Back massage during pregnancy, how is it safe?

Along with weight gain during pregnancy, many expectant mothers complain of stiff backs and aches. That's why many do back massages during pregnancy to relieve complaints. In addition to relieving sore backs, back massage is also useful for improving blood circulation. But, is back massage during pregnancy safe? Find out the answer in this article.

Benefits of massage during pregnancy

Even though the research aimed specifically at the benefits of back massage for pregnant women is still very limited. However, several scientific studies have shown that massage as a whole can provide many benefits that pregnant women need, including:

Make sleep better
Improve your mood while increasing your sense of happiness.
Reduces edema (swelling of the body cavity) by increasing circulation and movement of fluids in the body.
Relaxes tense muscles, including those in the back and legs.
Relieve pain in nerves.
Lowering stress hormone levels.

Important rules of back massage during pregnancy

Basically, back massage during pregnancy is safe to do. However, it is better if before massage, consult a doctor first, given the condition of pregnancy for each person is different.

Here are some important rules that pregnant women must pay attention to before doing back massage.

1. Performed by experienced therapists

Self-massage during pregnancy while pregnant can be dangerous. Make sure you do a massage with a therapist or massage specialist for pregnant women who are experienced and certified. An experienced therapist or massage specialist for pregnant women will better know which points to avoid, as well as which positions are safe for you.

2. Pay attention to the age of the womb

Reporting from the Parents page, according to an obstetrician from the United States, Dr. Mary Rosser, a safe and recommended time for massage is when you are 12 weeks pregnant or entering the second trimester. The reason is, the first trimester is a critical time when the fetus begins to form in the uterus.

After all, in the first trimester many people complain of feeling uncomfortable because their bodies haven't been able to adapt to the changes in the early stages of pregnancy. That is why, let your body adapt to changes and discomfort in the first trimester. Only after entering the second trimester - when your condition and the fetus are completely stable, you can do massage therapy.

3. Massage techniques to avoid

For pregnant women who want to get a massage, it's better to avoid reflexology. The reason is, the pressure that is given when massaged only focuses on the legs. Meanwhile, some points on the ankles and calves can trigger contractions. So if you are still far from the due date, avoid this massage.

Apart from that, you should also avoid traditional massage (massage). The reason is, a traditional massage therapist will apply strong pressure using the tips of his thumbs. Well, this kind of pressure is actually more at risk of triggering pain or the transfer of blood clots to parts of the body that require smooth blood flow, especially when massaging the calves and feet. Remember, a woman's blood volume doubles during pregnancy.

4. Position when massaged

Before doing the massage, make sure the massage place is arranged in such a way. Add a supportive pillow so you can be comfortable and relaxed. To massage the area of the back, pelvis and buttocks, the therapist usually recommends that you lie on your side. As for the head, shoulders, calves, thighs, and hands, the therapist will advise you to sleep on your back or in a sitting position.

5. Tell me when you feel uncomfortable

Communicate with a therapist or masseuse about the level of pressure or force when massaging. Order to massage it with gentle pressure and not too hard. Tell me right away if you feel uncomfortable. In essence, massage techniques on all areas of the body must be done with gentle techniques. The combination of massage movements between turning, pressing, rubbing and rubbing must be done slowly and in a controlled manner.

6. Use essential oils that are safe

Pay attention to the essential oils or aromatherapy used during massage. Choose according to taste and ask the therapist about the safety of the essential oils used during the massage.

Keep in mind, always consult your gynecologist every time you want to do a massage while pregnant. The reason is, there is not enough research to prove that massage during pregnancy is completely safe and risk-free. Especially for those of you who have high-risk pregnancies.