Foot Massage During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

You might have been ready for the larger belly that comes with a pregnancy, but it is difficult to be prepared for the pressure it puts on your feet.
The thicker toes and plump ankles that show up in the third trimester are a result of the extra weight you’re carrying, and they are bound to ache and throb.
This can be extra uncomfortable if you have had a long day and have walked a fair bit during it.
However, all that can be handled by a timely foot massage, which soothes your limbs and allows you to keep them well-rested.
Here’s what you need to know about a foot massage during pregnancy:

While there’s nothing unhealthy or unsafe about a foot massage, pregnancy does complicate things a bit.
To keep it simple, it’s safe for pregnant women to get a foot massage unless they have blood clots in their feet.
If your lower legs show swollen, reddened, or warmer spots, skip the foot massage and consult a doctor.
You should also consult a doctor before getting a foot massage if you have a history of blood clots.

Some scientifically proven benefits of a nightly foot massage are:

Lower levels of cortisol, which leads to reduced stress
Reduced anxiety and depression. Reduced stress will help you feel relaxed and keep you at ease
A shortened labor. A study showed that nightly foot massage can reduce labor time by three hours and also reduce medicine intake
A healthier baby after birth. Foot massages have been linked with reduced chances of premature birth and low birth weight
A healthier and more stable transition into postpartum life

A foot massage can become a risk for you if:

You have a history of blood clots
Exhibit symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which show up as swollen, hot areas on the leg

Here are some tips to make your foot massage truly worth it:

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