Understanding Swelling and Edema During Pregnancy
-by Jacqueline Peixoto, RMT at Pür Balance
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can reduce swelling, fatigue, and water retention during pregnancy. Learn how MLD works, why edema occurs, and important safety considerations.
During pregnancy, many changes occur in the female body as the body adapts to the fetus, causing numerous complaints, one of which is edema of the lower limbs.
Peripheral edema is the most common and frequent manifestation in pregnant women. It can occur for various causes, including sodium and water retention and changes in circulation related to the uterus's effect on the blood return to the heart.
In addition, during pregnancy, many hormonal changes take place, including increased levels of progesterone, estrogen, HCG, and prolactin, which can also contribute to edema.
Massage Therapy can help to decrease/relieve some symptoms during pregnancy, and a specific technique Manual Lymphatic Drainage could help which edema/swelling.
What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) it is a technique developed and researched in 1930, this technique encourages lymph flow and reduces certain types of edemas, moving extra fluid from an area that is swollen (or is at risk of becoming swollen), into an area where the lymph nodes are working properly.
The technique uses slow, light, superficial, repetitive and rhythmical movements to decrease edema, it can also, decreases pain perception and the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
Is MLD Safe During Pregnancy?
Manual lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is generally considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy for reducing swelling, fatigue, and water retention. The massage should be adjusted for pregnancy, with the person lying in a comfortable posture avoiding pressure on major blood vessels.
Benefits of MLD for Pregnant Women
MLD can significantly decrease swelling and fluid retention in the legs, ankles, and feet, which is common, especially in the third trimester. MLD, also, eases discomfort, helps alleviate heavy legs, fatigue, and aches associated with swelling and poor circulation.
Important Considerations for Manual Lymphatic Drainage
In high-risk pregnancies, it is essential to get a doctor’s approval.
Let your therapist know if you have had any prior MLD or if anything feels uncomfortable, as techniques may need to be adapted.
Avoid certain conditions: It is best to avoid MLD if you have certain conditions like a blood clot or infection, like mastitis.
References
Rattray, Fiona & Ludwig, Linda.
Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating Over 70 Conditions.
11th Edition. Ontario: Talus Inc., 2000.
Sylvia Cataldo Oportus, Lilian de Paiva Rodrigues, José Maria Pereira de Godoy, Maria de Fátima Guerreiro Godoy.
Lymph Drainage in Pregnant Women.
Nursing Research and Practice. 2013 Oct 22; 2013:364582.
doi: 10.1155/2013/364582
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3819918/
Additional Resources:
https://monaghanosteopathy.ie/lymphatic-massage-pregnant-women/
https://www.torontoyogamamas.com/manual-lymphatic-drainage-massage.html
