Prenatal Foot Massage : Is It Safe, Benefits & Risks

Pregnancy not only leads to abdominal expansion but also frequently triggers swelling in the legs and feet. The discomfort associated with this swelling is a familiar experience for expectant mothers, reaching peak intensity on occasion. While applying pressure to specific points may offer relief, the allure of a soothing massage is often irresistible. Delving into the potential advantages and risks of prenatal massages becomes crucial in making an informed decision. Beyond the immediate comfort they provide, understanding the broader implications can contribute to a more comprehensive perspective on their role in maternal well-being during pregnancy. Read on to learn all about foot massages in pregnancy.

Is a Foot Massage Safe During Pregnancy?

Many women wish to opt for a pedicure foot massage while pregnant and get relief from the pain, especially after knowing that there are specific massages meant for pregnant women. However, these have not been approved by any medical authority, so their benefits cannot be fully determined. Many spas do not accept pregnant women, and many doctors avoid recommending a massage therapist as well.

But a well-experienced professional performing the right kind of pregnancy massage will be safe for the mother as well as bring the necessary benefits along with it. These professionals undertake specialised training and certification and have the right knowledge of where to massage and which areas to avoid.

What Are the Benefits of a Pregnancy Foot Massage?

During pregnancy, women often experience various physical discomforts, and swelling in the legs and feet is a common issue. A soothing foot massage can be a tempting remedy, but understanding the benefits is essential. Below, we explore several benefits of a foot massage during pregnancy that can contribute to overall well-being.

1. Improved Circulation

A foot massage for a pregnant woman, promotes better blood circulation, alleviating the swelling and discomfort caused by reduced blood flow during pregnancy.

2. Stress Reduction

Gentle massage releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety of the pregnancy and promoting a sense of relaxation that can positively impact both the mother and the developing baby, and promote a healthy delivery. For mothers who show signs of depression and are on medication, undertaking regular massages can help boost their mood. 

3. Relief From Edema

The fluid retention in a pregnant woman is higher than usual. This is further accompanied by vein compression since the growth of the uterus applies pressure on them. Massaging helps in draining excess fluids, aiding in reducing edema, a common pregnancy symptom characterized by fluid retention and swelling.

4. Alleviation of Muscle Tension

Pregnancy often induces muscle tension, especially in the legs and feet. Massage helps to release tension, enhancing comfort and flexibility.

5. Enhanced Sleep Quality

Improved relaxation and reduced discomfort from a foot massage contribute to better sleep, crucial for the overall health of both the expectant mother and the baby.

Proper Way to Perform a Foot Massage While Pregnant

Undergoing a foot massage during pregnancy’s third trimester can bring the right benefits when done correctly. Using the right massage oil and massage technique is just as necessary. Here are a few steps your partner or caretaker can follow to perform a foot massage properly.

1. The first step is to apply a good amount of oil to the pregnant woman’s feet and the partner’s hands. This will make it easier to massage the feet.
2. Beginning from the feet, start massaging from the toes to the ankle while applying pressure. Make sure the partner’s grip isn’t too firm. Keep massaging the feet for about 5-8 minutes.
3. Once that is done, move upwards from the ankle. Focus on the section from the ankle to the knee and begin massaging it. Make sure to use both hands to cover as much area of the legs and the calves as possible. Keep the pressure steady for both hands and maintain a pace of broad strokes, right from the ankle up to the knee in a single, non-stop motion. Continue doing this for about 10 minutes or so.
4. Once that is done, move on to the final stage. Now, focus on the region from the knee up to the thigh. Rub a little more oil if needed to keep the area lubricated. Be a little careful in this region but maintain a firm, steady pressure. The thigh has a larger surface area, so it is best to use two hands and alternately massage the lateral sections and then the vertical ones. This ensures you cover the entire leg and bring total relief. Continue doing this for 5-8 minutes. Then take a break before moving to the other leg. 

What Are the Risks of Getting a Foot Massage During Pregnancy?

The relief from a foot massage is immense, but there are certain risks associated with foot massages. Here are some of the possible pregnancy foot massage risks that need to be kept in mind.

1. DVT

Also known as deep vein thrombosis, this is generally a result of a clot formation. Mostly observed in legs, this blood clot occurs in one of the veins located deep within the leg, or even several of them. This causes the legs to swell up quite a lot, accompanied by intense pain. Many women face this only in one leg, making it easy to diagnose it.

