Pregnancy is not easy; numerous health complications appear during pregnancy, including swelling, muscle cramps, dizziness, and discomfort due to hormonal changes and deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Foot massage has many benefits, and some discomforts can be relieved through it.
Though it is beneficial, it has some side effects or risks during pregnancy.Many expectant mothers don’t know how foot massage should be taken and what precautions should be followed.
In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits, safety, risks, and precautions of foot massage during pregnancy.
Is Foot Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
A question is often asked by expectant mothers – Is Foot Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, foot massage is considered safe for pregnant women unless they have blood clots in their feet.
It is not recommended to take a foot massage during pregnancy if there is any blood clot in the muscle or in cases of complicated pregnancy.
Foot massage reduces swelling, muscle cramps, improves blood circulation, and relieves stress.
It is a beneficial and safe method if performed correctly and administered by a trained professional.
However, it will be better to consult a healthcare provider before getting a foot massage.
The Benefits of Foot Massage During Pregnancy
There are many benefits of foot massage during pregnancy, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and shortening labor. Every expectant mother should try this for extra comfort in their pregnancy journey.
A few benefits of foot massage are given below:
Relief from Swelling
Swelling is a common health issue, especially in the face, legs, ankles, and feet during pregnancy, and occurs due to fluid retention or uncontrolled blood pressure.
A perfect and gentle foot massage may remove edema or swelling by stimulating blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and reducing water retention.
Reduction of Muscle Tension
Muscle tension or cramps are also common health issues in pregnancy, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters due to hormonal imbalance and a lack of vitamins and nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Being overweight and overuse of muscles can also cause muscle pain. Doctors often suggest foot massages to relieve this muscle tension.
Many pregnant women have tried it, and they experience relaxed tight muscles, eased muscle cramps or pain, improved overall flexibility, and many extra benefits like stress relief, better mobility, as well as reduced discomfort of pregnancy.
Improved Sleep
Many pregnant women suffer from sleep disorders due to hormonal changes and other physical and mental issues like anxiety, depression, and muscle pain.
In this case, foot massage releases endorphin hormones which may help remove discomfort, extra stress, and anxiety, leading to better sleep at night.
By applying proper foot massage methods to enhance sleep quality, expectant mothers can comfortably enjoy their whole night of pregnancy.
Reduced Depression and Anxiety or Stress Relief
Feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress are common due to hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy.
Researchers have found that pregnant women who took foot massages regularly experienced less stress or depression during their pregnancy.
Foot massage releases the endorphin hormone which may help to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being.
Lower Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a stress hormone that increases during pregnancy due to internal and external changes. Higher cortisol levels are not good for both the mother and the baby.
A relaxing foot massage may help to reduce stress and anxiety, which leads to lower cortisol levels.
Shortened Labor
Studies suggest that foot reflexology massage focuses on specific points on the feet, which promotes relaxation and calms the body, resulting in shortened and less painful labor.
Consultation with a health care provider is needed before taking this massage, and it must be performed by a reflexologist or a therapist.
Pregnant women who took this regularly from an expert experienced their labor as shorter, smoother, and less painful.
Benefits for Baby
A relaxed and stress-free mother is needed to avoid low birth weight and premature delivery. A relaxed mother can provide a stable environment for fetal development.
Improved blood circulation from foot massage can enhance oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus, which are essential for brain development and overall well-being of the unborn baby.
Releases Overall Pain
Pregnant women often experience pain in their lower back, legs, and feet due to increased body weight and changes in posture.
A foot massage alleviates pain by promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. It serves as a natural and effective pain management technique.
Improved Mood
Frequent mood swings are very common due to the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy.
Through foot massage, happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine are released, which can improve a positive mood and emotion in expectant mothers.
A positive mindset and feeling comfortable are essential for pregnant women, and it makes the pregnancy journey more enjoyable.
Preparing for the Foot Massage
Proper preparation is needed for the perfect foot massage during pregnancy. A proper management system ensures a comfortable and safe experience.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
- First, choose a calm and well-ventilated room.
- The room should be dimly lit.
- Then use a comfortable bed or reclining chair.
- If you want, you can play your preferred music at low volume to enhance relaxation.
Clean and Preparing Your Feet
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin. You can add Epsom salt or a few drops of essential oil to the warm water.
- After soaking, clean and wash your feet with this warm water.
- Dry them properly before starting the massage.
Gathering Necessary Products
- For smoothness and to prevent skin irritation, use pregnancy-safe massage oils or lotions.
- Keep a clean, warm towel for any use.
After completing this preparation, your partner or assistant can start your foot massage.
What Are the Risks of Foot Massage During Pregnancy?
Though foot massages are generally safe and beneficial, they carry some risks if not performed correctly and carefully. Some are:
- If the massage is too intense and long-lasting, it can increase swelling or discomfort.
- There is a risk of blood clots in pregnant women who suffer from DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
- Skin reactions or irritation may occur if unsuitable oils or lotions are applied.
- It may trigger muscle contractions due to pressure on sensitive points.
To minimize these risks, you should follow proper guidelines given by a therapist or expert.
Who Should Avoid Massage During Pregnancy?
Foot massage is not suitable for women who suffer from several health conditions including edema and deep vein thrombosis.
Pregnant women with the following conditions should avoid foot massages:
- High-risk pregnancy
- History of preterm labor
- Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Blood clotting disorders or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Severe swelling or edema
- Skin infections or open wounds on the feet
Precautions
During a foot massage in pregnancy, some precautions should be followed to minimize the potential risk.
These are:
- Before getting a foot massage, consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety.
- Avoid deep pressure on the feet to prevent muscle contraction.
- Get the massage from a massage therapist or an expert.
- Ensure the therapist has experience with prenatal massage.
- Stop the massage immediately if you notice any discomfort like pain or irritation.
- If there are any open wounds or cuts on the legs, don’t get a foot massage as it may cause pain or infection.
- Ensure clean hands and trimmed nails to avoid any discomfort during the foot massage.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, foot massage plays an essential role in enhancing comfort and relieving stress, foot pains, and other health issues.
It can be safe and beneficial if taken by a trained specialist while following some precautions.
For safety, you must consult a specialist before taking a foot massage, and if you notice any side effects, stop it.
By applying a proper method of foot massage, expectant moms can enjoy a wonderful journey.
