Can You Use a Massage Chair During Pregnancy?

Back ache! We hear you, mama, it’s A Thing. It’s also very common. Most women experience back ache at some point in their pregnancy, many in the last trimester but some in the early stages, too. It’s a good sign, really, because it means your baby is growing. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need some relief.
As you look into your R&R options, you might be wondering if it’s safe to use an electric massage chair during pregnancy. Are there any risks? Lie back and relax while we take a look at some of the answers.

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Is it safe to use a massage chair during pregnancy?

Using massage chairs during pregnancy has received some not-so-good press in the past. Some say that the chair’s vibrations could be harmful to your baby, that it could cause a miscarriage or early labor, or that the heating pads might raise your body temperature, which could also be dangerous. But is there any truth to these warnings?

The answer is no, not really.

The vibrations in a massage chair aren’t strong enough to affect your baby. In fact, your baby is probably getting the same amount of vibration when you walk – and walking is a good thing! It’s probably best not to have the vibration set too high for too long, but at low to moderate levels, your baby should be just fine.

It is a good idea, though, to keep tabs on your body temperature while you’re pregnant, and that means avoiding cranking up the heat on your massage chair’s heating pads. Again, low to moderate heat can be nice and soothing, but don’t let your body get too hot as this could cause quite serious complications for your little one. (It’s also why mamas-to-be shouldn’t spend too much time in hot tubs or steam rooms.)

If you keep the settings low, and limit your sessions to around 20 minutes, massage chairs can offer some amazing benefits, including:

• Lowering stress levels
• Easing anxiety and depression
• Relieving back and leg pain
• Improving blood circulation
• Improving sleep

Who should avoid chair massages while pregnant?

There are some mamas who probably shouldn’t use massage chairs.

If you’re experiencing severe morning sickness, for example, rather don’t: the chair’s shuddering, even if it’s gentle, might only make you feel worse. Massage chairs are also best avoided if you’ve had a miscarriage or a preterm labor before, or you’re experiencing a high-risk or complicated pregnancy.

And if sitting in the chair makes you feel crampy, faint or uncomfortable, and especially if you feel any kind of pain, rather climb off. There are other options to help you relax – we’ve got some ideas for you below.

What are the alternatives to chair massages while pregnant?

Giving your body a rest while it goes through some pretty major physical changes is important – you deserve a break, mama. If you don’t have access to a massage chair, or if you’d rather not use one, you could also try some of these alternatives to help ease the aches and pains of pregnancy:

• Go to a licensed massage or physio therapist: Going to a massage or physio therapist is another good option, but make sure they know how to work with pregnant mamas.
• Get moving: Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga and Pilates can also help.
• Put your feet up: Even if you’re not getting a massage, simply resting can help to alleviate some of those niggly pangs.
• Sleep on your side: Slipping with a pillow under your belly and between your bent knees can offer some much-needed relief for achy muscles and joints.

If in doubt, always chat to your doctor or midwife. Your pregnancy is unique, which is why it’s so important that you find the best solutions for you and your baby peanut.