How to Enjoy Your Prenatal Massage To the Maximum

First things first.  Do not eat a large meal before going for a prenatal massage or you will suffer indigestion – no fun and ruins the point of a relaxing treat for yourself.  Also, afterward, drink lots of H2O.

How to lie down on the table: You shouldn’t lie face down or face up. Face down squishes the belly.  Flat on your back decreases blood flow too much.  Soooo, the best position is lie on your side with a wedge or full length body pillow.

Let’s face it.  You’re carrying a lot of extra weight around.  This puts pressure on your neck, shoulders, back, even your abdominal muscles.  Prenatal massage can help ease these pains, along with joint pain, sinus pain, headaches, even insomnia.  Massage is known to decrease stress levels, increase blood and lymphatic flow, increase oxygen flow and even stimulate endorphins. It may also reduce swelling in the hands and feet as long as that swelling is not related to preeclampsia.

On a mental level, getting a message can give you the emotional support and nurturing touch you NEED as you move through this exciting but sometimes overwhelming process of creating new life.  Don’t forget – you’re doing a REALLY big thing here – you are creating life.  You need as much nurturing and caring for yourself as for your unborn child.

Remember, always ask your OBGYN about any bodywork first.

Xoxo

Amalou Skin

photo credit: beautytherapistmarbella.com