June 15, 2022

Can you use a massage gun while pregnant? A guide to using massage guns during pregnancy

Estimated read time 3 minutes.

Massage guns are perfect for easing aches and pains at any time, and that’s especially true during pregnancy. When carrying a baby, stiffness and tension unfortunately come as part of the package, as your body constantly changes and grows.

Many pregnant women find massage guns to be a godsend thanks to the relief they offer, and they can help you too. Here are a few things to consider, and the answer to some of the questions you might have.

Can you use a massage gun while pregnant? A guide to using massage guns during pregnancy

Is it safe to use a massage gun during pregnancy?

When used in the right way, yes.

Massage guns are highly effective at alleviating the discomfort you can feel during pregnancy. Because they’re portable, both you and your partner can use the device to give you a relaxing deep tissue massage where you need it most. But there are some words of warning.

Firstly, it’s not advisable to use a massage gun if you have any of these pregnancy-related conditions:

High-risk factors, such as bleeding or pre-term contractions
Preeclampsia
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Placenta previa, accrete, or abruption
Gestational diabetes

There are also certain areas to avoid. The belly is a complete no-go zone when using a massage gun, and the same goes for the lower back. Also, it’s advised that you steer clear of massaging the pressure points in your wrist, ankles or between your fingers, as they’re believed to cause contractions in the body.

If you have any questions at all, check with your doctor.

The benefits of massage guns during pregnancy

Research has found that massage therapy during pregnancy offer lots of benefits. One of the main areas it can help is in reducing prenatal depression and anxiety. This in turn can improve your sleep patterns and general mood and give you an enhanced sense of wellbeing.

Just some of the other benefits, include:

Increased levels of feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine
Improved circulation
An increased immune response
Relief from fluid build-up or swelling that comes with pregnancy
Improved cardiovascular health
A boost in your energy and vitality

Using massage guns during pregnancy on legs

The legs are an area of the body to avoid massaging when carrying a baby. The volume of blood increases during pregnancy – that’s why your legs and feet can appear swollen – and this puts you at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

With a woman’s blood more prone to clotting during pregnancy, a deep tissue massage to the legs could potentially dislodge a blood clot. That’s why it’s best to avoid this.

Using massage guns on the lower back during pregnancy

When pregnant, your back can take a real battering, and chronic back pain is a common –and painful – symptom. Massage guns, such as our MuscleGun Carbon massage gun are particularly useful when used on the shoulders, upper back and the back of the neck.

And while it’s not advised to massage your legs, back massage helps alleviate some of the pain you might feel in your legs as often these symptoms are linked.

Once again, if you have any concerns, check with your doctor before using a massage gun.