Where NOT to Massage during Pregnancy

Ah yes, a massage. One of the simpler pleasures of life. From a quick kneading on your shoulder to a full-on body massage, a massage never fails to help you relax and make your day a little bit better. Be it an injury, tense muscles or just plain stress, a massage is an ideal solution to so many discomforts.

Now that you’re pregnant, things are slightly different than when you were not carrying a human. While it is fine – even encouraged – for you to get a massage when you’re pregnant, there are some pressure points to avoid during pregnancy massaging, especially if you are doing it on your own or you ask someone who is not qualified to perform a prenatal massage.

Naturally, this leads to myths about what you can or cannot massage when pregnant. Let’s get right into it!

Where Not To Massage At A Pregnant Woman Back:

Feet

Ever been tickled on your feet? Bet you couldn’t handle it for more than a few seconds. That’s because your feet are really sensitive. Now that pregnancy is upon you; your senses are heightened as a way for your body to better protect itself and the baby.

Certain parts of your feet and lower legs become “switches” during pregnancy, being able to trigger reactions regarding your pregnancy.

However, massage on the feet is allowed in prenatal massages, as long as you’re only using the kneading technique. Reflexology spots around the heel, ankles, baby toe and sole (baby toe & sole represent urinary bladder) are allowed to be massaged, using the kneading technique..

Hands

Yes, you read that right. Massaging your hands is also highly discouraged during pregnancy. See that meaty strip of flesh in between your thumb and index finger? That’s a no-go zone for the masseuse. Also known as the Hegu, massaging this area can cause contractions. Pulse areas are to be avoided as well. Again, we must disclaim that not all mothers will experience the same thing.

Abdomen

This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Your baby bump is probably the most sensitive part of your body at this point. Applying intense pressure on it can stimulate contractions which may contribute to the onset of early labour.

It is best to avoid massaging your abdomen altogether. Even then, go to a professionally-trained massage therapist who knows the right kinds of massage, techniques, and pressure to apply on a pregnant mother!

Breast

Massaging an expecting mother’s breast area can be tricky. While chest massage can benefit pregnant women by reducing stress and tension, avoid massaging the breast area since it may trigger labour in the baby due to the umbilical cord connecting to it. Many expectant mothers opt for gentle shoulder or back massages instead of treating their breasts. Thankfully, other relaxation techniques are still available to allow expecting mothers to feel at ease during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Massage

We’ve also compiled some of the most commonly asked questions we often get from our clients. If you have ever wondered whether there are any pressure points to avoid during pregnancy while massaging, you may find all the answers here!

Can I have a massage when pregnant?

Yes, of course! We highly recommend you get the massage for pregnancy after 28 weeks of pregnancy and, at the most, 2 weeks before your estimated due date. You can still get a pregnancy massage between the 16th and 27th week, but make sure to get a green light from your doctor or gynaecologist first!

Is it OK to massage a pregnant woman?

Yes, it is okay to message an expectant mummy. To be safe, you can look for any “professional pregnancy massage near me” for a professional massage. This is because there could be certain body parts that you should avoid that regular people may not know of, which brings us to the following question:

Which areas to avoid in pregnancy massage?

While a professional pregnancy massage is generally safe when done by trained experts, we understand that some moms prefer to get a massage from their close loved ones. Some areas that you might want to avoid or at least not put as much pressure on when massaging are the abdomen, breast, and certain pressure points. Sacrum (buttock) & cruft must not use an acupressure point. Most prenatal massage technique uses kneading which use the palm to massage in a circular motion.

What are the pressure points to avoid during pregnancy massage?

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.

What part of the foot should not be massaged during pregnancy?

Related to the previous question, if you are worried about pressure points, one part to leave out in a foot massage pregnancy steps is the area about three fingers above your ankle bone, a pressure point known as Sanyinjioa. Most importantly, avoid using the pointing technique during the massage. Why? See the next question for further explanation.

Can you massage your ankles when pregnant?

Certain pressure points such as ankles, heels, baby toes and soles are suitable to be massaged for expectant mothers whose bodies are particularly sensitive or reactive to stimuli. However, the massage can only be done using the kneading technique. Acupressure must be avoided during a prenatal massage.

What positions should be avoided during pregnancy?

You should avoid lying on your stomach, especially when your baby bump is prominent. Unlike postnatal massages, you won’t have to lie on your tummy in a pregnancy massage. You can still massage your back to treat the hip and back aches, but you only have to lie on your sides.
All in all, just remember not to cut any corners or take unnecessary risks, especially regarding you and your soon-to-be-born baby. Knowing is just half the battle. Since you know what NOT to do, it is time to do what you should!

What prenatal massage techniques can a husband do for their wife?

We’ll answer this one with a technique that’s quite beneficial- back massage.

1. Have your wife lie down on her sides.
2. Rub and knead gently on muscles while paying extra attention to the tight ones from the lower back to back to upper back. Once you have identified those areas, knead them repeatedly with the base of your hands or palm. Make sure not to use your thumb and put strong pressure as it can be very painful.
3. Do the first step, working up and down until you cover the whole back.
4. Use your palm with firm pressure to knead different spots near the lower back in a circular motion. Gradually go up towards the neck.
5. Repeat the first and second steps 3-5 times.

Closing words

Now, we know that that’s a lot of information to process. If you feel overwhelmed trying to remember all those pressure points to avoid during pregnancy, that’s perfectly fine.

At least you don’t have to Google things like “can you get a massage while pregnant” or “massage when pregnant areas to avoid” now that you have this article.

If you are looking for a professional pregnancy massage, let’s make things easier for you and you could try getting it from our certified therapists at Postnatal Massage Singapore! Learn more on our website about how prenatal massage can benefit you today.