In such a case, a foot massage can be life-threatening. This is because any pressure on the veins could cause the blood clot to loosen from the vein walls and begin to travel through the circulatory system. On reaching the lungs, this clot could block the flow of blood and lead to various complications, including an embolism.

2. Pitting Oedema

Swelling that occurs during pregnancy is also known as oedema. This swelling is not out of the ordinary since it is usually a result of an increase in the size of the uterus as well as hormonal changes. Both of these begin to affect the veins and obstruct normal blood circulation. This is why a massage brings relief since it aids circulation by reducing swelling.

But, if the swelling tends to create a pit when pressure is applied, this is usually a sign of pitting oedema. This needs to be examined by the doctor immediately as it could signify the presence of DVT or preeclampsia.

3. Unintentional Stimulation of Labor

Certain pressure points on the feet are associated with uterine activity. Inadvertently stimulating these points during a foot massage might induce contractions and potentially trigger premature labor, especially if the pregnancy is high-risk or nearing full term.

Areas That Should Be Avoided While Performing the Massage

There are four major areas of the foot that need to be avoided while giving a foot massage to a pregnant woman.

• Spleen 6 Acupressure Point (SP 6): Located on the inner ankle area above the inner ankle bone, this pressure point stimulates the lower abdomen, which may not be beneficial for a pregnant woman.
• Urinary Bladder 60 (UB 60): Located behind the ankle bone on the outside, between the Achilles tendon and the main bone, this point is used primarily during labour to provide relief from pain. Therefore, take extra precautions to stay away from it.
• Urinary Bladder 67 (UB 67): Located on the baby toe’s corner near the toenail, it is a popular acupressure point to stimulate contractions and get the baby in the position for delivery.
• Kidney 1 (K1): Found at the center of the sole, directly under the ball of the foot, K1 is believed to influence the reproductive system. Stimulating this point might lead to uterine contractions, making it advisable to avoid them during pregnancy to prevent any unwanted effects on gestation.

FAQs

1. Why Do Your Feet Hurt So Much When You Are Pregnant?

During pregnancy, the body undergoes hormonal and physiological changes that lead to increased fluid retention and weight gain. This, combined with the pressure from the growing uterus, can cause swelling and added strain on the feet. Additionally, hormonal shifts can affect ligaments and joints, contributing to discomfort and pain in the feet.

2. Can You Massage Your Swollen Feet in Pregnancy?

Yes, gentle massages can often provide relief for swollen feet during pregnancy. However, it’s crucial to be cautious and avoid certain pressure points that may stimulate contractions or cause other complications. Consulting with a healthcare professional and seeking the expertise of a trained prenatal massage therapist ensures the massage is safe and beneficial for the specific needs of a pregnant woman.

Foot massage is quite a wonderful way to get the necessary relaxation you need during pregnancy. Opting for a reflexology foot massage while pregnant can also be done, ensuring the areas of risk are avoided, and light pressure is used. A regular foot massage can help maintain a good mental and physical balance and relieve the stress of pregnancy, keeping you and your baby happy. Now that you’re well-armed with information about foot massage and pregnancy, go ahead and get that massage for a relaxing pregnancy journey!

References/Resources:

1. Prenatal Massage Therapy; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/prenatal-massage/

2. Sutham. K, Na-Nan. S, Paiboonsithiwong. S, Chaksuwat. P, Tongsong. T; Leg massage during pregnancy with unrecognized deep vein thrombosis could be life-threatening: a case report (BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7178622/; April 2020

3. Hernandez-Reif. M; Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women (Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology); ResearchGate; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8018197_Massage_therapy_effects_on_depressed_pregnant_women; July 2004

4. Reflexology for Supporting the Maternity Journey; International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy; https://www.ifwip.org/reflexology-pregnancy/

5. Dolatian. M, Hasanpour. A, Montazeri. S, Heshmat. R, Majd. H; The Effect of Reflexology on Pain Intensity and Duration of Labor on Primiparas (Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371987/; July 2011

6. Field. T; Pregnancy and labor massage (Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2870995/; March 2010

7. Is massage safe during pregnancy?; UT Southwestern Medical Center; https://utswmed.org/medblog/massage-pregnancy-guidelines/

Also Read: 

Perineal Massage during Pregnancy
Back Massage in Pregnancy
Using Massage Chairs when Pregnant

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