Massage Massage Massage
If you reach a point with your feet that even putting them up isnt helping... It's time to get a foot massage..
If you have a willing partner that can give you a good foot massage then sit back and enjoy..
Alternatively treat yourself to a foot massage or even a full pregnancy massage by a trained pregnancy massuse..
This will set you up for a relaxing time.
Massages in pregnancy have positive effects, including:
Lowered anxiety
Decreased back and leg pain
Improved sleep
Decreased levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine
N.B. If you are considering a full pregnancy massage please check with your midwife or GP first of all and ensure you use an approved and fully trained pregnancy massure
Souls Foot massage
If you want to give yourself a foot massge here is a quick and easy guide;
Find a comfortable place to sit and rest one foot on the opposite knee so you can reach it with both hands. This can become trickier as your belly gets bigger which is a good reason / excuse to teach your partner or a friend these moves! you may want to put some relaxing music on too..
Step 1. Introductory Stroke
Grasp your foot with both hands and press your thumbs slowly along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. This can be done as one sustained stroke or by walking your thumbs up the center line of your foot. With all of these steps, only apply the level of pressure that you feel you like, you can't enjoy a foot massage if it causes you pain...
Step 2. Toes
Rub the fleshy pad of each toe, then squeeze for 20 seconds. Grab the base of each toe between thumb and forefinger and pull up. Gently pinch at the web between the toes.
Step 3. Ball, Arch, and Heel
Using both hands, work the ball of the foot. Try long, sustained strokes, or make little circles with your thumbs. Do the same on your arch and heel. As you use your thumbs, reach your fingers across the top of the foot and rub gently.
Step 4. Ankle
Flex and rotate your foot several times to loosen it. With your hand flat, rub back and forth just under the ankle. Then stroke the top of your foot from toes to ankle. End with soothing strokes up the calf from ankle to knee.
Step 5. Cover and relax....
A great trick once you've finished your massage is to wrap a towel (idealy warm) around your feet. Careful though, this might send you off to sleep
