Summary: Foot massages can offer pregnant women a variety of benefits.
In case you were wondering, there is such a thing as pregnancy massage. However, there are limited studies that keep this type of massage from being widely accepted.
For example, many spas refuse to perform any type of massage treatment on pregnant women for liability purposes. There is also a misconception that massages during pregnancy can cause complications.
However, a massage is completely safe as long as it is being performed by a licensed massage therapist.
When NOT to Get a Foot Massage
No matter how relaxing a foot massage can be for pregnant women, there are certain exceptions where a massage should be avoided.
Pitting edema is characterized by a sharp indentation that disappears after pressure is applied. A physician should evaluate the veins to ensure that it is not a life-threatening condition. Another example would be when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the leg. While swelling is relatively natural for pregnant women, deep vein thrombosis should not be mistaken for a natural swelling. If not prevented, this blood clot may block blood flow and cause a pulmonary embolism.
The Benefits of Foot Massages During Pregnancy
If performed correctly, foot massages during pregnancy can positively impact one’s physical and psychological functions. For example, foot massages can provide immense relief to leg swelling caused by fluid retention.
Moreover, massage therapy is great for your mental health. Previous studies have shown that pregnant women who were massaged had lower stress hormones and lesser incidence of postnatal complications.
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