Can You Use a Massage Gun When Pregnant?

by Batlinks Admin August 1, 2024

Feeling knackered and wondering if the percussion massage gun you tucked away can help ease your pregnancy aches? You’re not alone!

This nifty gadget can be a real game-changer during pregnancy. It can work wonders for muscle spasms, soreness, and especially persistent back pain. But, like many pregnant women, it’s natural to worry—is it too intense? And what’s the deal with using it on certain body parts?

So here are the do’s and don’ts and some helpful tips to help you decide what’s best for you and your little roo. Let’s get you some relief so you can enjoy your pregnancy journey.

How Safe is it to Use a Massage Gun During Pregnancy?

To put it simply, using a massage gun during pregnancy is safe as long as you use it correctly. However, the answer is a little more complicated, considering each pregnancy is unique.

Generally, massage therapy in any form is beneficial for you during pregnancy. For example, a study published in Midwifery showed that massage helped reduce anxiety and prenatal depression in pregnant women.

But unlike traditional massage therapy, percussion therapy offers a deep tissue massage.

A percussive massage gun directly targets sore or tight areas and eases any deep-seated muscle tension, providing maximum relaxation. It is also a more affordable option than regularly hiring a massage therapist.

But even with all the benefits, you should still take some time to consider your personal condition and the potential risks. You should also consult your healthcare provider to help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your case.

When is it Safe to Use a Massage Gun Safe During Pregnancy?

A healthcare professional or massage therapist may advise you to avoid massage or using a massage gun until after your first trimester.

According to March for Dimes, 8 out of 10 miscarriages happen during the first trimester. There is little to no research that supports any form of pregnancy massage therapy as a direct cause of miscarriage. Even so, most professionals still believe that it’s safer for expectant mothers to postpone using a pregnancy massage until after 12 weeks.

But even after you pass your first trimester, we recommend visiting your healthcare provider for a full body check-up. Only after you get a green light should you start using a massage gun as part of your massage therapy routine. At this point, you can apply the massage gun therapy yourself or ask your partner to assist.

When to Avoid Massage Guns While Pregnant

The idea of using massage guns for deep tissue massage and to relieve tension for overall muscle relaxation may sound tempting for many pregnant women. Unfortunately, there are situations where using a massage gun could be potentially harmful.

So, avoid using massage guns if any of the following apply:

High-risk Pregnancy

This is a pregnancy that poses increased health risks to both the mother and the child. If you have a pre-existing condition like fibroids or pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes, avoid using massage guns entirely. Also, look out for preterm labor symptoms, abdominal pain, or bleeding, they are also signs of a high-risk pregnancy.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

During pregnancy, certain hormones that prevent hemorrhage during birth may cause your blood to clot more easily. Even though massage guns help enhance blood flow through improved circulation, it could be risky if you have a history of DVT.

Research shows that pregnant women are at a higher risk of undetected blood clots. Therefore, applying percussion massages on areas with potential blood clots could release the clots and increase the risk of a life-threatening embolism. So, avoid using a massage gun while pregnant if you have any form of blood clotting disorder.

High-blood Pressure

The occasional rise in blood pressure is considered normal for pregnant women after 20 weeks of pregnancy. But you should stay away from massage guns if you develop a more serious condition like preeclampsia, which causes a threatening rise in blood pressure. The increased blood flow from using a massage gun could worsen your condition. It’s best to first consult with your doctor before opting for massage gun use.

Safety Precautions to Take When Using a Massage Gun While Pregnant

Even though your doctor gives you the green light to start using a massage gun, there are still some safety considerations to keep in mind. The following are the most important:

Find a comfortable body position

Positioning your body correctly is important during pregnancy. You want to make sure that you’re not putting any strain on the baby or your back. So before you begin using a massage gun for your pregnancy massage, start by finding a supportive surface like a bed or couch. You can also use pillows to support your head, neck, back, or legs depending on how you position your body.

Some of the best body positions you can try when using a massage gun during pregnancy include:

Sitting: Sit on a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground. You can use pillows to support your back.
Lying on the side: Lie on your side with the legs bent. You can lie on the side you’re most comfortable with, they’re equally safe. But most experts recommend lying on your left side to improve blood flow.

Choose the correct attachment head

The correct attachments are important for effectively using a massage gun while pregnant (also in general). Two recommended attachment heads you can use while pregnant are:

Ball head: A great choice for a gentle, safer massage. It’s designed to cover a wide range of muscle groups, including the neck, shoulders, back, and legs.

Flat head: A good choice if you're looking for a slightly more intense massage therapy. You can use it on dense muscles for a deep-tissue massage and to alleviate muscle soreness and body pain.

The Bang V1 Massage Gun comes with a total of four unique attachments including the two listed above. Fully equipped to relieve tension, boost blood flow, and promote overall well-being. Say goodbye to all body pain with the Bang V1 massage gun.

Start with a lower-intensity setting

When using massage guns, speed and intensity are important in determining the depth of your percussion therapy. It’s always advised to start with the lowest intensity and speed setting, especially for an expecting mother.

Light pressure can help reduce fluid buildup, especially in the third trimester. You can gradually increase the levels until you find the sweet spot. But remember that applying too much pressure may do more harm than good, so avoid overdoing it.

Keep each session short

As relaxing as it may feel, it is important to limit the length of your massage therapy sessions. As of now, there aren’t any specific directions for using a massage gun while pregnant. You can start with a few seconds on each tight spot and gradually increase the time as you feel comfortable. But we would advise not exceeding 2 minutes on each target area.

Listen to your body

Everyone has a unique experience and response to massage gun therapy. Listen to your body and do what works for you. But if you feel any pain, stop immediately and consult with a doctor or physical therapist before you try again.

Always stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is important for a healthy pregnancy overall but especially crucial when using massage guns. Ensure you drink enough water before and after each session to avoid getting dehydrated. The water will also help flush out any toxins that were released during the massage.

How to Use a Massage Gun During Pregnancy

Once you have all the safety precautions down, using massage guns while pregnant is very easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Find a comfortable position for you.
Lightly pass over the tight areas with your massage gun. Spend at most 10-15 seconds on each area.
Sweep over each target area 3-5 times. Don’t overwork your muscles by spending too long on one area.
Start with a low intensity and work in circular motions. You can gradually increase the intensity if needed but do not overdo it to avoid bruising or irritation.
Stop using the massage gun as soon as you start to feel unusual pain.

Body Parts to Avoid When Using a Massage Gun While Pregnant

Aside from the usual bony areas and joints, there are additional body areas you should avoid when using a massage gun during pregnancy. These areas are extremely sensitive and could cause harm to the baby. They include the:

Abdomen (i.e., the belly)
Breasts
Pelvic area (i.e., below the belly)
Pressure points (i.e., trigger points in the wrist, ankle, and in between the fingers that could cause contractions)
Any swollen, bruised, or inflamed areas of the body

Conclusion

So, there you have it, mom-to-be! Using a percussion massage gun can be a lifesaver during pregnancy. It can also be a safe and enjoyable experience if you follow the right protocol. Consult with your doctor beforehand and factor in the safety measures we’ve discussed to ease those aches and pains safely.

For the best massage gun, look no further than BANG. Our massage guns have an ergonomic, lightweight design, so they’re a breeze to handle. You’ll also appreciate the 20+ intensity level setting and several unique attachment heads to suit every need. You can customize your massage experience and easily target those sore spots without overdoing it. Try BANG Massage Guns for a more enjoyable pregnancy!