It is always a must to consult a doctor before getting foot massage done during pregnancy. At the same time it is necessary to get it done from a professional masseur. Read on to find out if it safe to get foot massage done during pregnancy.Planning to take an appointment at the spa to turn pamper your feet with a nice foot massage or reflexology? Are you pregnant at the same time? There are many contradictions regarding foot massage during pregnancy. It is better to check them out before you make a call at the spa for your next appointment.
Foot massage has a powerful effect over the body. Certain areas on the feet are linked to primary parts of the body that further link to pathways throughout the nervous system. If pressure is applied on such areas of feet, it relieves pain to other parts of the body. Fingertip pressure on specific areas on your feet opens the blocks and allows free flow of energy, which increases blood flow to the corresponding part of your body and helps in the removal of toxic wastes. This is a method of healing which is followed in acupressure and reflexology.
How Is It Good During Pregnancy?
Feet also have a direct effect on the uterus itself. Foot massage is believed to give you relief from some of your most pregnancy woes. For example, foot massage can help you manage your depression,
anxiety, swollen legs (if not connected to preeclampsia), insomnia, back and leg pain, heartburn, constipation, high blood pressure (if not due to preeclampsia), mild cramping, emotional stress, bladder problems,
mood swings, and also haemorrhoids. Foot massage also stimulates milk production.
How Is It Bad During Pregnancy?
Foot massage induces
labour. Fingertip pressure on the area between your ankle and heel stimulates labour and contractions. It is advisable to avoid that area for any length of time during pregnancy. You should avoid foot massage if you are at high risk of
miscarriage, or you are experiencing vomiting, nausea, or
morning sickness, or you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as preterm labour or placental abruption, where the placenta slightly move away from the uterus wall.
How Does It Uplift the Mood During Pregnancy?
Foot massage in pregnancy feels oh-so-good and relieves stress. It not only decreases the levels of the stress hormone, nor-epinephrine, but it increases levels of the "feel-good" hormones, serotonin and dopamine. It also reduces the levels of cortisol, another indicator of stress. High levels of stress can cause distress in the foetus. It is important for you to relax for the good of the baby. Foot massage helps to decompress anxiety and agitation, thus making the experience of both mom and baby more comfortable and enjoyable.
You must consult your doctor before you start giving foot massage to yourself as stimulating certain points accidently can induce labour. Given below are some simple steps.
Find a comfortable place to sit and rest one foot on the opposite knee so that you can reach it with both of your hands. You can also ask help from your partner as bigger your belly gets. Follow these four steps.
- Grasp your foot and walk your thumbs slowly along the bottom of your foot from heel to toes along the centre line of your foot.
- Rub and squeeze the fleshy pad of each toe, and pull up toes one after another. Pinch at the web between the first two toes, which is linked to breast soreness.
- Work long, sustained strokes with your thumbs on the ball of the foot, and on your arch and heel.
- Keep your feet flexible and rotate it several times. Give soothing strokes from ankle to knee up the calf.
The best way before engaging in foot massage is to consult your healthcare provider. You should also be sure that your foot massage therapist has been properly trained and has experience dealing with pregnant women. There is nothing to worry, as they will not work on unless they are sure that foot massage is harmless for you and your baby.
When is it beneficial to get foot massage done during pregnancy? Under which circumstances it is not safe for a pregnant woman to get foot massage done? Is it safe to give foot massage to one’s own self during pregnancy? Discuss here. 
