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Here's what you should know about getting a foot massage during pregnancy

reflexology points foot pregnancy
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  • A gentle, soothing massage can do wonders for your body when you’re pregnant.
  • Yes, you can still get a foot massage when you’re pregnant.
  • There are certain pressure points that need to be steered clear of if you do get a foot massage to avoid encouraging uterine contractions.
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When you’re pregnant, it often feels like any minor pain or body ache you experience is particularly painful, especially if it involves your feet. And when your feet hurt, one of the first things you want to do is rub them, right?  

But when you’re pregnant, there are certain areas near your ankles and on your feet that you need to be careful not to push too hard.

INSIDER asked a few experts about which pressure points to avoid specifically during a foot massage that might actually cause labor.

Why a foot massage and pressure points can be "touchy" for pregnant women

Foot massages are fine as long as they are performed by a well-trained practitioner, and preferably one with specific training in pregnancy, Eldyka Simpson, a registered massage therapist, registered acupuncturist, and a birth doula told INSIDER.

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She explained that a strong stimulus of certain points in the foot can encourage uterine contractions and cervical ripening. So, in the simplest terms, practitioners avoid these points through pregnancy so as to avoid causing preterm labor.

Michelle Ebbin, a touch therapy expert with Soothe, told INSIDER that during pregnancy, getting a soothing, gentle Swedish massage, can help improve your blood and oxygen circulation and can leave you feeling relaxed and energized at the same time.

“While it’s absolutely safe to get a relaxing massage from a practitioner trained to work with pregnant women, there are certain areas on the foot a therapist should stay away from,” said Ebbin.

So, where exactly are these pressure points that should be avoided? While there are several points all over your body that deal directly with labor, the ones that surround your foot and ankle area that you need to be concerned about are:

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There are two areas of the foot that should be avoided during pregnancy

According to Ebbin, there are two areas that you should definitely avoid during pregnancy: the reflexology areas directly connected to the uterus and ovaries, which are located on the inside and outside of both ankles in the hollow areas just under the ankle bones.

“Pressing here is a direct channel to the uterus and ovaries, so no deep massaging the ankles during pregnancy,” Ebbin said.

Sp6 Acupressure Point

Ebbin said another area to avoid is located on the inner ankle area, just three finger widths above the inner ankle bone (called the Sp6 Acupressure point).

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Dr. Elizabeth Trattner, an acupuncture physician, told INSIDER this point is the command point of the lower abdomen.

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Trattner explained the location of this point as right behind the ankle bone on the outer side. If you trace your finger off the bone between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone you found it.

“This point provides pain relief and helps transition through labor, so don’t go near it during a foot massage,” warned Trattner.

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This pressure point is located at the corner of the baby toe on the lateral edge of the toenail. It is thought to stimulate cont actions and get the baby into optimal position for labor. So if you aren't trying to induce labor, it should be avoided.

“This is the point to turn the fetus,” said Trattner.

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