As the fetus is growing increasing so as the body weight and blood volume, slowing down the blood circulation, which can cause leg and knee cramps, ankle and foot are most apparent. Also, because pregnancy increases the pressure on the legs, varicose veins of the legs appeared . Is it safe for pregnant women to do foot massage to relieve these stress?

Many women when comes to pregnancy, will have signs of leg edema or varicose veins, since the body need to bear the weight of two, their feet are under tremendous pressure, inevitably tired, but pregnant women who are considering foot massage for relieve should think again. Chinese medicine practitioners pointed out that during pregnancy, it is best to avoid massage, because the body covered with “acupuncture points”, and general practitioners may not be familiar with the soles of the feet, if the over-stimulate certain acupuncture points to produce pain, which may stimulate the body to other organs, such as of uterine contraction, premature signs of such an opportunity arise. Therefore it is best these activities should be avoided, if massage is need, is advice to go to a professional massage therapist.

Principle is the same with acupuncture massage, some “points” can not touch, these “acupuncture points” will stimulate the uterus to contract, at the same time do avoid aromatherapy massage or both massages since these may lead to miscarriage.

If there are pregnant women do have a general physiological edema problem, using light pressure, not too much intensity, such as using finger pressure starting from the calf and working up to the thigh area which can help increase blood circulation, reducing edema problems. At the same time, pregnant women should not sitting at one position for too long, is advice they should change positions once every half an hour. Do not sleep face down in bed to avoid pressing to the fetal blood vessels, affecting blood circulation. If necessary, can add a few slices of ginger dip to warm the feet 10 to 15 minutes which are good for blood circulation increases. If pregnant women have any symptoms or questions, please seek medical attention.