Massage During Pregnancy

One of the best and most effective ways of deepening an understanding between yourself and someone who is special to you is through massage. Massage can vary from a smooth caress to the firm rubbing of a bruised muscle. Its important physiological effects on the body have been demonstrated scientifically. It is known to relax tense muscles, to improve blood pressure and to reduce pain. It benefits both the person who is stroked and the person doing the stroking as anyone who owns a cat or dog will be aware.

Massage is an excellent way of really getting to know the feel of your body and that's important during pregnancy. If you and your partner can explore your changing shape from the earliest stages of pregnancy, not only will you cope better during labour and breastfeeding because you are more in tune with your body, but you should both enjoy greater physical and emotional closeness.

Massage can also add a pleasurable extra to lovemaking at any time: it can be particularly useful towards the end of pregnancy when full intercourse is sometimes uncomfortable. And after the birth it is an excellent aid to relaxation, when tiredness and disorientation can make it difficult to find the time and desire for sex at first.

Massage has a place in labour too. An age-old response to pain has been to 'rub it better'. The pains and discomforts of labour tend to respond to rhythmical, gentle stroking, which can not only soothe and help make the pain more bearable but can do much to keep the breathing calm during contractions. Between contractions it can be a great aid to relaxation, particularly towards the end of the first stage of labour, when the intervals are considerably shorter. It can also be very calming to the nerves if you are waiting to have a Caesarean.

The key to successful massage is to stroke with confidence. You will gain that confidence with practice as both you and your partner discover the pleasure that can be given and received from it. But when you first begin practising massage or when trying out a new method, don't expect it to work brilliantly from the very beginning. You may need to discuss what you are doing and how it feels. You can demonstrate on your partner how you would like to be massaged if finding words is difficult. When done with tender care and consideration, massage is an unspoken language of sharing, understanding and encouragement.

Breaking down barriers

Although massage can be a deeply pleasurable experience, dispelling troubles and providing a real source of comfort when in pain, not everyone likes to be touched. If you or your partner feel this way and would like to ease the source of tension, then you will find it easiest if you think first of all about those parts of your body and those circumstances in which you least mind being touched. Even the most sensitive people have some ways of experiencing physical contact which they find acceptable. It may be letting somebody else wash their hair, scratch their back, sponge them with cold water when hot or simply holding hands. Start from there, become aware of how your body feels when it is touched on those occasions and find ways of making what is already a safe experience enjoyable. Once you are really enjoying it, gradually move on to new approaches. Take your time and, if you find one technique difficult, try something different.

'Doing massage has brought us together much more. It has provided a physical closeness which we had rather lost after the early months of being married.'

Possible Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy

• Relaxation, calm, even blood flow, reduced stress.
• Relief of muscle spasms, cramps, and myofascial pain - Neck, back, hips, and legs
• Improved blood and lymphatic circulation.
• Easing of musculoskeletal pain caused by stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Reduced constipation, gas, and heartburn.
• Developed kinesthetic awareness.
• Body sensory awareness enhances a woman's ability to focus on the infant within. To count baby's kicks and monitor his or her movement and position.
• Improved sleep
• Enhanced ability to relax deeply.
• Useful technique between contractions during labor.

Special Considerations

1. The massage movements should be soft and gentle and will consist mostly of effleurage. Avoid tapotment. Never apply deep pressure to the abdomen or to the lower back.
2. The receiver may need to adopt different positions for massage depending upon the stage of pregnancy. Except for the early weeks, it is impossible for a mother-to-be to lie prone (face down).
3. Take particular care over the abdomen and low back during the first trimester (three months) when working on women who have a history or risk of miscarriage.
4. Complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia, vaginal bleeding, any fall or accident, or sudden swelling of feet, ankles, fingers or face should always be referred to a qualified medical practitioner.
5. Musculo-skeletal problems that are unresponsive to massage are best referred to a qualified osteopath - preferably one who has undergone specialist training in cranial techniques.

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