Pregnancy brings joy to the family, but it also evokes a sense of euphoria and anticipation of the coming journey. Pregnancy is also accompanied by backaches and swollen legs. Thus, massage chairs show up as a perfect savior for pregnant women to provide comfort.
Many pregnant women opt for prenatal massage from their therapist, which is considered safe. Likewise, massage chairs are often beneficial and safe to use during pregnancy. It can soothe backaches, reduce leg pain and labor pain, ease anxiety and depression, and improve blood circulation.
In this blog, we have discussed the benefits of massage chairs, potential concerns, the right uses during pregnancy, and when to avoid using them.
Understanding Massage Chairs and Their Benefits
Massage chairs are used to ease tension in your muscles by leveraging rollers, vibrations, and heating elements. These chairs imitate the techniques of professional massage therapists, including kneading, tapping, and stretching. Thus, massage chairs help pregnant women during pregnancy.
Furthermore, massage chairs have various benefits that help women relax their bodies and ease stress.
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Relieve Leg and Back Pain - As the belly grows during pregnancy, the body weight increases and puts pressure on the spine and legs. A massage chair helps relax your muscles and improves circulation.
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Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep - During pregnancy, stress hormone levels can increase, which may affect both the mother and the child. A gentle massage can provide relaxation, minimize cortisol levels, and boost sleep quality.
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Enhanced Immune Response - A research study shows that pregnant women who include massage treatments in their routine tend to develop an enhanced immune system. This provides a great boost to the body's defense mechanisms.
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Affirmative Impact on Fetal Growth - Pregnant women who use massage chairs during pregnancy show a lower risk of premature birth, increased fetal birth weight, and, eventually, better health of neonates.
Are Massage Chair Safe During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, using a massage chair is considered safe, but there have been a few concerns about it.
Vibration: The vibration a pregnant woman feels from a massage chair is commonly not strong enough to cause any harm. Additionally, even with the highest setting, being in a sitting position poses no risk to your belly.
Acupressure: The pressure applied by these chairs isn't intense enough to trigger labor. As a matter of fact, acupressure labor points need steady pressure, which isn't the one you get from a massage chair.
Heat: It's wise to avoid overheating during pregnancy, even though the heat from a massage chair is quite mild. During pregnancy, high body temperature is considered dangerous. Therefore, hot tubs, saunas, and hot yoga aren't recommended in pregnancy.
Overall, using a massage in a low setting should be safe as it doesn't pose much risk during pregnancy. However, contact your doctor and check with them if you feel unsure.
Tips to Use Massage Chair Safely During Pregnancy
It's wise and safe to evaluate the duration of a massage chair during pregnancy. Research shows that pregnant women can use massage chairs 5 to 10 times from the 16th to 36th weeks of pregnancy. Each session should be a 20-minute massage treatment.
Avoid Overuse - Extra uses of a massage chair in daily activity can cause muscle fatigue. It's important to always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safe usage during pregnancy.
Massage Routine - Two 40-minute massage treatments daily are recommended during pregnancy.
Reduce Thrombosis Risk - Women with pregnancy are at higher risk of deep venous thrombosis. Prevent these potential risks by avoiding deep muscle tissue massages on arms and legs.
Lateral or Sitting Position - Avoid a prolonged supine position for massages. Prefer a lateral or sitting position to prevent vena cava syndrome.
Avoid Abdominal Massage - Ensure to avoid massaging the abdomen area to prevent the risk of placental or urine rupture. This will protect the well-being of both the mother and the child.
When to Avoid a Massage Chair During Pregnancy?
Expectant mothers go through hormonal changes, both physically and emotionally. Thus, in certain situations, using a massage chair is not allowed unless approved by the healthcare professional. Here are those conditions when pregnant women should avoid a massage chair.
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When you have a severe headache.
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When there has been a history of preterm labor or miscarriage.
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A massage chair is unsafe with the presence of oedema or extreme swelling.
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It's recommended to avoid it if you are suffering from preeclampsia.
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People with obesity or those who have difficulty sitting in a chair should avoid it.
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If a massage chair causes you stress, it's better to avoid using it.
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If you are going through harsh morning sickness, ensure to avoid it.
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Avoid using it with a high-risk pregnancy.
Final Words
Pregnancy is a memorable journey for any woman, even though it comes with some physical challenges. Thus, many pieces of equipment are being used by women to get some relief. A massage chair is one such piece of equipment that does wonders when it comes to soothing backaches and easing anxiety. However, it has some potential concerns, which can be evaluated with the proper care and the above tips.