Can I Use a Vibrating Massage Chair While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, every woman experiences strong changes in the body: increased stress on the spine and internal organs, a sharp increase in body weight, decreased skin elasticity, spikes in pressure and more. Often women experience stretch marks, swelling, and severe pain in the back and lower back. Massage can alleviate these problems. However, not every massage method is suitable for pregnant women. Can I use a vibrating massage chair during pregnancy? Which massage is best for pregnant women?

Is it safe to use a vibrating massage chair while pregnant?

In general, it is safe for pregnant women to use a vibrating massage chair, but you must consult your doctor. Also, be sure to read some contraindications and precautions carefully. In any case, during fetal development, it is important to be careful about everything that used to be customary. This is especially true for preventive and recreational procedures, especially massage. In itself, it is only beneficial, but many have questions about the appropriateness of such interventions in the body of the future mother. 

Doctors' opinions on whether it is possible to use a vibrating massage chair during pregnancy are ambiguous, but on several points they agree:

• The vibration generated by the device during a session, the degree of impact on the baby is comparable to walking up stairs. It is not harmful: it is protected by amniotic fluid. However, in the first few months, such vibrations can increase uterine tone and cause miscarriage.
• Infrared radiation, which is used in many vibrating massage chairs for heating, can lead to problems with the baby's cardiovascular system. Note that in all machines, this function is optional. To avoid unwanted consequences, simply disconnect.
• Due to the excessive pressure exerted by vibration massage chair, there is a possibility of premature birth in the last trimester. You should make sure that nothing is pressing on the abdomen area.

Of course, you should not use a vibrating massage chair just by how you feel, and be sure to consult your doctor before using this product. Also, keep in mind that lower back pain may be one of the unnoticed symptoms of preterm labor. If you have new lower back pain that comes and goes, especially if it gets worse or spreads to your abdomen, see your doctor.

When to avoid a vibrating massage chair during pregnancy?

Avoid using a vibrating massage chair during the first trimester. It is best to use it during the second and third trimesters. The first trimester is the time for the most significant changes in your body. During this period ( the first three months of pregnancy) the chances of miscarriage are high. 

In the second and third trimesters, conditions are more favorable, light massage will be useful. But before using the vibration massage chair, you should get permission from your gynecologist. If the specialist does not identify contraindications and there are no complications, threats of premature birth or miscarriage.

In addition, here are a few things you should keep in mind before using vibrating massage chairs for therapeutic purposes:

• The length of the session should not exceed 15-20 minutes. Sleeping in a chair while working is prohibited. If you feel sleepy, it is best not to use it.
• During the third trimester of pregnancy, you should not put much pressure on your growing belly. Do not try to squeeze into a vibrating massage chair if you do not fit there anymore. If your belly size does not allow you to sit fully in the chair, do not use it. 
• Do not use a massage chair if you have a difficult pregnancy, preeclampsia, preterm labor threat, dizziness or severe headaches.

What are the alternatives to vibrating massage chairs while pregnant?

Massage is good for pregnant women, but if you can't use a vibrating massage chair, try a traditional massage. Only certain types of massage are allowed for pregnant women. Only your doctor should determine the indication for a particular type of massage. He will carefully question you, examine you, and then only choose certain exercises and massage techniques that are suitable for you. 

Before getting a massage, pregnant girls need to ask your gynecologist or therapist, who will advise you on all the points to avoid various problems. For example, they are forbidden to massage using electric devices, vibrators, ultrasound or vacuum (can massage). It is recommended to massage only with the hands, touching the skin without exerting significant pressure on it. Women who will soon become mothers are allowed to massage the following body parts:

• Head;
• Shoulders and back;
• Lower and upper extremities.

To benefit from massage during pregnancy, choose an experienced, trusted specialist. Do not forget that we are talking about the health of two people. When choosing a massage therapist, you should also pay attention to the emotional side, because you should be comfortable with this person, so you can relax and get only positive emotions from the process. It is advisable to sign up at a time when you have a free day and there is not a lot of pressure on your muscles.