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Relaxation & massages: Your perfect guide for pregnancy pampering

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Relaxation during pregnancy is a must. Be it through massages or rest, it is essential. Your baby is now the size of a chota kaddu, that is, a small pumpkin! He or she can be here any minute, so it is essential you keep your calm. And the best way to do so is by relaxing!

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Relaxation and massages during pregnancy
Things to take care of when going for a massage during pregnancy

Time is precious in all spheres of life. When it comes to the last trimester of pregnancy, you should divide your time wisely, for yourself and for things related to your baby. So, when you still have time before your due date arrives, why not treat yourself with a nice beauty massage? It could be for the aching back or cramps in legs or the swollen feet. Yes! Utilize the time in a fruitful way and get some relief. Get your partner involved too and enjoy this moment.

Relaxation and massages during pregnancy

Relaxation for you is essential and here are a few ways of relaxation during pregnancy:

1. Walking

Yes, you and your hubby/partner can go for walks as it will keep the circulation going, and reduce the swelling while you can spend some quality time together. Go for slow and leisure walks with the right kind of footwear. Make it a daily activity. Your walk should be at least for 30-45 minutes, take a break in case you feel tired. Avoid uneven paths and steep regions as it might hurt your back. Always drink enough fluids while walking or before going for a walk.

2. Yoga

Clubs and gyms offer pregnancy yoga. Check with your doctor before you enroll for the classes. If you cannot go to the class, you can try some basic simple stretch moves at home for your neck, shoulder etc. Do it very gently.

3. Massage

Massage is an easy way to bring you relief from various aches and pains of pregnancy. Again, check with your doctor before you go in for a massage with a therapist. Of course, your partner can definitely assist you. It can be short sessions, which can be done while watching TV too. You can go in for a prenatal massage with a therapist. This massage aims to relax the tensed muscles and helps improve circulation and mobility, making you feel relaxed and happy.

Always ensure that you check with the doctor and go in for a therapist who is trained in prenatal massage. The massage and techniques used caters to the needs of pregnant women as per their changing bodies. As such when you are pregnant, the weight puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Massage helps to relax the ligaments and pelvic joints and the aching lower back. A trained therapist understands the needs of a pregnant woman and uses methods to relax these sore and swollen spots. She will also know which techniques and areas to avoid.

Massage induces better sleep. You will notice reduced muscle tensions, reduced swelling in legs and headaches and an improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles. It improves the mood and lowers the stress levels, depression and anxiety if any.

Happier moods lower the risk of preterm births and babies with low birth weight too. A massage has the healing power of touch. Talk to your therapist and see if she can visit home or if the spa is close by. Tell her exactly which areas of your body need attention. Be free and open and let her know right away if anything – including your position, the pressure during the massage, causes discomfort to you.

Things to take care of when going for a massage during pregnancy

Few pointers to be taken care before going in for the massage:

Avoid if you have a blood clot or any recent fracture
Avoid if you have a skin injury, burns, open wounds, skin infections, or eczema. This will irritate more
Avoid if you are allergic to massage oils

4. Beauty treatments

Yes, you can pamper yourself with a facial, manicure and pedicure too but with care. Do follow the below points during your visit to parlor:

Never use any cosmetics that contain harsh chemicals or heavily fragrant directly on your skin. During pregnancy, your skin is very sensitive and it might get absorbed into your bloodstream, and your baby depends on that blood
Always check if the parlor or spa is well ventilated
Do not forget to mention to the professional serving you that you’re pregnant

Facials:

Try to get an all-natural facial, as such you will have the pregnancy glow. Do not get a facial with retinoids, this can be harmful during pregnancy. Make sure you test the product on your skin before going through the whole process, since if your skin is sensitive, you can develop rashes soon.

Oxygen or hydration facial is good as it helps in relaxation and increases blood circulation, promoting the growth of new cells and removes wrinkles. Moisture-rich treatments or deep cleansing also helps in softening your skin.

Manicures and pedicures:

Ensure that the room is well ventilated since too much smell can make you feel uncomfortable and also ensure there are no harmful chemicals around. Check for the tools used for the treatment to ensure you do not catch any infection.

Highlights in hair:

This can be done only if the chemicals do not touch your scalp. So, be careful and get it done by a trained professional only. Else if it’s only dying the hair, you can use natural henna for a few months.

Grandma’s Tip: For natural relaxation at home, you can try tea bags or cucumber slices on eyes will bring you relief and make your eyes look brighter.

Use oily nourishing products for your stretch marks as it will hydrate the skin.

A little pampering will help you relax and enhance your mood. Of course, do not forget a balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins and fluids has to be taken during this time.

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Maternity clothes, choosing safe beauty parlor treatments: A guide for expecting mothers

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How to cope with stretch marks & flabby stomach post delivery

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Pregnancy induced anemia: Why you should be concerned

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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