So I assume you are either pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. And you want to know “can I use a massage chair while pregnant?”
Or maybe you just are here to get an answer to some common questions about massage chair use while pregnant.
In both cases, you would like to know if you can continue using a massage chair while pregnant. I too had my concerns with my first child.
So asking “Can I use a massage chair while pregnant” is a very common question. And the question is understandable.
Using massage chairs during pregnancy has not gotten, over the years, the greatest press coverage.
And the concerns came in all forms, from the vibrations of the chair causing harm to the baby, they would cause a miscarriage or early labor, and any number of other dangerous outcomes.
But is any of it true? Do you have to just put the chair away in storage for the next 9 months?
The quick and simple answer is for the most part, no. There are some exceptions, and we will discuss them here.
Massage Chair Use During Pregnancy : Answers to Some Common Questions
Studies have shown that massage therapy can be very effective during pregnancy.
Your baby is wrapped in layers of muscle and fluid, keeping them well-cushioned.
And just as a prenatal massage given by your therapist is safe, so is the use of a massage chair.
Because of their benefits and convenience, the popularity of massage chairs among pregnant women has been increasing.
However, massage chair use during pregnancy has been a topic of debate, and many different opinions exist regarding the subject.
Let’s take a few moments to address some of these concerns. As always, should you have any questions at all, please consult with your doctor.
Does the vibration affects the fetus?
So you’re ready for a nice relaxing massage. But maybe you heard that the vibrations from the massage chair will have a detrimental effect on your growing baby.
The mild vibrations that a massage chair produces are no different than what you would receive while taking a nice leisurely walk, which is beneficial during pregnancy.
You probably do not want to set the vibration settings too high or to sit there for too long, but if you use the low to moderate settings you should be just fine.
Will it cause premature labor?
There have been some studies that have shown that some acupressure points can induce labor.
Because of this, some massage chair manufacturers, out of concerns related to liability issues, may recommend pregnant women not use their chairs due to the chance that stimulating these pressure points may cause premature labor.
But according to Romy Ghosh, MD, “While there have been claims that a massage chair can lead to miscarriage or premature labor, there is no evidence that that is true. Massage chairs used as intended are generally safe when pregnant.”
To induce labor would require intense and continuous pressure on one spot, and the massage chair is not capable of this type of sustained and targeted pressure.
Is the heating feature harmful to the baby?
Most doctors caution against the use of hot tubs during pregnancy due to the risk of raising the core body temperature.
However, the use of a heating pad is a safe and effective way to help ease the pain and discomfort that comes with pregnancy, and it does not raise the core body temperature.
The heating elements that come with massage chairs provide mild heat, and there is no evidence that they cause any harm to the baby.
And should you still have concerns related to this, you can always turn that feature off.
Benefits Of A Massage Chair During Pregnancy
Before discussing the benefits of a massage chair while you are pregnant, let’s take a moment to make something clear.
Although most doctors will tell you a massage chair is safe during pregnancy, you should always discuss it with your own doctor before using the massage chair for the first time.
Along with pregnancy comes a host of associated symptoms. And with many of these symptoms, a massage chair could be beneficial in relieving.
So let’s now talk about some of these benefits.
Lowering Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Pregnancy is an emotional time, and stress and anxiety are just one of many feelings that pregnant women experience.
Learning to manage these issues that comes along with pregnancy is essential to the health and well-being of your baby.
Studies have shown that massage therapy is one of the best ways to relax your muscles and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
A therapeutic massage stimulates the hormone serotonin, which is known to be a mood stabilizer, and at the same time decreases the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
This combination is an excellent way to ease anxiety and depression.
Relieving back and leg pain
Approximately 50-80% of women report experiencing lower back pain during pregnancy.
A massage can help with this in a few ways.
- Blood circulation is improved, which we will talk about next
- Tension in the muscles is reduced, allowing them to relax through stretching and kneading programs
- Endorphin levels, the so-called “feel good” chemical of the body, are increased.
And the zero gravity position that most chairs have today can help with the even distribution of weight along the body.
This further reduces the pressure on the lower back and pelvic area.
Improving blood circulation
Massage therapy helps the blood circulate much easier.
This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, and most importantly to your baby, more efficiently.
The more efficient blood circulation can also help to reduce much of the swelling in the legs and feet that come with pregnancy and the associated pain that comes with it.
Improved circulation also helps to lower blood pressure, another condition associated with pregnancy.
High blood pressure during pregnancy has been known to cause serious complications such as preeclampsia.
Improving Sleep
There have been studies that have reported that as many as 78% of pregnant women have reported experiencing sleep-related disturbances, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome, during pregnancy.
Sleep disturbances affect health and quality of life and may also negatively influence obstetric outcomes.
A recent study at University of California, San Francisco found that women who slept less than 6 hours per night were more likely to have longer labor and were 4.5 times more likely to have a cesarean section.
Massage, including features found with massage chairs, can provide deep relaxation and make for a perfect nightly ritual to prepare for bed.
And if you opt for a zero gravity massage chair, the zero gravity position provides a safe sleeping position as well.
When To Avoid A Massage Chair When Pregnant
So we have discussed many of the reasons a massage chair can be beneficial during pregnancy. But, just like anything else in life, there are exceptions to every rule. So let’s talk about when you should avoid using your massage chair when pregnant.
Severe morning sickness
Massage chairs may be wonderful when you need that time to just relax and relieve that anxiety associated with the pregnancy.
However, If you’re experiencing severe morning sickness, it is recommended to avoid the use of the massage chair.
You might think that a quiet relaxing massage might make you feel better.
But in many cases the chairs shuddering, even if it were very gentle, may make you feel even worse.
High risk pregnancy
As we have discussed, the use of a massage chair during pregnancy is generally safe.
But as a general rule, you always want to consult with your doctor before using one.
That being said, If you have a history of a prior miscarriage or preterm labor, or your doctor has advised you that your pregnancy is high risk or complicated, you should avoid using the massage chair.
First trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy is considered weeks 0 to 13.
Studies have shown that it is during the first trimester that about 80 percent of miscarriages happen. It is also during this period that the baby’s development is at its highest.
After the first trimester, the chance of miscarriage drops significantly.
Because of these facts, most experts suggest and I would agree, that out of an abundance of caution and for peace of mind, you should avoid using the massage chair during the first trimester.
Any unusual symptoms
If you have any other unusual symptoms, such as severe headaches, unusual swelling or have a rapid increase in weight in a short period of time, these may be signs of preeclampsia and you should avoid the massage chair and speak with your doctor right away.
Take Away Message
There is no doubt that a good therapeutic massage can be very beneficial while pregnant.
But sometimes when you may need a quick massage, it may not coincide with your therapist’s schedule, not to mention you would need an appointment and have to get there.
But a massage chair can provide all the benefits of the therapist without all of the inconvenience. And for the most part, there are no issues in using one during your pregnancy.
So now that you have done your research, if you have no contraindicated health conditions, and your health practitioner gives you the thumbs up, then go ahead and enjoy your massage chair.