How to Massage Your Pregnant Wife

Swelling in the ankles, sore back, and aching legs are just a few uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy. Massage can help alleviate some of this discomfort. To become your wife's best friend (if you're not already), here are a couple of ways to rub out her long day.

5 Steps:

1. Position her comfortably. Lying flat on her stomach is probably not possible, but there are several other positions that may be comfortable for her: sitting up, placing her knees on the floor with her chest and arms resting on the cushion of the sofa, lying on her side with cushions helping to support her.

2. Sit or kneel behind her.

3. Rub her back, sticking mostly with her lower back (that's where most of the pain sits). Rub in a circular motion, then slowly begin to work your hands up her spine, rubbing surrounding areas of the spine and shoulders. * You can help your wife get rid of swollen tissues (from "stuck" lymphatic fluids) by finding two spots right above her pelvis (one on either side of her spine) that feel a bit prominent and "squishy". Gently move the pads of two fingers over them in a circular motion. Your wife may feel a "weird tingling feeling" where her thighs join her buttocks. This is intended and shows that the surplus lymphatic fluid is being flushed away.

4. Rub her feet. Use your thumbs to work the massage into the arch of her feet.

* Grip the spots where her toes extend from her foot (stay between the toes) with your thumb and a finger (one on top of her foot, one on the sole)and apply gentle pressure. Do that with the dent behind her ankles, the backs of her knees (where little dents are) and the spot on her front right below her shoulders (going in a horizontal line from her collarbone, then two finger-widths lower) to stimulate her lymphatic system and allow the excess water to be flushed from her body. This will let her muscles relax a lot more. Note that usually she will have to use the bathroom within about 10 minutes of stimulating these points if you did it right.

5. Rub the backs of her calves with light pressure. Start at the bottom, and work your way up, always applying pressure towards the heart, never down the leg away from the heart.

Tips

* Reducing stress reduces the strain on her hormonal system, which can reduce mood swings. * If your fingers get tired, use a knobby massage tool.

Warnings

* If using any lotions or oils for the massage, make sure they are safe for pregnant women. Check the back of the bottle or box for warnings before making your purchase.

* Do not mistake the above tips for reflexology. Reflexology and deep tissue massages should not be applied during pregnancy as they can lead to premature labour.

* Use only a pressure level she is comfortable with. A massage should never hurt.

* Avoid massaging any sores, bruises, open wounds or varicose veins.