Are Massage Chairs Safe During Pregnancy?

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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 and fatigue, 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:

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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 may be a good idea in prenatal care.

1. Eases back pain:

The vibrating massage chairs may work wonders to ease back pain and provide lumbar support. According to studies, a massage chair helps improve blood circulation in the upper body, relieving pain and cramps. It provides comfort to the pregnant woman.

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.

3. Improves Spinal Alignment

Mechanical massages are known to provide better spinal alignment and thus improve posture. This may help in reducing lower back pain in the later stages of pregnancy too.

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, edema, or severe headaches

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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.

Point to consider

Do not consume hot beverages or foods when on a massage chair, as you may accidentally spill them on yourself and cause scalding or burns.

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. The restored hormonal balance can lower stress, anxiety, and depression (1), improving the quality of life.

Quick fact

Massages during pregnancy may help pregnant women deal with insomnia or sleeplessness (4).

2. Eases leg and back pain:

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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). Lesser pain will also improve your sleep quality.

3. Makes labor easy:

Research shows that massage therapy during labor ensures shorter labor and reduces chances of postnatal depression (3). In other words, it speeds up postpartum recovery.

Infographic: Massage Chair Alternatives That Are Safer When Pregnant

It is generally safe to use a massage chair during pregnancy, but if you’re concerned about safety, you may look for other alternatives. Check out the infographic below for therapeutic options you may prefer rather than using massage chairs. However, consult your obstetrician before you start any relaxing therapy.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Dr. Ng Kai LynMMed (O&G), MRCOG

Dr. Ng Kai Lyn is a Singapore-based obstetrician and gynecologist, specializing in urogynecology, minimally invasive surgery, and clinical interest in fertility. She has an experience of 12 years managing and treating benign gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometrial polyps, and endometriosis. She is also fellowship trained in urogynecology. She manages pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, overactive...more

shreeja pillaiMSc

Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. Her interest in the field of medical research has developed her passion for writing research-based articles. As a writer of more than two years experience, she aims...more

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences. In addition, she has an internship experience in Oil India Limited as an R&D project trainee. As a writer at MomJunction, Aneesha ensures...more