Gestational drainage
What is it
Massage for pregnant women brings many benefits, not only for the mother but also for the baby. The baby inside the belly can feel the mother's tranquility and relaxation during the massage session. Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman's life, but it also involves many changes in the body and emotionally, with many insecurities and sensitivity. And touch comes to help at this moment. Not only for a better state of relaxation and well-being, but also for muscle pain caused by changes in the body and weight gain. Pregnancy ends up bringing a greater burden than the body was used to in a short period of time. And massage also helps to relieve swelling, caused by fluid retention, which is normal at this stage. The most recommended massage technique for pregnant women is the relaxing massage. Its light and manual touch provides a pleasant sensation for the mother.
Indications
The benefits of massage during pregnancy include reducing pain in the back and legs, increasing skin hydration, helping to prevent stretch marks, improving self-esteem, reducing stress and anxiety and even helping to combat depression, making it a good natural strategy to improve a woman's quality of life at this stage of so many physical and emotional changes.
Benefits
Reduces swelling, relieves pain and promotes well-being for pregnant women, without risk to the baby.
Contraindications
However, many massages are contraindicated during pregnancy because they can increase blood circulation, stimulate reflex points, increase intra-abdominal pressure or cause uterine contraction, which could be harmful to the baby. Therefore, it is best to only have a special massage for pregnant women performed by a specialized therapist to enjoy all its benefits safely and effectively.
How is done
The essential thing is to never press on the belly and that is why those who have a special table for pregnant women, which has an opening in the middle, have a greater advantage when it is necessary to treat the back, but if this table is not accessible, you can use cushions and supports that can help maintain the woman's comfort, ensuring her relaxation throughout the massage.
To massage the face, chest and belly: Lying on your back
The woman should have her legs supported on top of a triangle-shaped cushion that allows her legs to be flexed, and her knees to be very elevated, as this prevents the increase in intra-abdominal pressure and provides greater comfort and support for the spine. However, this position can slightly reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the baby and therefore the woman should not stay in this position for a long time.
The belly massage should be very gentle and should not last more than 2 minutes as it may encourage uterine contraction.
To massage the neck, back and legs: Lying on your side or sitting
It is best for the woman to lie on the left side of the body during the massage and the pillows can be positioned under the head and between the legs, the body can be slightly tilted forward. Some pregnant women prefer not to rest one leg on the other, but to leave the leg that is higher on top of the body relaxed, but supported with the knee on the stretcher, a little further in front of the body.
If this position is still not very comfortable, you can receive a back and neck massage while sitting with your head and arms resting on another chair, as long as you can relax in that position.
Peridity
The total duration of the massage should not exceed 40 minutes and it can be performed whenever the woman wishes, although some frequency is recommended, such as at least 1 or 2 times a week, so that the benefits can be achieved.
Care
Lymphatic drainage during pregnancy is a gentle and safe technique, recommended to relieve swelling typical of pregnancy, improve circulation and promote well-being. By acting directly on the lymphatic system, the technique stimulates the pregnant woman's body in a sensitive way, and it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure comfort and safety.
Avoid exposure to the sun and excessive heat for up to 48 hours, especially if the session involves applying creams or if there is slight redness — the heat can intensify the sensation of swelling or cause a drop in blood pressure.
Keep your skin well hydrated and protected with sunscreen on exposed areas, even on cloudy days, to preserve skin health during this more sensitive period.
Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated area, even if there is a slight tingling sensation after the session — this is a normal response of the lymphatic system.
Opt for light and comfortable clothing after the session, to facilitate circulation and body comfort.
Drink plenty of water in the following hours, as this helps the body eliminate retained fluids and mobilized toxins.
Follow the frequency recommended by your professional, always respecting medical advice related to your pregnancy.
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Estimated time
60 minutes