Pressotherapy in pregnancy: Know its benefits and dangers

Pregnant

Heaviness, swelling and appearance of varicose veins They are common during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester due to fluid retention. And more and more women are seeking to alleviate these discomforts through pressotherapy. But is pressotherapy indicated during pregnancy?

Pressotherapy, always under medical supervision, it can be a great tool to deal with certain discomforts. Its benefits can be numerous, however, it is necessary to know when it is not advisable to use it and where it should not be applied to avoid risks. We talk about all this today!

What is pressotherapy?

Pressotherapy is a non-invasive and painless technique which improves blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system by applying pressure in a controlled manner to certain tissues, generally in the extremities. In this way, a pressure gradient is created that favors venous and lymphatic return.

Pressotherapy

For the application of pressotherapy, a pneumatic function suit adapted to each part of the body, with several chambers that are responsible for distributing the air pressure upwards throughout the areas of the body to be treated.

Why is it recommended during pregnancy?

La fluid retention Produced by the increase in blood volume, changes in vascular permeability and circulatory difficulty in the pregnant person, it generates numerous discomforts during the third trimester, which can last up to weeks after delivery.

It is estimated that 70% of pregnant women suffer heaviness, swelling and pain, mainly in the legs at that stage of pregnancy. To minimize these symptoms and help control or prevent cellulite, pressotherapy is recommended in many cases, since it drains excess fluid in the tissues.

Benefits

The benefits of pressotherapy in pregnant women, always clear that the treatment is indicated and approved by a professional, are numerous since the treatment not only relieves discomfort but aesthetically improves the skin. Specifically, these are the most important benefits:

  • Minimizes fluid retention thus reducing the swelling and heaviness of legs, ankles and even feet.
  • It is an effective preventive treatment for appearance of varicose veins
  • Helps prevent risks of possible thrombosis poisonous in the final period of pregnancy and during childbirth.
  • It helps to improve the appearance of the skin.

Dangers

And what are its dangers or contraindications? Especially during pregnancy, improperly applied pressotherapy could damage blood vessels or cause discomfort to both the mother and the fetus. To avoid it should never be applied in the first 12 weeks, It should always be supervised by a professional and carried out with the appropriate frequency according to their instructions.

When and where should it be applied?

As we have already mentioned, pressotherapy in pregnant women should never be performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is contraindicated, therefore, during the first trimester. After that period, it can be applied with limitations Always avoiding the abdomen area.


Pressotherapy in pregnant women is applied usually on the extremities, coinciding with the months in which discomfort due to fluid retention is greatest. The usual thing is to apply it from the upper part of the thighs or inguinal area to the foot, sometimes limiting it from the knee to the feet.

Pressotherapy should never be applied in the first 12 weeks not even in the belly area During pregnancy. Yes, we repeat ourselves, but it is important to do so because the dangers are not trivial, in fact they are important since they can affect the fetus.

Pregnant at the doctor

Conclusion

If you are thinking about pressotherapy as a method to relieve discomfort during pregnancy, always ask your specialist for advice to know if it is recommended or contraindicated in your case. If you have approval, also follow their advice on the frequency of the sessions and always carry them out in a specialized place and under the supervision of professionals.

Pressotherapy during pregnancy can have numerous benefits but remember that it is not always recommended.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.