Is it OK to massage feet while pregnant?
While a foot massage sounds tempting, you might wonder if it’s safe during pregnancy. Fortunately, as long as you avoid specific areas on the foot and ankle that may trigger uterine contractions and cervical ripening, you can enjoy the soothing foot massage you’re already dreaming about.
How do you massage a pregnant woman with swollen feet?
Massage for edema
- Start by massaging the feet only – in an upwards motion go from the toes up to the ankle. Keep firm, steady pressure and repeat for 3-7 minutes.
- Next, massage from the ankle to the knee. …
- Finally, massage from the knee up the thigh.
How can I reduce swelling in my feet during pregnancy?
How to get relief
- Reduce sodium intake. One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to limit your sodium (or salt) intake. …
- Increase potassium intake. …
- Reduce caffeine intake. …
- Drink more water. …
- Elevate your feet and rest. …
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. …
- Stay cool. …
- Wear waist-high compression stockings.
Does massage help fluid retention in pregnancy?
Massage in general is a great way for mothers to relax and treat discomfort before and after the birth of their baby. A foot massage for pregnant women will help with swelling and water retention by encouraging and improving circulation of the lymphatic system.
Can rubbing a pregnant woman’s feet induce labor?
Perhaps one of the worst prenatal massage myths is that massaging the ankles could cause a woman to miscarry or go into labor prematurely, and they should be avoided. There is no evidence or plausible mechanism to support this claim and perpetuation of this misinformation could potentially cause harm.
Where should you not massage when pregnant?
Answer: Every woman is different, and so is how their body reacts to massage during pregnancy. If your body is particularly sensitive and can be easily stimulated, you should avoid massaging pressure points like 3 fingers above your ankles and the area between your thumb and forefinger.
Is walking good for swollen feet during pregnancy?
Physical activity and low-impact exercise like walking can definitely help reduce swelling in your feet during pregnancy.
Can I soak my feet in hot water while pregnant?
Soaking your feet for 15 minutes will not only help reduce swelling, but could help ease aching feet, too. If you want a full on bath, add a full cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub—just make sure your bath water isn’t too hot. Try to make doing this a relaxing nightly ritual if you can!
How can I sleep with my feet elevated during pregnancy?
Follow these tips. Rest: Make sure you rest your swollen feet by elevating them often to get the blood flowing again. Raise them 8-10 inches above the heart for 10-15 minutes at a time. Sleep on your side and avoid sleeping on your back to improve circulation.
Can swelling hurt the baby?
This is mainly due to gravity — any extra fluid in your body will sink to your feet and ankles, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Swelling is also more likely to happen later in your pregnancy. Gradual swelling isn’t harmful to you or your baby, but it can feel uncomfortable.
When should I worry about swollen feet in pregnancy?
The swelling tends to get worse as a woman’s due date nears, particularly near the end of the day and during hotter weather. Although sudden swelling in the face or hands may be a sign of a condition known as preeclampsia, mild swelling of the ankles and feet is usually no cause for concern.
Is swollen feet during pregnancy painful?
Although mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is normal, sudden swelling that is painful — especially if it’s in one leg only — could be an indication of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis). A sudden increase in swelling also might mean that your blood pressure is higher than normal.