for a lengthy relaxation program, you can simply incorporate a short massage into your moisturizing routine after showering. However, if you want to enjoy a more thorough massage, you can create the right relaxing atmosphere with dimmed lighting or pleasant music. Then, make yourself comfortable lying down or with a pillow behind your back on the sofa or bed. Make sure not to lie on your back during the last trimester, but lie on your side , as otherwise the baby bump can press on your vena cava and hinder blood flow. Circulatory problems may result. When you lie comfortably, your partner or you can gently rub a few drops of the LILLYDOO for mom Pregnancy Care Oil in your hands to warm it up. The oil allows your hands to glide more easily over the skin and prevents irritation caused by friction. Almond oil absorbs differently than other oils, taking longer to penetrate, so just a few drops are enough for a thorough massage. If you like, you can also mix the neutral oil with a natural essential oil such as chamomile, lavender, rose, or citrus. Other oils like cloves, cinnamon, sage, cardamom, or rosemary should be avoided, as they can potentially promote contractions.
Percussion massage
Regular pinching massages promote blood circulation and prevent stretch marks.
Take the skin between the oiled thumb and index finger, lift it slightly, and roll it between your fingers. Move your hands from the outside towards the navel.
Avoid massaging the area around the pubic bone to prevent irritation of the uterus.
Finish by stroking the belly in circular motions clockwise to massage in the remaining oil.
Petting massage
A gentle stroking massage is especially pleasant towards the end of pregnancy when the skin on your belly is tight and a pinching massage is no longer so easy to perform.
Place your hands flat on your stomach below the chest and gently massage in circular motions clockwise.
Gently tap your stomach with your fingertips around the navel. Below the navel, continue the stroking movements with the flat hand counterclockwise.
Also avoid the area around the pubic bone here and do not apply too much pressure. If your partner is performing the massage, be sure to let them know if any touches are uncomfortable for you.
Sacrum massage
The sacrum massage can help with pain in the back and pelvic area and can also relax towards the end of pregnancy.
Either kneel on a folded blanket or a pillow, or rest your elbows on a chair, or place them on a table in front of you while standing.
Your partner is now massaging the area around the sacrum with their thumbs or the heel of their hand with gentle pressure. The hands move in circular motions from inside to outside, from the tailbone to the pelvic bones. Pay attention to your body sensations, which tell you how much pressure is comfortable for you.
The sacrum massage is also beneficial for many women during childbirth. Between contractions, it relieves pain and calms the nerve pathways.
In this video, our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi explains in detail how the abdominal massage works during pregnancy.
Not only for you and your partner is a massage a lovely ritual, but a belly massage will also be noticeably enjoyed by your baby. Surely, you will soon be able to feel his movements in response to the gentle touches and thus connect with him even before birth. We wish you relaxing moments during your pregnancy!