Gentle massage can be enjoyed throughout pregnancy. As well as soothing away tension and fatigue, it can alleviate minor ailments such as fluid retention, backache, aching legs and insomnia, all of which are common during pregnancy. However, do seek the approval of a doctor or midwife first.
Essences suitable for use during pregnancy can be vaporized as room perfume to enhance the experience of massage for both giver and recipient. It is advisable to avoid skin applications of essential oils during pregnancy unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist. However, virtually any good quality vegetable oil can be used for massage, though some mothers-to-be have noticed that they develop fewer, if any, stretch marks by massaging with extra virgin olive oil. Although this is a heavy textured oil, if used sparingly it will be absorbed into the skin within half an hour of application.
If you are massaging a pregnant woman, most of the strokes can be safely employed. However, it is important to avoid deep pressures and percussion strokes such as pummeling and hacking. In the later stages of pregnancy, when the recipient is unable to lie on her front, you can massage her back whilst she lies on her side with her upper leg propped on a cushion. Or she could sit astride a chair leaning forward on to a pillow. Pay special attention to her legs, especially the thighs, which can become quite tensed during late pregnancy as a result of carrying the extra weight. You can gently and smoothly massage her abdomen by stroking the whole area in broad clockwise circles, with your strokes gradually becoming lighter and lighter until you are barely touching the skin. This has a soporific effect on both mother and baby.
If you are pregnant, it is important to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help prevent tearing of the perineum during childbirth. To test the strength of these muscles, try to stop yourself from urinating mid-flow. If you can accomplish this several times consecutively you are in good shape. If not, practice the same squeezing and releasing action several times a day (not necessarily when you need to urinate), holding on to the contraction for as long as you can, without holding your breath or tightening your thighs and abdomen. With regular practice, you will be able to hold each contraction for a slow count to ten. It is by consciously relaxing your pelvic floor muscles at the moment of birth that you help prevent tearing the perineum. Moreover, strong pelvic floor muscles are a good insurance against painful menstruation, painful intercourse, difficulty in achieving orgasm, prolapses and incontinence later in life.
The Last Six Weeks
During the last six weeks of pregnancy, it is also helpful to prepare the perineum for childbirth by massaging the whole of the vaginal area with extra virgin olive oil after a warm bath or shower. Some midwives recommend stretching the perineum with your fingers. However, it is important to seek professional advice before attempting to do this.
Prepare your breasts during pregnancy by massaging with unrefined almond, sunflower or olive oil after your bath. Use your thumb or finger pads and massage with gentle circular strokes towards the nipple. Avoid using soap on your nipples as this tends to dry up the natural oils.
