Gwyneth Paltrow shares her tips for a pain free pregnancy
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for sharing her interest in body fads and quirky treatments, but her new one for “pain-free pregnancy” isn’t exactly one we completely believe. But let’s see what she had to say.
Don’t massage your lower back
“A common complaint among pregnant women is lower back pain. But that area is also rich with nerve and blood supply to the ovaries and uterus and, as such, a do-not-touch area until the end of pregnancy. Instead of focusing directly on the lower back, have your partner or massage therapist work your gluteus (butt) muscles to release tension in your hips and low back. Also, be sure to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take any extra pressure off of your lower back.
Also try cranial sacral therapy. Skilled therapists know how to detect and release any blockages in membranes and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. These treatments allow the cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely, nourishing not only your brain and nervous system, but that of your baby as well.”
Get a foot massage, but avoid your ankles at every cost
“We’re often cautioned not to get massage on our feet or legs during pregnancy—but a treatment from a skilled, certified reflexologist will ground you and can be a godsend to your aching feet. Again, skilled reflexologists will know to avoid your ankles (several pressure points there connect to the uterus and can trigger contractions), but the bottoms of your feet need just as much love as the rest of you.”
When your due date gets closer, get on all fours
“While not the most dignified of positions, hanging out on your hands and knees can help in many ways. First of all, the baby’s weight is not pressing down on your pelvis, but hanging forward in the belly—much less pressure and easier to sustain during exercise. Secondly, if you’re sitting a lot, you’re squeezing your tummy, which can cause your diaphragm to lock up. Yoga poses such as chakravakasana (cat/cow stretch) take strain away from your diaphragm and stretch the back. Any time you think of it, drop onto all fours, rock your pelvis in figure 8s and do circular movements with your hips for a few minutes.”
Live in water
“No matter where—your bathtub, a pool, or the sea! The pressure against your belly equalizes and you feel weightless, which also calms the baby. Also, the crowd that hangs out at the pool tend to be so kind and sweet when you’re pregnant! Lots of maternal old ladies will cluck over your belly—a much less aggressive or judgemental energy than at the gym.”
Avoid stress for 40 weeks
“Stress makes every part of pregnancy more difficult: You’ll have a harder time getting pregnant; your pregnancy will be less pleasant and more exhausting; and your birth will be more difficult than it needs to be. Meditate, take baths, get lots of naps in. In the first trimester, do not fight the fatigue! Sleep it off, even 12 to 14 hours a day, if you can. Listen to soothing music or affirmations. Spend time with people who calm and support you. Get acupuncture or cranial sacral treatments. Try to manage your work for maximum relaxation time off the clock.”