Pregnancy is an incredible journey that comes with its fair share of both joy and challenges. As an expectant mother, there’s nothing more important than staying safe and comfortable during your pregnancy and finding much-needed relief from the aches and pains that come with growing a baby.
Massage therapy is a popular option among pregnant women, but what about massage chairs? Can you use a massage chair when pregnant, or could it pose risks? In this article, we’ll explore the use of a massage chair during pregnancy, and whether or not it’s right for you.
What we can tell you right away is that massage chairs are safe, and when they’re used correctly you can actually discover a lot of amazing health benefits for both you and your growing baby.
So, keep reading to learn all about using a massage chair when pregnant, or browse our selection of the best massage chairs in Canada and invest in a safe, comfortable pregnancy with fewer aches and pains!
Can You Use a Massage Chair When Pregnant?
First of all, can you use a massage chair when pregnant, and is it safe to use a massage chair while pregnant? Yes - using a massage chair while pregnant is safe, but there are a few considerations you need to keep in mind first.
Before using a pregnancy massage chair, discuss it with your doctor or midwife. They can provide personalized advice based on your health and pregnancy stage. Make sure you invest in a quality massage chair, learn how to use it properly, and stop if you experience any issues.
Benefits of Massage Chairs During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional changes. As the body adapts to support a growing baby, expectant mothers often experience discomfort and stress, which can have negative outcomes on both your and the baby’s health.
Pregnancy massage chairs can offer a convenient and effective way to alleviate some of these challenges, and come with a number of benefits. Let’s take a look at why so many expectant mothers are now using a massage chair during pregnancy.
Relief From Aches
One of the worst parts of pregnancy is the various aches and pains that arise as your body changes. As your abdomen grows, the lower back often bears increased strain, leading to pain and stiffness. A massage chair can gently massage these areas, reducing tension and providing relief.
Hormonal changes and increased breast size that accompany pregnancy can cause neck and shoulder discomfort. A pregnancy massage chair can help alleviate this tension with gentle, soothing movements, helping you feel more comfortable and relaxed as you grow your baby.
The added weight and pressure on your legs and feet can lead to soreness and fatigue, especially if you’re still spending a lot of time on your feet. Massage chairs equipped with leg and foot massagers can help ease this pain, providing much-needed comfort.
Improved Circulation
Pregnancy can sometimes impair circulation, leading to swelling (edema) in the legs and feet. A massage chair can help improve blood flow, which reduces swelling in your lower extremities, keeping you more comfortable.
Also, improved circulation ensures that essential nutrients and oxygen are more efficiently delivered to both you and your developing baby, leading to healthy growth and a baby that’s big and strong by the time they’re due.
Stress Reduction
Pregnancy is an emotionally intense time, and stress can negatively affect both you and your baby. A massage chair can play a significant role in reducing stress - the gentle massaging motions promote deep relaxation, helping to lower stress hormone levels and improve mood.
Stress and discomfort often interfere with sleep. Regular use of a massage chair can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Also, taking time to relax in a massage chair can provide a mental break, helping to reduce anxiety and improve your emotional health.
Tips on Safely Using a Massage Chair While Pregnant
So, using a massage chair when pregnant can bring a lot of health benefits, from soothing your aches and pains to helping deliver essential nutrients to your growing baby. But before you get started, let’s look at how to safely use a massage chair while pregnant.
Appropriate Settings and Features for Pregnant Women
Selecting the right settings and features on a massage chair is crucial for your comfort and safety. Pregnant women should use the chair on the lowest intensity settings to prevent excessive pressure on sensitive areas. Gentle, soothing massages are best to avoid overstimulation.
Deep tissue settings can be too intense and may cause discomfort or unintended pressure on the abdomen and lower back. Stick to lighter massage options. And, while heat can be comforting, excessive heat exposure should be avoided during pregnancy.
Duration and Frequency of Use
Another part of learning how to use a massage chair during pregnancy is understanding how often and how long you should be using your chair. It’s generally best to limit each massage session to 15-20 minutes, as prolonged use can lead to discomfort and potential overstimulation.
Use the massage chair in moderation. Daily use is generally safe if sessions are kept short, but always listen to your body and avoid overuse. If you experience any discomfort, dizziness, or contractions, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
Other Safe Ways to Manage Pregnancy Aches and Pains
Not only is it safe to use a massage chair while pregnant, but there are also a number of other things you can do to manage the aches and pains that are a normal part of growing a baby. Let’s take a look at some strategies that can make your massage chair even more effective.
Yoga, Stretching, and Other Gentle Exercises Recommended for Pregnancy
Prenatal yoga classes are specifically designed for expectant mothers, focusing on gentle stretching, strengthening, and relaxation. Yoga can help alleviate back pain, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. It also promotes mental well-being and reduces stress.
Gentle stretching exercises can relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. Focus on areas that typically become tight during pregnancy, such as the lower back, hips, and legs. Always stretch slowly and avoid overstretching.
Walking is a simple and effective way to stay active during pregnancy. It helps maintain cardiovascular health, boosts mood, and reduces swelling in your legs and feet. Swimming and water aerobics are also great low-impact options during pregnancy.
When to Consider Physical Therapy or Prenatal Massage by a Professional
For more targeted and specialized care, professional services can be invaluable during pregnancy. If you experience significant pain or discomfort, a physical therapist specializing in prenatal care can develop a customized exercise and treatment plan.
Physical therapy can address specific issues such as pelvic pain, sciatica, and postural imbalances. Therapists use techniques like manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education to improve comfort and functionality.
Professional prenatal massage therapists are trained to work with pregnant women and understand the unique needs and precautions required. Prenatal massage can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate stress.
Invest in Comfort and Health During Your Pregnancy at Forward Furniture!
Remember how we said it’s important to invest in a quality massage chair for use during pregnancy? Well, at Forward Furniture, that’s exactly what we offer! We specialize in premium, high-quality massage chairs and furniture, without the price tag you might see at some stores.
Our massage chairs are both stylish and functional, and we put hours and hours into perfecting both the designs and the craftsmanship. We want our chairs to stand the test of time, and we’re proud to say they do!
The best part of shopping with us is our customer care - you’re dealing with real people who care about your comfort and safety. So, shop our selection of premium pregnancy massage chairs, and make pregnancy that little bit easier! Click here to find the best massage chair in Canada near you:
- Massage chairs Calgary
- Massage chairs Edmonton
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- Massage chair Vancouver
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- Kelowna furniture store
Not sure how to choose a massage chair or how much is a massage chair going to cost? Reach out to our team - we’d love to talk to you about different options and help you find the perfect chair for you and your growing baby!
Final Thoughts on Using a Massage Chair During Pregnancy
So, is it safe to use a massage chair while pregnant? Yes - using a massage chair while you’re pregnant is safe, and even comes with important health benefits like reduced stress levels and better circulation.
The key is to find a high-quality massage chair that has the features and settings you need during pregnancy. At Forward Furniture, our selection of premium massage chairs has you covered!
Get your pregnancy off to the best start possible - shop Forward Furniture today!