If you’ve ever treated yourself to a full body massage, you know how much of an impact it can have on both your body and your mind. And that’s no different when it comes to pregnancy. While there’s a lot of contradiction around pregnancy massages and if they’re really safe, the basic idea is that if done correctly, massages can do so much more than just relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy.
Let’s take a deeper look into it and discover more about the right way to get a massage while you’re pregnant.
Are Massages Safe for Pregnant Women?
In general, massages are safe for almost everyone. If you’re pregnant, you’re probably worried about how your massage therapist (or partner) might be able to massage you safely, while keeping in mind your anatomical changes.
This is exactly why it is best to stay safe and stick to gentle massages if you’re doing them on your own or have a partner who’s doing it. Also, make sure you always communicate your feelings and stop whenever the massage hurts more than it feels good.
Uncovering the Benefits of Pregnancy Massages
Research has found that getting a massage during pregnancy can actually have many benefits.
- It can reduce the levels of stress hormones and improve the flow of blood through your body.
- It can boost lymphatic drainage, which can be really helpful especially during pregnancy.
- It may also help relieve joint pain, leg cramps, pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome and neck and back pain.
- Some experts also claim that pregnancy massages can help you sleep better, thus curbing pregnancy-related insomnia.
- It can help loosen tight muscles and make you feel better physically as well as mentally.
Doing it the Right Way
While the benefits of getting a pregnancy massage are many, you need to exercise caution and make sure you do it carefully. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you with just that.
- Start with a gentle massage- a foot rub for example. Apply some lotion or massage oil to help the hands glide better, and use soft, gentle strokes.
- Invest in a handheld massage device to get a low impact tissue massage on your own!
- Avoid getting a deep tissue massage, and keep the pressure to a minimum, especially on your legs.
- Gently move your hands in a circular motion and use long up and down strokes on areas of your hands such as your arms and feet.
- Do not massage your abdomen.
- Avoid getting a massage during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 250 ml of water after a massage.
- Avoid massages if you have had premature labour previously or have been placed in the high-risk category. Check with your doctor that it is safe for you to have a massage throughout your pregnancy
Using a handheld massage gun such as the ExoGun Dream Pro
I have recently started using the ExoGun handheld massage gun. The Exogun revives muscle, boosts circulation, and releases energy so you can recover faster and live better. Take it wherever you need it—work, the gym, the trail—and put the power of percussion massage treatment in your hands. The massage gun is used over clothing rather than directly onto the skin. You can easily switch between 6 speeds and 4 attachments for a customised massage. The Exogun is built with ShockSmart sensitivity to deliver the exact percussive strength you need.
Percussion massages for pregnant women can be quite technical and require caution. You can use a massager gun on your own only if you use it on specific parts of your body. It is recommended to only use percussion therapy on your upper body, for example, your shoulders, neck and upper back. It is recommended it avoid your lower legs, lower back, thighs, and stomach. As you can see from my photo, before reading that advice, I used it on my legs and bum to relieve aches and sciatica on the most gentle setting 1 and found it really helped.
I would say, the main thing is to discuss using percussion therapy with your doctor or midwife before trying it out. They know you, your body and your medical history to best advise what treatments would be best.
The ExoGun Dream Pro is also great for D to use for himself on a higher setting to relieve some of his symptoms of arthritis.
Using massage oil
I have been using Zita West massage oil. A soothing massage with these wonderful oils helps to stimulate your circulation and ease away tensions. The lemon and lime oils used in the product are particularly uplifting and invigorating and give you a boost as well.
Find out more about the ExoGun
Visit for details www.exogun.com
