How to Use Massagers and Massage Oil During Pregnancy

With all of the discomforts commonly associated with pregnancy, a massage seems like the ideal treat for an expectant mother. There are many advantages to adopting this practice into a pregnant woman’s regimen. Once approved by a physician, massages are welcomed luxuries that have many fringe benefits.

Learning how to use massage oils and massagers during pregnancy is a very important step in the process. There are many options, some conflicting information and overall confusion about whether or not some products are safe. The benefits of massaging are too great to let the subject fall to the wayside because of its perplexity.

The initial problem arises from the simple fact that many expectant mothers are not sure about safety and pregnancy massages. Who should administer the massage? What oils are most beneficial to use? Is aromatherapy safe? Are electric massagers trustworthy?

The task of learning how to use massage oils and massagers during pregnancy begins with measuring the rewards of massage therapy for pregnant women. There are many reasons that so many expectant mothers benefit from these treatments. The payoff is great, especially if certain precautions are taken.

Massage oils can be used in many ways. Rubdowns are apt to cause friction. In order to assure a smooth, comfortable session, massage therapists use oils to lubricate and nourish the skin. There are different types of oils that can be used and various products are more appropriate than others for certain tasks.

For example, many expectant mothers are concerned about stretch marks. Unfortunately, there is no product that will completely prevent or eliminate stretch marks during pregnancy. However, using vitamin E massage oil will minimize the effects of the expanding skin that is accommodating a baby.

Vitamin E massage oil is ideal because it conditions and nourishes the skin. It promotes healing and it provides elements that foster optimal health. Women who are concerned about stretch marks may want to invest in a product like this for the best results. This pregnancy massage oil can be used during pregnancy and after birth.

Women seeking advice on how to use massage oils and massagers during pregnancy want to consider their feet as well. Massaging this area is commonly safe and the benefits are outstanding. If there is any part of a woman’s body that should get frequent rubdowns, it’s the feet.

Foot massages during pregnancy help reduce swelling, especially if the rubdown is administered while the feet are elevated. Improved circulation to this area and the overall all feel-good effects of the foot massage are exceptionally important during the third trimester.

Many women crave massages during the third trimester as much as they do ice cream and it doesn’t stop there. Labor massage oils are particularly popular among women who choose natural births. The rubdown serves to reduce stress, relieve pain and stimulate contractions.

Since the labor massage oils are designed to move labor along faster, they should not be used during pregnancy. These products commonly contain aromatherapy oils that foster contractions making them unsafe before labor begins. Strategies on how to use massage oils and massagers during pregnancy involve different products.

The ultimate choice for pregnancy massage oil is virgin, unscented oil. Many expectant mothers are quite sensitive to scents. The fragrance-free version will not usually trigger morning sickness. This is the ideal product to use during the first trimester or until the signs of morning sickness has passed.

Aromatherapy can be beneficial to an expectant mother. The aromatic massage oils used during pregnancy are reported to reduce swelling and headaches; some are helpful in relieving anxiety and tension. The most popular scents are citrus-based and include tangerine, mandarin and lemon fragrances.

Some essential oils should be completely avoided for massages during pregnancy. The scents include arnica, fennel, juniper, clary sage and jasmine. These aromatic massage oils are typically used in products designed to stimulate contractions.

The process of learning how to use massage oils and massagers during pregnancy takes some consideration. The deliberation includes massagers. This encompasses both products and people. Who or what is going to deliver the rubdown?

Let’s begin with the motorized massagers. The baby is well cushioned in the uterus and many expectant moms are quite comfortable using hand-held massagers to relieve tension and discomfort. However, the verdict is still in debate so it may be best to avoid using this kind of device especially if there is a chance of deep muscle stimulation.

Some argue that only a professional trained specifically in prenatal massage should be retained for the task. Others argue that anyone can administer the massages as long as this individual does his homework. An untrained person needs to avoid manipulating the lower back and the abdomen. However, this same person can work wonders on the shoulders, feet and legs.

In any case, it is crucial that the expectant mother’s physician has a say in the decision. The first step to learning how to use massage oils and massagers during pregnancy begins with a visit to the doctor.