Can You Use a Massage Chair in Early Pregnancy? (Explained)

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting mothers. All the changes that happen in the body are a part of this wonderful journey. From sleepless nights to mood swings, it is a physical and emotional roller coaster ride for expectant women.

But even pregnancy comes with aches and pains only a massage can soothe. So, can you use a massage chair during early pregnancy? Here are some tips you should consider.

Can You Use a Massage Chair in Early Pregnancy?

There is no evidence that using a massage chair is unsafe in early pregnancy, but it’s always best to check with your doctor before using any new treatment or therapy. That said, massage chairs can be helpful for relieving tension headaches, neck pain, and back pain, all of which are common complaints during early pregnancy. Plus, the gentle massaging motion can be soothing and relaxing.

Pregnancy Massage Chair Use Guidelines

A prenatal massage helps in relieving common physical discomforts of the mother, such as swollen feet and ankles. As mentioned earlier, it is possible to receive a prenatal massage from a professional masseuse or even opt for self-massage options at home.

The general guidelines for using a massage chair during early pregnancy are as follows.

Keep the speed setting low

Low settings are recommended for pregnant women since higher speeds may be uncomfortable or even painful. For instance, if you find it difficult to sit through an entire session with the machine at a low speed level, you may need to use a more gentle massage mode.

Using a suitable massage pillow

You may use a specially crafted pregnancy pillow to ease the discomfort of the neck, back, and hip pain. It is important to place the pillow so that it does not allow for slouching or hunching during a massage session. Always keep your hands on both sidebars while seated in the chair to avoid placing stress on your abdominal area.

Once the session is over, get up slowly and gradually so as not to feel dizzy or nauseated. Avoid bending forward immediately after treatment sessions and take a walk around for a few minutes to improve blood circulation and instill a sense of stability and balance.

The following guidelines may help you benefit from the relaxing effects of massage even further.

Take enough rest between each session

With proper rest, you can recover better and faster after a good massage session. Be sure to take 15-minute breaks between each session to avoid any discomfort or soreness that may arise due to fatigue. Get plenty of restful sleep at night so your body has time to recuperate before the next massage session.

Diet is important, too

Do not forget to drink at least eight glasses of water each day so that your body stays hydrated and flushes out toxins effectively. It will also allow for better movement during pregnancy massages or any massage treatment you receive in general. Avoid having heavy meals immediately before the session, since it may cause indigestion or feeling nauseous during treatment.

Avoid side-lying position

It is advisable to avoid the side-lying position while pregnant. It puts too much pressure on your abdominal muscles and can cause discomfort or pain in that area. Also, take time after each massage session to stretch your neck, shoulder, and back muscles. This will help in maintaining good blood flow to your limbs.

Getting massage treatments is not only safe but also beneficial for women who are expecting. Keeping the above guidelines in mind, you may now opt for deep-tissue massages or even reflexology during early pregnancy. Pregnancy massage can ease discomfort and pain, allowing you to rest better and reduce the risk of suffering from constipation.

What Are The Benefits of a Pregnancy Massage?

A massage is a great way to relax, relieve stress and tension, and improve your mood. During pregnancy, a prenatal massage has many benefits that can help you feel better in both the short-term and long-term.

One of the biggest benefits of any type of prenatal massage is its ability to reduce stress. Pregnancy can be a very stressful time, and some women report suffering from anxiety or mood swings as a result of the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy.

A massage is a great way to relieve stress and tension, and it can help reduce any anxiety you may be feeling as well. A prenatal massage just might be exactly what you need to increase your overall sense of happiness and satisfaction with your pregnancy.

A massage is also a great way to relax, and many women report enjoying their prenatal massage sessions more than any other type of massage they have ever received. The fact that the conditions are safe during all stages of pregnancy makes them even more enjoyable because you can look forward to receiving one at any point in your pregnancy.

Are There Any Risks To A Pregnancy Massage?

Yes, there are a few risks involved with pregnancy massages. Although they are considered to be very safe overall, you should always discuss any concerns you have with your massage therapist before the session begins.

There is some evidence that suggests that massage can cause preterm labor in women who are at risk for preterm labor, but other studies show that massage can actually reduce the risk. It’s probably best to avoid massages if you are at especially high risk for preterm labor; however, most women should be able to receive these types of massages with no problems at all.

A properly trained therapist will always let you know before any massage begins if there are any potential risks associated with the type of prenatal massages they provide. Most women can safely receive a massage without having to worry about any potential problems, but you should always discuss your concerns with your doctor before making an appointment.

Another risk of receiving a pregnancy massage is the possibility that you will experience some pain or discomfort while the massage is taking place. This is a normal part of the massage process, and it should not be a sign that something is wrong.

If you experience any sharp pains while receiving your prenatal massage, tell your therapist immediately so they can make adjustments to their pressure or position if necessary.

In most cases, the benefits of prenatal massages outweigh the risks. Pregnancy is a very stressful time for many women, and it can be hard to relax at times because of this stress. Receiving a massage during your pregnancy may be just what you need to feel good again.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy can be a very stressful time, and some women report suffering from anxiety or mood swings as a result of the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. Stress does not only affect your emotional well being but also your physical well being.

Massages help in alleviating this stress by relaxing you and increasing blood flow to different parts of the body. It also helps to provide relief from the discomforts of pregnancy like back pain, leg cramps, etc.

Massage during your pregnancy is totally safe as long as you go to a trained professional massage therapist who has experience giving prenatal massages. A good therapist will always understand what they need to do in order for you to remain safe and comfortable.

They should also be able to explain everything that they are doing so you will know exactly what is happening throughout the massage process. Prenatal massages can help increase happiness and satisfaction during your pregnancy, but only if you find the right therapist.