Massage brings comfort in final waiting days

By Samantha Critchell
Associated Press

Massage during pregnancy is most beneficial after the first three months. The healing power of touch is thought to relieve depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes and aid relaxation and sleep. Advertiser library photo

But while a heavy-duty massage might seem like the easy solution, pregnant women are limited in the type of body rubs they can receive.

One of the main reasons massage is soothing to muscles is the increase in blood flow that gets oxygen traveling to sore spots, explains Glenn Teyf, founder of the Teyf Wellness Center in New York. It's a lack of oxygen that's usually to blame when muscles are tied up in "knots."

But, he says, during the first trimester of the pregnancy, it isn't desirable to redirect the blood flow from the fetus.

Teyf's advice, especially early on, is: "No body massage in the first trimester. Never massage the stomach. Kiss it, hug it and rest your head on it. Do not massage it."

That doesn't leave partners who want to help the uncomfortable moms-to-be with many options.

Foot massages should be safe for all 40 weeks of pregnancy, says Teyf, but even that should be checked with individual doctors.

Teyf's foot massage tips include using massage, vegetable or olive oil instead of baby oil, which clogs pores; elevate the feet above the heart to increase blood flood; start at the heel up to the toes and end by slowly pressing the thumb and third finger over each toe, starting with the little toe and working in.

Once a woman passes the three-month mark, there are more options for massage and during the later stages of pregnancy massage can be beneficial beyond offering a little muscle relief, says Teyf.

The last stretch of a pregnancy, when a woman's weight has soared, her proportions change and she walks in a different posture, causes some unique physical ailments that can be helped by massage.

"The healing power of touch is the oldest form of medicine, both on the emotional and physical level," he says. "Massage will help the expectant mother feel wonderful and loved."

Other bonuses, according to Teyf:

• Massage helps an expectant mother's body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which helps boost energy levels.
• By increasing blood circulation, massage eases the load on the expectant mother's heart and might help stabilize her blood pressure.
• Massage can help relieve depression and anxiety caused by hormonal changes. Reducing stress might help a pregnant woman sleep better and more deeply.

However, Teyf advises, a woman should avoid massage at any stage of pregnancy if she is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or fever; has excessive swelling around the extremities; is inactive or has been placed on bed rest; or has any bleeding or abnormal discharge.

And while the lower back may be a hot spot for pain, massage there should be kept to a minimum and touch should be light.

He also says that at-home masseurs should use only the strength of their hands, not their whole body, when applying pressure, and no pressure should be put on the spine. Keep the strokes smooth and flowing, and the slower the strokes, the better it feels.

A pregnant woman can't, or at least shouldn't, get into the traditional face-down massage position. Teyf says the best body position is seated, with the expectant mother straddling a narrow chair with her arms, shoulders and head leaning upon a pillow placed upon a table or desk.