Which Massage Treatments are Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a very daunting phase of a woman’s  life. No matter how blissful the feelings are during this time, the process takes a toll on the body and it won’t be wrong to say that there is a lot of pain and discomfort involved with the process. Add to it horrible morning sickness and constant expansion of the insides, pregnant women deserve every respite that a spa has to offer like a good foot massage Dubai for the swollen feet or a soothing back rub for the arching and aching back. But there is a big but in this discussion and that is not all massage treatments are considered good for pregnant women and every massage comes with a set of precautions and instructions. So, it is not like a pregnant woman is free to go for a massage as she pleases. In fact, there aren’t many massage therapies that are safe during pregnancy. Prenatal massage is in fact limited to a few methods and most experts believe that pregnant women should only go for Swedish massage Dubai and combine them with other spa treatments to get some relief from pains and swellings. What is a Swedish Massage? Swedish massage Dubai is one of the most common massage techniques used across the globe. It is also known as a classic massage and works by promoting relaxation by releasing muscle tension. This massage is a gentle massage and is ideal for pregnant women because it provides necessary relaxation without putting extra stress on any parts or nerves. A Swedish massage Dubai is done by using kneading, deep circular movements, long strokes and passive joint movements. All these techniques relax the muscles, stimulate nerve endings and increase blood flow and lymph drainage. This massage involves the whole body and usually requires lying on the back and on the stomach half way through. Both these positions are not good for pregnant women; therefore, it is essential to get this massage from a trained expert who is certified to massage pregnant women. A well-done Swedish massage can help with sleep issues, improve the mood and reduce swelling by increasing circulation in the body. Massage Should Be Done by Certified Expert Only Prenatal massages are tricky; therefore, it is necessary to get them from a trained therapist who knows about the positions that a woman can lie on and has an understanding of the nuances like the amount of pressure to be applied and the best oil to do the job. According to expert therapists, pregnant women should be made to lie on their side supported by pillows during the whole procedure. This is because lying on the stomach is not possible for obvious reasons and lying on the back puts pressure on the nerve that is responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Also, it is most important to know that pregnant women should go for a prenatal massage only after the first trimester is over. Deep tissue massage is a big no no during pregnancy if a woman has a high-risk pregnancy and experiences swelling or other discomfort after a massage session, she should see her doctor immediately. Other Spa Treatments that can Offer some Respite Doctors and massage therapists in Dubai believe that pregnant women should not depend solely on massage therapies to find some relief. There aren’t many massages that they can try anyways, so the best way out will be to combine different spa treatments with occasional massages to have a pain-free and stress-free pregnancy. Here are the spa treatments that are safe during pregnancy and can be tried after getting a heads up from the doctor. The good news is that most of the spa treatments are safe for pregnant women with some slight modification. For example, pregnant women who are extra sensitive to smells can ask for scent free lotions or mild smelling oils.

• Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are a good way of stimulating circulation in the whole body. The scrubs restore proper blood flow throughout the body and ensure that vital nutrients are well distributed. This is great for the expecting mother as well as her child. Body scrubs are completely safe during pregnancy provided that they are done by professionals who are trained to work with pregnant women. It is necessary that the performing the scrub knows about safe oils to be used and also understands that a pregnant women’s skin is very sensitive, the scrubbing process and the scrubber used for it have to be mild.

• Facial

Simple facial procedures are harmless during pregnancy, but complex methods should be avoided at all costs. Pregnant women can take facials that consist of cleansing, moisturizing and massaging to counter common issues like dryness, redness and acne. It is important to note that only gentle products must be used during this process. Harsh products like certain chemical peels can harm the skin because pregnancy skin is extra sensitive and can easily break out and feel irritated. Therefore, as long as the products are mild and safe and the person performing the facial is a trained professional, it is completely fine to have facial during pregnancy.

• Manicures and Pedicures

Manicures and pedicures are done on the hands and feet respectively, so they are pretty harmless during pregnancy. These procedures lead to great looking nails and feet which can be soothing to many women. So, according to experts, women who love to pamper themselves, should get regular manicures and pedicures, as how they feel after the procedure will lift their mood and will be extremely beneficial to the baby. The only precaution needed with this procedure is to ensure that the chemicals used in this procedure are not harmful to the baby. Also, if there is foot massage offered along with pedicure, pregnant women should avoid reflexology, which is harmful for them. A prenatal massage has a number of benefits for a pregnant woman as well as her child, but it needs extreme precaution and care. If you are expecting and planning to go in for a massage, make sure that the place you chose works only with certified trainers and knows which massage treatments are safe during pregnancy. Also, try other spa treatments mentioned above and find a combination of therapies that work for you.