Pregnancy, expectation of a baby’s birth is the most beautiful period in a woman’s life, filled with harmony and inner satisfaction. But at the same time, this is a period of great physical and emotional changes. As you know, the expectant mother becomes more sensitive, vulnerable. A significant physiological restructuring begins to appear in the very early stages of pregnancy.

Is it possible to massage pregnant women?
It is very important that the expectant mother finds an opportunity to take care of herself, her health and well-being during pregnancy, because she also takes care of her future baby. Walking, swimming in the pool, special fitness classes for pregnant women - all this improves well-being, evens out the emotional state, and is also an excellent preparation for childbirth. To a lesser extent, to correct various uncomfortable conditions associated with an increase in the load on the spine, changes in hormonal levels, frequent mood swings, a special massage for pregnant women helps.

Differences of massage during pregnancy from other types of massage
Like the classic, massage for pregnant women helps relieve pain in the back, helps to relax tense muscles, has a calming effect on the nervous system, improves blood circulation and lymph flow. However, massage during pregnancy has a number of important differences. The movements of the hands of the masseur should be soft, calm, rhythmic. Sharp, pressing effects are not allowed. Especially gently and carefully massaged areas of the sacrum and lower back.

When massaging the arms and legs, lymphatic drainage massage elements are used, which is the prevention of edema, and when they appear, it is an effective means of alleviating the condition.

The massage does not affect the abdomen. To massage the back, the position on the side is used.

Taking into account the above features, attentive attitude and professionalism make massage during pregnancy comfortable, useful and safe.

About the benefits of massage during pregnancy
Special massage during pregnancy helps to solve the following problems:

improvement of lymph and blood circulation, which, in turn, has a positive effect on the development of the baby;

removal of muscle tension and pain in the back;

prevention of edema of the extremities;

relief from varicose veins;

alignment of emotional state, deep psychological relaxation;

stretch marks prevention;

harmonious passive load for women who cannot attend classes in the pool or fitness for pregnant women.

Features of the massage
Professional massage for pregnant women can be carried out at almost any time if the pregnancy proceeds without complications. If the onset of pregnancy is accompanied by toxicosis, other uncomfortable conditions, then it is better to wait until the end of the first trimester.

As a rule, a massage session lasts about an hour. During this time, deep psychological relaxation occurs, fatigue, muscle tension are relieved, pain disappears. Such sessions are best done 1-2 times a week.

It is very useful to use natural essential oils for massage. This will be an additional prevention of stretch marks, will help the expectant mother to keep her skin soft and supple. In addition, the aroma of the oil enhances the relaxation effect of the massage.

Contraindications for massage
Contraindications to massage during pregnancy are:
- The prohibition of a woman doctor observing an obstetrician-gynecologist;
- Significant toxicosis;
- acute respiratory infections;
-  infectious diseases;
- diseases of the skin;
- chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- pronounced varicose veins with thrombosis;
high blood pressure.
In conclusion, I want to note that the feelings of the future mother during the massage should be pleasant, and the general condition - comfortable.