Is it safe to massage a pregnant belly?

How to massage a pregnant woman's belly properly and ensure safety for the health of mother and baby? Please refer to the article below!

Many pregnant mother always wondered whether that massage the belly affect the fetus or not and how to do to ensure safety. aFamilyToday Health invites you to refer to the article below to know how to massage a pregnant belly to relax, comfortably and safely, and create a connection between family members too!

Is it safe to massage a pregnant belly and how to massage it right?

You can either massage your baby or your husband can help with this. There is no evidence that this can be harmful, as long as you gently massage it. However, you should avoid doing this during the first trimester of pregnancy to ensure your baby is safe.

Massage in later pregnancy is believed to have many benefits for you and your baby. Massage can help you relax, relieve pain, improve sleep, and increase circulation. Massage can also help reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

From the middle of the second trimester onwards, your baby will be able to follow your hand movements. Feeling your baby's response to your touch is special and can increase the bond between you and your baby.

There is even some evidence that regular massage throughout the third trimester may help ease the pain of delivery. One study also suggested that massage you by your husband could help reduce the likelihood of a premature birth or low birth weight baby.

So, when you're into the second trimester of pregnancy, why not give yourself a massage?

Begin

Before you get started, choose an oil or cream to keep your hands soft so that your hands can glide gently on your skin. A mild moisturizer containing vitamin E is a great choice, as it can also help soothe itchy areas. You can also try some oils like safflower oil, jojoba oil, grapefruit oil or baby massage oil.

Consult your doctor before using aromatherapy, as they are not safe to use during pregnancy. Even all-natural substances may not be safe for use during pregnancy.

Before starting to massage, shake your hands and arms to soothe and relax your muscles. The caress gently glides across the belly to the curves of the body. Do not swipe directly on the abdomen or groin.

Start on the sides of your abdomen and slowly move your hand in the middle. Gradually move your hands down toward the pubic bone, then bring along the sides of the groin and back to each side.

Repeat this, but this time move your hands up your chest along the top and down to the sides

Using the palm of your hand, move back and forth around your stomach in an overlapping “c” shape. Keep one hand in contact with your skin at all times for a constant touch

For the best results, there are a few other things you can try:

Breathe slowly and relax. You can also imagine that you and your baby are breathing together

When you touch your baby's belly, imagine you are petting your baby like you would after it is born. You can also imagine swimming with your baby in a warm pool.

Let your husband help

Your husband can also try a stomach massage for you. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but once you get used to it it is a great way to maintain intimacy during pregnancy. Rubbing your baby's belly even helps your husband bond early with your baby.

After your second trimester , try not to lie on your back for long periods of time. Lying on your back can make you feel pain and limit the amount of blood transfused to your baby.

Instead of lying on your back, you can try:

Lie on your side (preferably left) with a pillow under your stomach, behind your back, and between your knees.

Sit upright in bed, lean back against pillows behind you, and cross your legs or let your legs stretch in front of you. Put some cushion under your knees so that your feet can flex comfortably.

Get on your knees or sit on the bed or floor with your husband behind him, trying to keep your body between his legs.

Your husband can then follow the techniques described above to give you both a wonderful moment of lightness, relaxation, and connection.

The above article hopes to bring useful information not only for mothers but also for future fathers. Through this article, aFamilyToday Health believes that fathers know how to help their wives reduce stress during pregnancy to make the pregnancy lighter!