When Should You Not Get A Massage When Pregnant?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The American Pregnancy Association says that women can begin massage at any point during a pregnancy. However, many prenatal massage therapists will not accept clients until

the second trimester of pregnancy

.

What massages are bad for pregnancy?

These circulatory changes put a pregnant woman at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, typically in the calves or inner thigh. To be safe, pregnancy massage experts

avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs

. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot.

Where should you not get a massage when pregnant?

Experts stay safe by avoiding pressure points associated with the pelvis, wrists, hands, and ankles. Due to the risk of blood clots during pregnancy it is also important to

avoid deep tissue massage in the legs

.

How many months can you get a massage while pregnant?

Women can begin massage therapy

at any point in their pregnancy

– during the first, second, or third trimester. Many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Are you allowed to get a massage while pregnant?

Is pregnancy massage safe? It is important to make

sure your massage therapist is properly trained in pregnancy massage

. They should avoid pressing certain pressure points and should only use gentle movements on your abdomen (tummy). Heated beds or electric blankets are not recommended in pregnancy.

Can I hurt my baby by pressing on my stomach?

Because baby is so tiny in the first trimester,

there’s virtually no risk to them with abdominal contact or trauma

. It’s not impossible to have a negative outcome, but it would be rare unless the injury was severe. The risk increases a bit in the second trimester, as your baby and stomach start growing more.

Can I lay on my stomach for massage while pregnant?

As long as you are comfortable, laying on your stomach during a massage

will not hurt your baby

.

Can my boyfriend gave me a massage while pregnant?

However, during

pregnancy they can feel particularly intolerable

. By giving your partner regular massages you can help reduce the intensity, frequency and impact of stress and anxiety. You may also help to reduce heartburn, a common feature of pregnancy which can be exacerbated by stress.

What pressure points should be avoided during pregnancy?

One of the pressure points that pregnant women must avoid is found

in the ankles

. The medial malleolus, also known as the Sanyinjioa or SP6, is a spot located three fingers’ width above the ankle bone. If the medial malleolus is manipulated during pregnancy, it can lead to contractions, which is not safe for the fetus.

When should you stop working when pregnant?

Most women can physically handle their usual workload up until

about 32 to 34 weeks of pregnancy

. Around this same time, many women are also shifting their mental focus from their job towards being a new mother, and that can affect the decision on when to stop working.

Are foot rubs safe during pregnancy?

While a foot massage sounds tempting, you might wonder if it’s safe during pregnancy. Fortunately, as

long as you avoid specific areas on the foot and ankle that may trigger uterine contractions

and cervical ripening, you can enjoy the soothing foot massage you’re already dreaming about.

Is it bad to get a tattoo while pregnant?

The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is

the risk of contracting an infection

, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born.

How often can I get a massage while pregnant?

For prenatal massage, it is recommended that your appointments coincide with your doctor visits. This means once a month until 27 weeks, and

twice a month until 36 weeks

. After that, it is recommended that you transition to weekly appointments until you give birth.

Is a vibrating bed safe during pregnancy?


Pregnant women should not be exposed to strong whole body vibrations

and/or blows to the body, e.g. while driving off-road vehicles. Exposing the entire body to vibrations over time can increase the risk for premature birth or low birth weight.

Can you get a back massage in early pregnancy?

Very Early In Pregnancy


It is not recommended by most massage experts to

use massage in first trimester clients. Pressure points on a woman’s body may accidentally trigger contractions that are dangerous for both the mother and child.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.