Is It Safe?

Massage is safe in pregnancy as long as it is light and at the right places on your body. You can opt for a light head massage, foot massage and back massage.

In fact, a massage has an indirect impact on your baby. It relaxes you. When you are relaxed, you will stay healthy - physically and spiritually - and this will ensure that your baby is healthy.

"You can go for a massage right from conception till your delivery provided you opt for a light massage," says Dr. Raut.

However, after the first trimester, you will have to get a back massage in a sitting position.

Dr. Kalpita Deshpande from Ayush Therapy Centre says, "Massage with proper care during pregnancy helps reduce oedema (swelling due to water retention) by circulating the fluids of the body."

Massages also help reduce the stiffness around your thighs and tone your pelvic muscles. Strong pelvic muscles are important when it comes to delivery.

Hazards of a Massage

While massages are safe to go for, it is very important that you go for only leg or back massage while you are pregnant.

An entire body massage in your second or third trimester could lead to bleeding and subsequent miscarriage.

Be sure that you avoid massaging your lower back and stomach as it may induce premature labour.  

Massaging the breasts causes premature oxytocic release which leads to contraction of your uterus muscles thereby leading to a premature labour.

Pick and Choose

The pressure applied differs in different massages. Avoid stone therapy completely. The pressure used is a bit high for a pregnant woman. A Swedish or an Ayurvedic massage is comparatively better.

No matter which form of massage you opt for, you need to inform the therapist and masseur that you are pregnant.

Find out what your baby is upto this week on  our Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide

The Right Oil

"Ayurvedic or herbal massage oils are considered best for massages," says Naturopath Dr. Heena Quershi.

Ayurveda or herbal massage uses a whole lot of natural oils, which are easy on the skin and the nose. So these won't irritate you, even if you are scent sensitive.

In an aroma oil massage, there are varieties of oils, which have a strong smell. While you are pregnant, you may be sensitive to some smells. So see what suits you best.

To add, your skin is also very sensitive while you are pregnant. Avoid complex combinations of oils. This way it will be easier to detect the cause of any skin allergies.

You must refrain from using oils that are likely to raise your body temperature. It is better to stick with oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil and at times, almond oil in small quantities.

If you are going in for massage creams, go with ones with natural extracts.

Lastly, it is important that you head to the right massage centre, which has experienced and qualified masseurs and therapists.

Also, do consult your gynaecologist about what is advisable for you.