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Avoid These Massages During Pregnancy

Updated: May 29, 2023


Prenatal massage during pregnancy

Massage therapies can make your day vibrant during pregnancy, but are all kinds of massages safe during pregnancy? The constant urge to get into a hot tub or get yourself a manicure or a pedicure is natural. With a heavy belly and a sore back, it becomes difficult to make accurate choices anyway. However it may be, it is crucial to examine what is right for you and what is not.


As a mother-to-be, if you aren’t sure whether beauty and skin regimens at this stage are good for you, this guide is all you need! Let’s take you to the path of what massages should you avoid during pregnancy and empower you to make better decisions. Prenatal and postnatal care are the two methods by which you can experience balanced stress hormones. It leads to a reduction in swelling and ensures that you face every challenge of pregnancy with a smile. So, what are you waiting for? Empower yourself by registering for the home trial session. It is the door of solutions opened for you.


There are multiple massages that you should avoid completely. Whereas, some require careful thought and the right technique to get it right. Here’s all you need to know about the massages to avoid and their reasons for avoidance. Let’s not underestimate the importance of professional training and begin the journey of solutions!

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When to avoid a pregnancy massage?

A pregnancy massage is generally advised to all pregnant women. There are no specific guidelines as to when should you opt for a massage. Thereby, it is always advisable to take a yes from your doctor and then take decisions regarding the massage. At times, you should avoid the pregnancy massage in case of the following conditions -

  • High risk of miscarriage

  • Nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness

  • Risk of preterm labor

  • High blood pressure

  • Skin injury or open wound

  • Blood clots

  • Gestational diabetes

Always remember to mention your medical condition to your OB-GYN and therapist to avoid problems regarding any of it. An informed decision is usually a wise decision.

Which massages should you avoid during pregnancy?

Massage during pregnancy can be a source of comfort and relaxation for you. However again, it is crucial to examine which massages are safe and which are not. As it seems obvious, that a massage is a perfect opportunity for a seamless experience. Yet, you should consider some massages before opting for them. Let’s see, what are they.

  • Breast massage (breast stimulation) - Massaging the breasts can lead to breast stimulation. It can induce uterine contraction. It is a pressure point that all well-aware therapists keep away from. This involves a risk of pre-term labor.

  • Leg massage (vein consideration) - A pregnant woman suffering from thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis should avoid leg massage. It has a risk of yielding a blood clot during it.

  • Deep-tissue massage - Prenatal and postnatal care is about gentle pressure massage techniques. This prevents premature labor. Whereas, a deep tissue massage is the complete opposite of it. The purpose is to avoid putting high pressure on certain points of your body. It can trigger contractions with an increased risk of miscarriage.

  • Acupressure - It is a safe treatment for you to go for but only under the supervision of your doctor. There are certain points on the abdomen, uterus, cervix, spleen, and intestine that you must keep away from during it. Whereas, other points can stimulate the body’s natural energy.

Therefore, it is wise to examine the different types of massages beforehand. You must look for trained therapists. Therapists at Pink Orchid have gone through professional training. We are capable of understanding your problems and shall provide comfort to you accordingly. Know more about, are prenatal massages safe during pregnancy?


Can pregnant women get into hot tubs?

With an aching back and a changed body posture, the urge to get to a hot tub is surreal. But is it safe to do so? Mothers-to-be are at constant risk of dehydration, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These are the symptoms that can escalate in extreme heat. It can be promisingly harmful to your baby. Past research has established that exposure to high levels of heat can damper the health of your baby. It increases the risk of a baby’s neural tube defects of the brain and spinal cord.

You should avoid getting into a hot tub in case of complications related to pregnancy or some other medical conditions. Usually, the temperature of hot tubs is between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If you simply can’t resist getting into one, adjust the temperature to 97-98 degrees F and keep a thermometer to monitor the temperature. It should be this way. You must pull yourself out of the tub in case you feel uncomfortable, overheated, dizziness or you start to sweat.


Most women pull themselves out before the temperature rises to 101 degrees F and it is safe that way. Experts recommend that the use of a hot tub or sauna should be for less than 10 minutes. You can completely avoid it as well, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Nail treatments to avoid during pregnancy!

Nail treatments during pregnancy

If you’re a fan of manicures, pedicures, and nail paints, some good news for you! These are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, for a more safe pregnancy, read along to avoid these treatments during pregnancy.

Nail polishes are a formulation of chemical compounds. However, pregnancy-safe nail polishes are non-flammable, hypoallergenic, and water-based. You can opt for those manicure and pedicure treatments that involve gentle scrubbing. This would provide regulated blood circulation and reduction in swelling.

Avoid these nail treatments during pregnancy.

  • Nail polish removal - Avoid using acetone to remove nail or toe polish. If already used, wash your hands and feet later to avoid discomfort.

  • Chemical nail polish - Avoid nail polishes that contain formaldehyde in their formulation. It can cause headaches and nausea. There is an associated risk of miscarriage. You should go with water-based nail polishes that are non-toxic.

  • Manicures and pedicures - Avoid treatments that involve the application of high pressure to your body. Go for gentle scrubbing treatments.

  • Hand products - Keep away from phthalates in any nail or hand products. It can cause harm to the endocrine system.

As pregnancy is also about many changes in your body, faster-growing nails are one of them. Thereby, it is always a good move to take care of your nails during pregnancy.

Facials during pregnancy!

With your body constantly adapting to the changes of pregnancy, it is natural on your part to want a little pampering. You should support and embrace the concept of self-care. However, it is also crucial to understand which methods of beauty and skin regimens are safe during pregnancy!


Pink Orchid's luxurious facial treatments will give you a feeling like never before. It will not only reduce stress levels but also shall uplift your mood. It will cleanse and detoxify your skin without the usage of any chemical products. The organic facial treatments and gemstone facials will introduce you to new healthier skin. These facials are popular and completely safe for you. So buckle up to see your skin radiating from the glow and positive power!

Facials can be a great source of relaxation! Despite that, you can follow these methods to breakouts naturally.

  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

  • Use an oil-free moisturizer.

  • Diet rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron

  • Avoid irritants - Greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, and hairstyling products.

  • Shampoo regularly - To avoid pimples around the hairline.

  • Avoid over-cleansing.

  • Change your pillow covers regularly.

  • Avoid the usage of smartphones against your face.

  • Keep your hands off your face.

Several facials are safe during pregnancy. You can go for them as it shall also regulate the blood circulation in your body! These include oxygen facials, hydrating facials, and deep cleansing facials. It will keep your skin hydrated, moisturized, and exfoliated.


There are some facial treatments that you should avoid during pregnancy. It may lead to irritation, breakouts, and chemical peels.

  • Botox

  • Electrical stimulation

  • Microdermabrasion

  • Retinoids (Vitamin A)

This can cause growth problems in your baby and can harm your skin in multiple ways. Facials are a great way to ease up on yourself and are usually safe. However, it’s important to educate yourself regarding any of the risks associated with it. Chemicals like retinol, Retin-A, Formaldehyde, and other chemical products can hamper you and your baby.

Why does professional training matter?

Professional training matters because it's about your safety! Having relevant knowledge and skills can enhance your experience as a mother-to-be. It can make your journey of motherhood even better. Pregnancy massage experts address these changes in your body and provide comfort against them.

Prenatal and postnatal massage is about the right techniques and methods utilized at the right time. Therapists at Pink Orchid are apt in taking care of you and supporting you in moments of discomfort. Learn more about what happens during a pregnancy massage?

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