Nine Months : Relaxing in your pregnancy
LOOKING BEAUTIFUL AND FEELING GOOD
- Relaxation (FAQs)
- Why is it important to learn to relax in pregnancy?
- What is the difference between resting and relaxation?
- How will learning relaxation techniques help me?
- What is the best position for sleeping?
- What benefits will I gain from massage in pregnancy?
- How is a massage done?
- Which essential oils can I use in pregnancy?
- Which essential oils should not be used in pregnancy?
- Can I use essential oils in a bath?
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Q: Why is it important to learn to relax in pregnancy?
A: The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable your pregnancy will be and the more you will enjoy it. Your mind and body will work better; you will feel healthier, and your baby will thrive. You will have more energy without tension and stress, because these are physically draining. You will also sleep better.
Q: What is the difference between resting and relaxation?
A: During the day when you take a rest, or when you are sitting in a chair watching TV, you may be physically resting, but not necessarily relaxed: your mind may be active and your body could feel stiff and tense. Reaching a state of complete relaxation enables you to switch off from worries and achieve a calm, positive frame of mind; this will allow your body and muscles to unwind and any tension to ebb away.
Q: How will learning relaxation techniques help me?
A: If you practise relaxation techniques regularly, you will find that they provide a short break from physical and mental stress and make it easier to deal with day-to-day pressures. You will be more aware of how your body feels when it is tense, and learn how to relieve the tension. This is particularly useful during pregnancy, when sleep may be difficult; relaxation techniques can also help relieve anxiety and therefore help with pain during labour.
Q: What is the best position for sleeping?
A: Sleeping on your side is the best; it takes
the weight off your back and thus your circulation, which
allows an unrestricted flow of blood to the placenta and
baby. This position also allows you to try the relaxation
techniques.
Sleeping on your front or your back feels uncomfortable and
is not advisable. To sleep comfortably, click here.
Q: What benefits will I gain from massage in pregnancy?
A: Massage is an aid to relieving pain and
stiffness in muscles. It gives you a great feeling of
well-being; it releases tension and restores and boosts
vitality; your circulation is stimulated by a massage,
which can have either a calming or an invigorating
effect.
Regular massages during pregnancy will help you to relax
and will reduce tiredness as well as relieve any aches and
pains, particularly backache.
Q: How is a massage done?
A: A massage is done by stroking, rubbing and kneading gently and rhythmically the muscles and soft tissues, usually with hands, sometimes with specialist tools. The entire experience is soothing and restorative.
Q: Which essential oils can I use?
A: Chamomile, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, mandarin, neroli, rose, sandalwood, tangerine and ylang ylang are recommended in pregnancy.
Q: Which essential oils should not be used in pregnancy?
A: Basil, clary, sage, hyssop, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh, pine, rosemary, sage, thyme and bay should not be used in pregnancy.
Q: Can I use essential oils in the bath?
A: When you are pregnant, you should always
use the minimum quantities shown on the bottle.
In a bath use 2-4 drops of 'permitted' essential oils, put
in before you get into the bath. Remember not to have the
bath water too hot as it is not very good for you and the
oils evaporate too quickly in the hot water. Lie back and
relax for 15/20 minutes. Turn the light low or burn a
candle. Think about your favourite place.
In the shower, you can drop some oil onto a sponge and
sponge yourself down with it.
