If you are expecting, you might be wondering ‘Is it safe to get a massage while pregnant?’ The answer is a big yes but with a ‘but’. As with anything you do while pregnant, you want to consult your doctor first. He may tell you to wait until your second trimester, the reason being that the risk of miscarriage decreases a lot. Not that a massage will cause a miscarriage, but if you are a high-risk pregnancy, you want to take all the precautions you can. That being said, being massaged is safe, and here are some things you need to know.
Is It Safe to Get a Massage While Pregnant?
Get the blood flowing:
Getting massaged during pregnancy is great! No doubt you have lots of aches and pains. My husband used to rub my feet and legs when I was pregnant, that is until my legs blew up so big he thought they would burst if he touched them! Massage is great to help blood circulation and ease muscle tension. Just be careful of your legs.
Your legs:
Your doc will tell you this (because you should consult your doctor before scheduling a relax session with a massage therapist ) but your legs are a holding house for blood clots. A deep tissue massage could dislodge a blood clot from your legs. I don’t think I have to tell you that would not be good, for you or baby.
Prenatal massage therapist:
To be honest, I didn’t even know these people existed! (clearly I did not have the benefit of being massaged while pregnant). These special massage therapists know all the ins and outs of what is okay and what is not okay for your body while pregnant (at least when it comes to massaging your aching muscles). She will know all about blood clots and your legs. She will also know that laying on your side is best, unless she has a special table with the middle cut out for your belly.
Are there benefits?
Yes! There are always benefits to a massage, and bonus ones too if you are pregnant! Because massaging increases blood flow. There is a scientific reason behind it involving the release of lactic acids, and how it flushes waste from your system, but just know this is a good thing for your body. Back to the increased blood flow, this will help your cervix and pelvic muscles when the time comes too!
I wish I had taken advantage of an actual prenatal massage, I was at the amateur hands of my husband, who didn’t spend nearly enough time on my tired feet and sore back. The bottom line is that it is safe, if given the a-ok from your doc. If you are a high-risk pregnancy, he might tell you no, like he will with most things other than laying in bed. There are reasons, we want you little bun-in-the-oven to be safe and cook long enough! Plus, there are benefits to postnatal massage, like a quiet 30 minutes (or more) to yourself!
Did you get a prenatal massage? What did you like about it? Share with us below!
I am currently pregnant. I never had a message, but boy does this make me want to have one even more.
I did not get one but I do wish I had. I never had a massage until last year and it was amazing that would have been great to have during pregnancy by a prenatal expert.
Good article, i surely enjoy this site, keep on it
Great article for pregnant ladies out there. Before doing any kind of massage, a doctor consultation must be done first, always.
I love a good prenatal massage! They work wonders for the legs, to reduce varicose veins
This is great to know! We are planning and soon I’ll need to answers to questions like these!
I didn’t even think of this when I was pregnant. I really do think massages help.
Thanks for the info! When I was pregnant I avoided a massage because I wasn’t sure. If we have another I am definitely going to get a massage. My poor back will need it!
I guess I always thought there were special massages for pregnant women.
This is good to know. I’ve never had any kind of massage because I have issues with other people touching me. But it does sound nice.
I know some mom friends who make it a point to have a massage before giving birth. Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t it better to get a massage when you’re pregnant? It helps a lot since you don’t move like you normally do when you are pregnant so your muscles tend to have more pressure.
It’s great that they can help with blood flow. That’s super important! My muscles definitely tensed up when I was pregnant.
I bet the massage made you feel better and more relaxed good for you and congrats.
I got them when I was pregnant I think that I felt much better because of it. It made my pregnancy a lot easier.
Very helpful! When I was pregnant, I wasn’t sure if I should get a massage. There are so many crazy questions you never think of until you find yourself pregnant.
I got a few when I was pregnant and they were quite lovely! Of course check with your doctor, but mine said they were safe.