Can You Use a Massage Chair While Pregnant?

pregnant women sitting in massage chair

Your pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of your life. It also takes an enormous toll on your body, making self-care during pregnancy absolutely essential. Taking care of yourself while pregnant comes with new considerations, however. Is an activity safe? Is there risk of exposure to harmful chemicals? What can you do if you feel sick?

We want you to be comfortable while you’re pregnant. Today we’re examining how you can use a massage chair while pregnant, or one of our zero gravity chairs with vibration massage, to stay happy and healthy!

Can You Use a Vibrating Chair While Pregnant Safely?

Yes, you can! There is no evidence against the use of a massage chair while pregnant, or using a zero gravity recliner chair with vibration massage.

A few common concerns are:

  • Will massage chair vibrations harm the baby?
  • Can massage cause a miscarriage?
  • Are massages safe in the third trimester?

While the health needs of each person are unique to them, we’re here to assuage your fears. ​​Using a vibrating massage chair while pregnant, like a zero gravity recliner with vibration massage, is no more jarring than a brisk walk and represents no harm to your baby.

Additionally, there is no evidence that shows prenatal massage poses a risk for miscarriage. As for massage later in pregnancy, there is no more risk at 26 weeks than at 6 weeks. In fact, a study has shown that pregnant women benefit from massage therapy and that massage therapy can help reduce the risk of premature birth.

Benefits of Using a Massage Chair While Pregnant

Not only can you use a massage chair while pregnant, there are numerous benefits to doing so! Some of the benefits of using a massage chair while pregnant are:

  • Reducing daily stress and anxieties
  • Alleviating pressure points along your body
  • Relieving lower back pain from pregnancy
  • Improving blood circulation for a healthier pregnancy

Let’s examine each of the benefits of using a massage chair during pregnancy:

Massage Chairs for Reducing Stress While Pregnant

Pregnancy often brings about a great deal of stress. Not only is your body undergoing significant changes, but hormonal fluctuations and the added responsibilities of preparing for a baby can be overwhelming! Effectively managing stress levels during pregnancy is vital for the well-being of both you and your baby.

Fortunately, massage chairs, or our zero gravity chairs with vibration massage, offer an ideal solution for stress management during pregnancy. Numerous studies have demonstrated the calming effects of massage; effectively relaxing the body, lifting one's mood, helping to combat symptoms of depression and even contributing to lowering blood pressure. 

To enhance your stress-relief experience, consider activities such as meditating in a zero gravity massage chair while nestled in a cozy blanket or simply unwinding to your favorite soothing music.

Prioritizing stress management can significantly contribute to a healthier and more relaxed pregnancy journey.

Daily Massage to Improve the Immune System

Taking care of your immune system while pregnant is also extremely important. Medical professionals advise against taking medicine while pregnant as much as possible and the options available are limited for safety. Using a massage chair while pregnant shines here because it helps to boost your immune system.

One of the health benefits of massage is an increase in the production of lymphocytes. These help defend your body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign attackers to your immune system. So can you use a massage chair while pregnant? Yes, and your immune system highly recommends it!

Using Vibration Massage for Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Approximately 50-80% of women report experiencing lower back pain during pregnancy. This is commonly a result of pregnancy weight gain and the shift in your center of gravity. Using a massage chair for lower back pain during pregnancy helps relax muscles and alleviate discomfort.

Zero gravity back pain relief for pregnancy coupled with vibration massage works even better. One of the health benefits of zero gravity position during pregnancy is that weight is distributed evenly along the body. This reduces pressure on the lower back and pelvic region typically experienced while sitting in a traditional massage chair. Spinal decompression also allows discs to rehydrate and tissue to heal more quickly.

Improve Blood Circulation When Using a Vibrating Chair While Pregnant

Using a massage chair, or zero gravity chair with vibration massage, to improve circulation is next on our list of reasons why the answer to “can you use a massage chair while pregnant?” is absolutely yes! Massage helps the blood circulate throughout your body more easily, which delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, and most importantly to your baby, more efficiently.

Many women experience swelling in legs and feet while pregnant. This can be very uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Improved circulation helps reduce this swelling and alleviate the pain. Using a zero gravity massage chair amplifies the benefits of massage as you recline in zero gravity position.

Better circulation also works to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is exceptionally dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to serious complications such as preeclampsia.

Using a Massage Chair to Improve Sleep Quality During Pregnancy

While there are benefits of a massage chair while pregnant at every stage of pregnancy, the second and third trimesters bring about special consideration. During the later stages of pregnancy, pregnant women are advised against lying flat while sleeping and being extra mindful of stress levels. Once more, the massage chair comes to their aid not only for comfort but for sleep quality.

As many as 78% of pregnant women have reported experiencing sleep disorders such as insomnia during pregnancy. Massage features provide deep relaxation and make for a perfect nightly ritual to prepare for bed. If you opt for a zero gravity massage chair, the zero gravity position provides a safe sleeping position, as well.

In addition to achieving deeper sleep in a massage chair, it can also help prevent dangerous conditions like sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, the airways close and oxygen intake is restricted multiple times while sleeping. This reduction in oxygen can result in developmental issues for the baby and higher blood pressure for mom.

Safety Precautions When Using a Vibrating Massage Chair During Pregnancy

Ensuring the safety and well-being of both the expectant mother and her developing baby is of paramount importance when considering the use of a vibrating massage chair during pregnancy, or a zero gravity chair that has a vibrational massage feature. While using a massage chair can offer numerous benefits, it's crucial to be aware of safety precautions to make the experience comfortable and risk-free.

First and foremost, it is highly advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before using a vibrating massage chair while pregnant. Every pregnancy is unique, and your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your specific health conditions, gestational stage, and individual needs. They can help you determine whether it's safe for you to use a massage chair during your pregnancy.

Once you have the green light from your healthcare provider, it's essential to use the chair cautiously. Opt for gentle settings with lower vibration intensity. This will help you avoid any discomfort, over-stimulation, or potential harm to you or your baby. By keeping the settings on the milder side, you can enjoy the benefits of the massage chair without any adverse effects.

It's also essential to monitor the duration of your sessions in any chair that has a vibrational massage feature. Prolonged exposure to vibrations might not be recommended, so limit your sessions to reasonable lengths to avoid overexposure. A short session that offers relaxation can be far more beneficial and comfortable than a lengthy one that might lead to discomfort or over-stimulation.

During your massage chair or zero gravity chair sessions, be attentive to your body. If at any point you experience discomfort, unusual sensations, or any pain, it's crucial to discontinue use immediately. Listen to your body's signals, and don't push yourself to endure any discomfort. Safety should always be a top priority, and it's better to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks.

Pregnancy is an incredible journey but requires extra special attention to self-care. Using a massage chair while pregnant is a great way to look after both your mental and physical health. It also helps keep your baby healthy as it develops and grows. Choosing a zero gravity massage chair takes the benefits even further. It’s an investment you’ll enjoy during your pregnancy and beyond.

Want more ideas of how to use a zero gravity massage chair after pregnancy? Check out these alternative zero gravity recliner ideas & uses at home!