Can you use a massage gun while you’re pregnant? According to studies, massage therapy can help reduce the symptoms of pregnancy-related depression. It can also help with other conditions such as gestational depression.
During pregnancy, massage is a time-tested technique that can help relieve the discomfort and anxiety that pregnant women experience. It is assumed that pregnant women are more likely to benefit from the use of massage guns, which combine the effects of percussion and vibration, than from regular massage.
Although it is fine to use a massage gun while pregnant, you should avoid taking any risks. This is because it is a sensitive time.
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Are Massage Guns Safe During Pregnancy?
The details of your pregnancy will start to matter here. While using a massage gun during the first few months is safe, it is crucial to know where and when it can be used safely. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, it is not recommended to use percussion massage. This is because it can be harmful to the development of your baby.
It is also important to note that prolonged use of a massage gun or a traditional massage can increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
You should avoid using a massage gun during the second and third trimesters to ensure that your safety is considered. This is because there are fewer concerns about the effects of the product on fetal development.
The intensity of your practice is also another essential factor that you should consider when using a massage gun. Although it is generally safe to use a massage gun, knowing how much is too much can differentiate between a safe and unsafe treatment.
Before you start using a massage gun, it is essential that you thoroughly study it to guarantee that you are doing it safely and effectively. In various ways, the effects of a massage gun can be compared to those of a deep tissue massage.
So, if you are planning on having this type of massage during your pregnancy, First, you need to know the vital health concern when using a massage gun when pregnant.
Read also: Can A Massage Gun Break Up Fat?
Important Health Concern To Consider When Using Massage Gun While Pregnant
It is naturally safe for pregnant women to receive a massage. However, there are no studies supporting the safety of guns for this purpose. Also, it is essential to consult with your doctor before using a massage gun. You should avoid performing any kind of pregnancy massage if you have any conditions.
1. High-risk Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and have other high-risk conditions, such as preeclampsia, bleeding, or pre-term contractions, do not use a massage gun, but if your doctor told you that you could use it, then that is the only time you can use massage gun.
2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
If you are a person with a history of deep vein thrombosis, avoid using a massage gun. It can drive blood to rush to the legs, affecting circulation. Certain hormones can cause blood to clot more easily after delivery. Using a massage gun can also cause blood clots, potentially leading to a life-threatening condition.
3. Preeclampsia
Early pregnancy is often affected by preeclampsia, a condition where a rise in blood pressure can be very dangerous. It is a severe condition that affects the blood pressure of pregnant women. It usually begins to develop around 20 weeks of pregnancy. High blood pressure can lead to harsh ailments, such as kidney failure.
4. Gestational Diabetes
Although gestational diabetes can cause blood sugar levels to rise during pregnancy, avoiding using a massage gun is not always necessary. However, you need to consult your doctor before using a device that can stimulate blood flow.
5. Placenta Abruption
The placenta can be affected by various conditions, such as accrete, Previa, or abruption. These can lead to bleeding.
Which Areas Can You Use A Massage Gun In During Pregnancy?
Although massage guns can be beneficial for various body parts, they should not be performed on the lower body parts of pregnant women, such as the thighs, lower back, and abdomen. Doing so could cause blood clots. It is also important to avoid overstimulation in these areas, leading to blood clotting.
1. Neck and Shoulders
While pregnant, dealing with various body changes can cause tension in your shoulders and neck. Having a good massage can help ease this issue. In addition, some people find that using a massage gun on their neck and shoulders can help them feel better.
2. Arms
Your arms will start to feel strained throughout the day due to various activities, such as lifting and carrying. While it is essential to avoid sensitive areas, massage can also help improve the overall health of your shoulders and hands.
3. Upper Back
Carrying too much weight on the abdomen can cause changes in posture, which can lead to pain in the upper back. This part is usually referred to as the thoracic spine. It responds well to massage because it is made up of muscles.
To avoid getting your massage gun over your spine, make sure that you keep it away from your shoulder blades. Also, while you are doing this, make sure to go as low as you can without causing too much discomfort. If you have any doubts about how low to go, consult a medical doctor.
Which Areas Should You Avoid When Using A Massage Gun During Pregnancy?
Although massage guns are safe to use on certain body parts, such as the shoulders, neck, and back, they should only be used on these areas if accompanied by a doctor’s note. It is also essential to avoid using them on your lower legs and thighs.
1. Legs and Hips
While it may seem safe to do a deep tissue massage on one’s lower extremities, it is vital to take note of the risks associated with this practice. Women who are at risk of developing blood clots due to changes in their body composition during their pregnancy are often treated with deep tissue massage. This can help dislodge blood clots and allow them to travel to the lungs and heart.
2. Lower Back
Although it may be engaging to go after your lower back after a few aches and pains, it is important to remember that this is a common area of discomfort for pregnant women. Your lower back should be avoided when developing a baby. Direct force over this area will cause unwanted vibration.
3. The Abdomen
Unfortunately, this is an obvious one, but it is also essential to avoid this area as it can yield harm to your unborn child. If you are trying to massage this area with a massage gun, make sure that you avoid doing so while you are pregnant.
How To Use A Massage Gun Safely While Pregnant?
If your doctor has approved a massage gun, you need to find a quality one. However, before you begin using it, ensure you have all of the necessary knowledge and do not have any medical conditions.
After that, you can enjoy a massage on the areas of your body that you are most comfortable with. Follow these safety tips to assure that you’re doing it safely.
- Turn it on and set it to medium speed to use your massager. When you are ready to apply pressure, gently apply the head of the massager over the desired area and slowly apply pressure until it reaches a medium intensity.
- To maintain a straight angle and consistent pressure, slowly move the head around the area. Small circles are also effective ways to cover the ground evenly.
- For this exercise, focus on one specific body area for 1-2 minutes. It is essential to avoid overexerting yourself until you can assess if the soreness or swelling has gone away. To maintain a healthy and balanced body, increase your intensity and speed based on your comfort level.
What Is the Risk Factor Of Using A Massage Gun While Pregnant?
A review conducted on the various studies on the effects of massage on a pregnant woman revealed that it does not cause any complications. However, it can be harmful to high-risk women.
It’s important to note that most studies suggest that women should avoid massage therapy during the first few months of pregnancy due to the high risk of miscarriage. Aside from this, it’s also believed that the practice can increase blood flow to the fetus.
To Wrap Up
During this time, a woman’s life can feel very different. It can be challenging to uncover the right balance between being pregnant and being comfortable, and massage can help ease some discomfort. Doing so safely and properly can make the journey more enjoyable. Before you decide to have a pregnancy massage, it’s important to consult with your doctor. They may be able to provide you with the best advice regarding the procedure. In most cases, a good hand massage therapist can help ease the discomfort and improve blood flow.