Soothing the aches of pregnancy

Pregnant women can find some relief from sore backs and swollen feet in simple, non-strenuous massages.

A good, relaxing massage is one of the many pleasures that Thailand offers. Being pregnant is no reason to give up this indulgence. A good massage from a trained therapist, on a regular basis, can help you deal with the bodily changes and the stress that attends a pregnancy.

However, it is important to clarify an important point at the very beginning. Massages are of two types: therapeutic and relaxing. A therapeutic massage is usually administered for a specific purpose, like physical therapy. It helps specific bones and muscles regain their flexibility and more effectively perform their functions. Such a massage is best administered by professionals under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. Therapeutic massages are rarely recommended for pregnant women.

A relaxing massage, on the other hand, has many benefits that make it desirable for pregnant women. Pregnancy causes various changes in a woman’s body. Weight gain and its attendant problems, stretched and uncomfortable skin, and swollen feet are compounded by hormonal changes. All those raging hormones can be quite stressful and exhausting. A relaxing massage a couple of times a week would be a wonderful method of easing some of the pressure off mind and body.

So, can all pregnant women get a massage? “In case of a high risk pregnancy, we recommend that mothers avoid massage in the third trimester,” says Dr Visal Kantaratanakul, Assistant Professor, Samitivej Hospital. Other pregnant women can continue to benefit, especially from a gentle massage of the neck and shoulder.

Many women continue to work and take care of their homes and children during pregnancy. Most of them live away from their mothers and other family members and have little or no support to help them through this difficult time. All this increases stress levels during pregnancy and a good massage can help women unwind.

Blood volume increases by as much as 50 percent during pregnancy. However, blood flows more sluggishly because of weaker muscles. A good massage helps bring blood to the feet, especially if you have been standing or walking all day.

Most pregnant women also complain of back pain during pregnancy. “If you decide to seek massage to help you through it, I suggest you avoid manipulation, traction, and vigorous acupressure,” says Dr Visal. A relaxing massage would help regulate hormones, thus reducing the intensity of pain and easing discomfort.

While massages might prove to be helpful to relive the pain and soreness associated with swollen feet or an aching back, for more specific problems like sciatica, edema, and nerve twitches, it is best to consult a doctor before beginning any massage-based treatments.

The most important aspect of a massage during pregnancy is the position of the body. If you plan to lie down for the massage, lie down on your side and support your stomach with a soft towel. If you plan to sit, ensure there is no pressure on your abdomen. Ask the masseur/masseuse not to put any weight on your joints and bones. Avoid a strong massage that is similar to acupressure since it can cause side effects. For the same reason, avoid foot reflexology too. The point of the massage is to relax your body and mind, and it is important to inform the masseur/masseuse in advance of your pregnancy and the precautions to be taken.

If you have led a very active life with daily sports and a monthly spa massage, it is recommended that you continue as long as your gynecologist allows you to do so. In time, your body will let you know that you should slow down a bit; then, it will be time to take it easy. It is important to ensure that your muscles and joints are not strained. Bearing this in mind, bimonthly spa massage could be useful right till the end of your pregnancy provided the masseuse is gentle and the massage is relaxing. However, it is advised that you avoid other facilities at the spa such as tanning beds, steam rooms, saunas, hot springs, and any other facility that may increase your body temperature.

“It is important to remember that there is no scientifically verified knowledge about how often massages should be taken at each stage of pregnancy, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. To every pregnant woman who asks me about getting a massage, my message is this: Listen to your body, understand your body, and use it properly.” Whether this translates into a 10-minute neck massage every day or a 2-hour massage twice a week, depends entirely on you. The key is to relax and let the endorphins flow through your blood stream; both you and your baby will benefit significantly.

Many magical properties have often been attributed to traditional medicine and traditional skills. It is possible that you have heard that a good massage can turn a breech birth into a normal birth. “There is sound traditional knowledge regarding this issue, but often such knowledge is lost. If you intend to try massage in such a situation, do it with a qualified and experienced masseuse, and if possible, under the supervision of a doctor. Do not allow any general masseur to perform such specialized services,” warns Dr Visal.
Many obstetrical centers provide relaxation massage during or before the delivery, including perineal massage once or twice a week from the thirty-fourth week.

It is good to continue the practice of weekly massages after delivery as well. It could help you relax after spending sleepless nights with the baby. It could also help with post-natal depression and a host of other problems. A gentle massage with a proper moisturizer might even help increase the elasticity of your skin. Although many people claim that a massage can help you reduce the weight gained around your waist, no studies have proved this. Regardless, it has no ill effects and therefore, can be enjoyed. So, go right ahead and have that massage. Relax, sleep well, and enjoy life.