What You Should Know About Pregnancy Home Massage Techniques

If you’re like most parent’s to be, then you’re probably very interested in how home massage techniques can help to alleviate the symptoms, aches and pains that most moms to be suffer during pregnancy.

However, while there is mounting evidence that home massage can be a great way to soothe backache, limit swelling, and help to fight stretch marks, there are also a few things you should know about home massage during pregnancy before you try it yourself!  Here are a few of the facts you should be aware of:

    Before you start any kind of home massage program during pregnancy, you should first get the all clear from your doctor.  There are certain conditions that limit the areas that you can practice home massage during pregnancy, and some that mean you should avoid the practice altogether.

   It is a good idea to learn how, and where, it is safe to massage during pregnancy.  Some types of pressure are not recommended during pregnancy, and it is best to learn a few techniques before you try them!

    Certain massage oils and lotions, particularly those that contain herbs, are not considered safe for use during pregnancy.  Make sure that you avoid products that contain those ingredients.

    There are certain positions that are considered safe for massage during pregnancy – for instance, lying on your side.  However, those positions that put pressure on your abdomen should be avoided.

Home massage during pregnancy can be physically, emotionally, and mentally beneficial to you, your partner, and your baby.  Make sure that you educate yourself about safe practices, and that you report any strange side effects to your doctor, however, if you want to get the benefits without the risks.

Massage As Treatment for Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy

Many women find that as they progress through their pregnancy, they begin to experience what is known as round ligament pain during pregnancy.

Round ligament pain during pregnancy is due to the weight of your expanding uterus on your already stretched ligaments, but it all starts with those pesky hormones that make all the other changes in your body!

Hormonal changes in your body start to soften your ligaments, to allow for greater movement and stretching during childbirth as your pregnancy progresses.  However, those softer ligaments are also put under ever increasing pressure as your baby’s weight grows.

The further along in your pregnancy you are, and the heavier your baby becomes, the more likely it is you will experience round ligament pain during pregnancy, when you physically exert yourself by walking and other activities.

The good news is that in most cases, round ligament pain during pregnancy is completely benign, and while it may be painful, and slow you down quite a bit, there’s unlikely to be any lasting damage.

If you are experiencing what you believe is round ligament pain during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor, as there may be other causes for your symptoms.  If RLP is diagnosed, your doctor will probably recommend avoiding physical exertion, gentle massage of the affected area to soothe the pain, and possibly a mild painkiller, such as Acetaminophen or paracetamol.

The application of mild heat to the area during massage can also bring relief to sufferers of round ligament pain during pregnancy, as can gentle stretching exercises.

Remember that round ligament pain during pregnancy, while certainly not pleasant, is usually also not dangerous, and that the vast majority of women who experience this problem will find that their symptoms spontaneously vanish within a few days or weeks of delivery.

In the mean time, put your feet up and relax as much as possible, take it easy, and use massage and other safe techniques to treat the symptoms of RPL.