While pregnancy is certainly a very exciting time, carrying a growing baby inside your womb can also be quite exhausting. A mom-to-be may sleep less, experience soreness in her muscles, and generally feel a lack of energy.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this. Prenatal or pregnancy massage is a great way to get rid of some of the most common problems during pregnancy, such as pain in the lower back, ankles, and a host of other issues.
There are also several massage oils you can use to make the massage even more effective and relaxing. However, it should be noted that it’s not recommended you use them during the first trimester.
The best massage oils for pregnant women
So, which massage oils to choose? Well, lavender is probably the most popular one, and you will always find it at the top of any list discussing this topic. Lavender massage oil will help you sleep better and feel more relaxed generally as it has a pronounced soothing effect.
Many women also love grapeseed oil because it does wonders for their skin. It most notably makes the skin more elastic, which means there will be much fewer stretch marks. Additionally, it can infuse your skin with vitamins E and C.
Ginger oil is excellent at dealing with inflammations, so if you feel any kind of pain during pregnancy, this is the oil you should use. You’ll be amazed by how effective it is.
Sunflower and grapefruit oils are also excellent choices: cardamom, frankincense, lemon, wild orange, and several others. You may also want to enhance the whole massage experience by lighting an aromatherapy candle or two. See which candles are safe for your baby here.
Which oils to avoid?
With all that being said, some types of massage oils are best avoided during pregnancy. Sage, birch, rosemary, thyme, aniseed, even peppermint are just some of the examples of that.
The best thing you can do to know which oil you can or can’t use is to ask your doctor. Obstetricians and gynecologists are there to help you with your pregnancy and make sure your baby is as healthy as possible, so no matter what questions you may have, this is where you need to go.
And suppose you learn that the essential oil you have on hand or want to use is not recommended for pregnant women. In that case, you can always light an aromatherapy candle that’s been specifically designed for mums and their babies. Click here to find such a candle and treat yourself to a few soothing moments.
So, there are plenty of ways to relax and get rid of the aching sensation that is so common during pregnancy. You just have to know where to look. The improvement you’ll feel if you can afford yourself a soothing massage now and again will be remarkable.
