🌿 Folk Prescriptions

As childbirth approaches, expectant mothers often feel anxious and need emotional support and care from their partners. Beyond listening patiently and offering encouragement, what else can expectant fathers do? A survey by Johnson & Johnson’s Mom University revealed that 96% of pregnant women wished their husbands learned massage to relieve physical discomfort.
Are you ready to learn?
Pregnancy massage primarily works by pressing actions to promote blood circulation, reduce discomfort, relieve stress, and boost immunity. Having your husband massage you allows her to directly feel his care—truly sweet and heartwarming.
Pregnancy massage expert and registered midwife Chen Zhanglong offers some tips to help expectant fathers master the basics.
Precautions Beforehand
1) Pregnant women often suffer from poor sleep. A pre-sleep massage helps relax nerves and induce deep sleep.
2) Depending on individual needs, massage any body part for at least 15 minutes.
3) Perform the massage on a bed—bed firmness doesn’t matter as long as it feels comfortable.
4) Massage oil isn’t always necessary, but if your hands are rough, apply some moisturizer to avoid scratching your partner’s skin.
5) Maintain steady pressure—avoid alternating between heavy and light touches.
Massage Contraindications
1) Never massage when hungry, overly full, or emotionally distressed.
2) During the first three months of pregnancy and the last one and a half months before delivery, avoid strong pressure.
3) Avoid vigorous massage on sensitive areas such as breasts, abdomen, back, calf muscles, and ankles.
4) If the pregnant woman has complications such as dermatitis, heart disease, asthma, or hypertension, massage is not advised.