Pregnancy is a crucial stage in a woman's life. New or not, it is a precious moment in the female existence but it has its effects, not always so positive, on the woman's physique. Because although evolutionarily prepared to gestate new life, its body is not made of rubber, and it is not always capable of reversing its state with the same ease and speed. In fact, it is time to demystify the saying “everything goes back to its place” because it is never 100% true. What is clear is that a younger body generally recovers sooner and better.

But the reality is that nine months is a long time, and although they are full of beautiful moments, they also place an increasing burden on both bone and muscle structure. Let's not forget that there is a baby growing day by day and that the amniotic fluid also weighs its own. And as if that were not enough, there is also fluid retention in pregnancy, which can become very pronounced and cause a lot of discomfort from early in the morning. How to take care of yourself then properly and reduce the negative effects? How to successfully combat swollen legs in pregnancy? In the past, when doctors were not so well informed, rest was the number one recommendation. And it is not that it is bad or inadvisable today, but now we have many more resources that improve the well-being of mommies.

And among the best, pressotherapy for pregnant women! Something that contributes to the development of a healthier pregnancy and attention, also to a faster post-partum recovery. So if you are pregnant or know a woman who is, keep reading because we tell you everything you need to know about presotherapy and pregnancy. Yes, it is good to do pressotherapy during pregnancy. In fact, it is not only good but very good, because taking care of the lymphatic system in this state is absolutely essential if we want to minimize the ravages of pregnancy in the body.

Pressotherapy while pregnant: HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY IT!

In the first months of pregnancy there is a great hormonal change and in the last months, an increase in irrigation and blood pressure. This is all normal and is due to the growth of the fetus. It is then common to complain of heavy legs, tingling or pain, swelling in the ankles or the appearance of varicose veins. The lymphatic system, responsible for redirecting body fluids to purify the body, is also affected by the pressure that the growing belly exerts on it. This causes an accumulation of fluid between tissues that we know as edema.

Another of the most common problems is usually some dysfunction in the venous return. That's why doctors recommend keeping your legs elevated for a while every day. In this way the blood circuit is reactivated, which goes from the feet to the heart. So towards the fourth month of pregnancy and always with medical approval, leg massage is more than recommended. Pressotherapy and pregnancy are therefore an ideal combination when it comes to improving circulation and decongesting the legs. Let's move on to the main benefits of pressotherapy in pregnant women!

How Pressotherapy benefits pregnant women

Fluid retention, general swelling and poor blood circulation, especially in the legs, are common during pregnancy. And of course, varicose veins, stretch marks, flaccidity and more cellulite in pregnancy also tend to appear. What a roll, right? But do not worry, because if you are wondering if you can do presotherapy while pregnant, the answer is that this treatment can help you combat all these effects and reduce them to a great extent as long as you do pressotherapy sessions regularly. Pay attention to all the benefits of pressotherapy in pregnant women:

• Stimulates and reactivates the lymphatic system.
• Reduces edema (fluid buildup)
• Reduces swelling and tingling.
• Improves the appearance of the skin by enhancing blood flow.
• Reduces and undoes fat nodules.
• Prevents venous thrombosis (possible in recent months or at delivery)
• Increases self-esteem and improves mental state.
• In addition to the legs, also in the arms (some women suffer from swelling or tingling in their hands)

CONTRAINDICATIONS? What can and cannot be done

Regarding pressotherapy in pregnancy and its contraindications, we must make it clear that it is not indicated during the first trimester. It is from the fourth month that it can be applied, but NEVER on the belly or on the pubis. Only in the legs or arms if there is also edema in them caused by the pregnancy.

We suggest you read our pressotherapy contraindications guide for more extensive and complete information. However, consulting a doctor before using presotherapy is never necessary.