Massage is a great way to relieve pain and discomfort. However, the safety of massage chairs during pregnancy may be doubtful. Though it is a great invention that helps people relax by massaging their pressure points and relieving stress, pregnant women should use these chairs cautiously as they may lead to complications. Also, the chairs with heating pads may not be good for the fetus. Read the post to understand the safety of using massage chairs during pregnancy and things to keep in mind to prevent complications.

Are Massage Chairs Safe During Pregnancy?

Many companies manufacturing massage chairs warn against its use during pregnancy. Some of the reasons for not using massage chairs while pregnant include the following.

1. Pressure points:

Although stressing certain pressure points in the body may theoretically trigger premature labor, it is virtually impossible for a massage chair to deliver sustained and targeted pressure to such points.

2. Heating pad:

Most massage chairs include heating pads. Although these pads can increase your body temperature, it is usually quite simple to modulate the heating element while being mindful to avoid overheating yourself while pregnant.

Why Using Massage Chairs Is A Good Idea?

Here are some reasons why using massage chairs during pregnancy may be a good idea.

1. Eases back pain:

The vibrating massage chairs may work wonders to ease back pain. According to studies, a massage chair helps circulate blood in the upper body, relieving pain and cramps.

2. Does not jar the body:

Pregnant women fear that the vibration of the massage chair may harm their unborn baby. However, the vibration from a massage chair moves your body just like walking. These mild vibrations may not harm your growing baby. In fact, your baby won’t even feel anything while you get a massage.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Using Massage Chairs

Here are a few things you must keep in mind before using these therapeutic chairs:

  1. Limit the time you spend on these massage chairs; everything in moderation. Don’t spend more than 15-20 minutes, though you might feel like taking a nap on the chair!
  2. During the third trimester, don’t put too much pressure on your growing belly. Don’t try to squeeze your body onto the chair. If you are too big for a massage chair, don’t use it.
  3. Don’t use a massage chair if you have:

High-risk pregnancy Preeclampsia History of pre-term labor Swelling or severe headaches

Now, this list might scare you away from massages during pregnancy! But the fact is that a good massage, including one on a massage chair, has a lot to offer.

Benefits Of Massage During Pregnancy

A good massage is something we can all enjoy. But what does it have to offer during pregnancy? Here are some benefits of a massage during pregnancy:

1. Lowers stress:

Prenatal massage helps manage the hormone levels in the body and lower stress, anxiety, and depression (1).

2. Eases leg and back pain:

During pregnancy, you may end up with pain in the lower back and legs. Your growing uterus takes up a lot of space and puts pressure on your body. A good massage session can help ease this pain to a great extent (1) (2).

3. Makes labor easy:

Research shows that massage therapy during labor ensures shorter labor and reduces chances of postnatal depression (3).

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