Your life will begin to change the minute you have a positive pregnancy test. Along with all the joy, you may have a range of symptoms that include exhaustion, nausea, swelling and various aches and pains as your stomach grows. A foot massage is believed to be the right ticket, really?
A common question from mothers-to-be, is whether or not a foot massage is safewhile pregnant. Many are told that it can be unsafe because of the pressure points in their feet. It is true that the foot possesses strong acupressure points. They are believed to naturally bring on the onset of labor if professionally stimulated. The truth is, these points don’t get stimulated easily. You have to bilaterally stimulate, or do so to both feet at the same time.
Because of the difficulty hitting these pressure points is, it’s safe to say foot massage can be enjoyed without harm to you or your baby. Specific foot massage during pregnancy can be very beneficial to mom. There are many aches and pains in pregnancy, from hormone changes, structure changes to weight gain. These can lead to your feet being swollen and sore. The increased blood volume can also stress your circulatory system, particularly in the pelvis, making your feet and legs swell. It can be uncomfortable, causing cramps and making the mother feel miserable.
The right therapist can help your lymphatic and circulatory system through foot massage while pregnant, whose purpose is to move fluid to the heart and through the blood stream. A gentle repetitive massage on the feet, ankles and legs can help. You should only seek out the most professional massage therapists who know how to avoid pressure points.
There are physical benefits from pregnancy foot massage in addition to helping an expectant mother relax and destress. Looking after yourself during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do to insure the health of your baby.
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to get plenty of water in every day. One way to make sure your massage while pregnant is safe is to stay hydrated. Water is important to making sure your bodily fluid levels stay where they are meant to. When you are pregnant, you will need to drink more water every day. This will help to make sure your baby is getting enough water. After the massage, you will want to continue to drink plenty of water. This will help your body with cell regeneration.
Even though it is seriously relaxing, there are some cases when foot massage while pregnant isn’t safe. Here are some cases where it wouldn’t be good:
Pitting Edema
Swelling in the feet, legs and ankles is very common during pregnancy. It is also known as edema and happens because of the growing uterus and the pressure it puts on the veins as well as the increase in hormones. A lymphatic drainage massage can help to relieve swelling during pregnancy as well as when it is over. With a pitting edema, there is an indentation when pressure is applied to the skin, that will disappear slowly. It is important that a doctor checks this condition.
DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis
This is when a blood clot forms in one or more veins deep in your leg. If there is pain with your swelling, this could be a symptom of DVT. A foot massage while pregnant could cause this clot to dislodge and become an embolism.
Preeclampsia
This condition is when your blood pressure is high and there is a sudden increase in swelling in your body. This condition is often serious and tends to occur during the last stage of pregnancy. It may be characterized by rapid weight gain, an increase in blood pressure, severe headaches, edema and visual changes. If left untreated, the mother may experience convulsions, coma and death.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, experience nausea and vomiting, or are dealing with placental troubles, you should consult your doctor before getting a massage.
Bedsides foot massage, consider these nine methods of soothing your swollen pregnancy feet: