With the myriad of health benefits, dramatic before and after photos and rave reviews, lymphatic drainage is a hot topic...and for good reason! All pregnant folks want to know: "But is it safe for me during pregnancy? " As a Certified Lymphatic Therapist I'd be honored to shed light on this topic for you mama, so you can make informed decisions along your journey to parenthood. 👏👏👏
What Is The Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a key player in our immune system function, and (primarily) works to prevent illness and disease. Think of your lymphatic system like you would your dishwasher's wash and rinse cycle. It scrubs and cleans the trillions of cells in our body, removing any that are dead or damaged to ensure optimal physiological function. Many call it "The waste removal system of the body." but I feel this sells it short! The lymphatic system also stores and transports our immune cells, chemical messages (hormones), and vital nutrients, so it's not all waste. It helps our body maintain fluid balance, which is great during pregnancy because of the all-too-common symptom of fluid retention. Fun Fact: We even have special lymphatic structures in our gut that transports the digestive fats from the food we eat, and sends them to the liver for processing. Overall, the lymphatic system helps create a clean environment for mom and baby to thrive!
Lymphatic Drainage Safe During Pregnancy?
The short answer is "Yes!" It's safe and beneficial for most people. However, lymphatic drainage is powerful, so it's not a modality that is going to be universally safe for all bodies. Spoiler Alert: Nothing is. You need good heart and kidney function to receive lymphatic drainage safely, and this is true for anyone, not just pregnant people. It's always best to consult your physician prior to seeking treatment, and especially so if you have a preexisting condition or are having complications with your pregnancy.
What Benefits Might I Get With Lymphatic Drainage During Pregnancy?
Everyone's experience is different, and each stage of pregnancy comes with its own unique challenges! When considering the benefits of lymphatic drainage, it's best not to think symptomatically because the same physiological changes put into motion by stimulating the lymphatic system can help countless things, in countless ways. The lymphatic system works in concert with our cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and hormonal health, so manually moving this fluid with gentle, rhythmic, and specific hand techniques is likely going to check at least SOME boxes for you symptom wise...
In my clinical experience, I've seen lymphatic drainage help pregnant clients reduce and manage the following symptoms naturally:
Breast Tenderness
Nausea
Anxiety
Headaches
Mood Swings
Constipation
Fatigue
Joint Pain
Heartburn
Swelling
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
Can Lymphatic Drainage Help With TTC, Prepartum, Postpartum?
You bet. From preparing your body for conception to postpartum care, lymphatic drainage is a very versatile tool! Let's take a look at what some more common uses of lymphatic work might be before and after pregnancy...
Trying To Conceive (TTC): Before the baby making even starts, it may be beneficial to start monthly lymphatic drainage sessions to support your overall hormone and reproductive health in preparation for conception on a cellular level.
Fluid Retention: A very common use of lymphatic drainage for moms-to-be is support for reducing swelling (edema) in the lower extremities. Baby can press against vascular structures, making it harder for fluid to flow freely, and lymphatic drainage can help get things moving again.
Breastfeeding: By stimulating the lymphatic system, this treatment helps to reduce swelling and promotes healthy lymph flow. This can provide relief from engorged breasts, and aid in the prevention of clogged ducts, or mastitis. Lymphatic drainage has also been shown to promote increased milk flow by stimulating the mammary glands and encouraging a healthy supply.
Expediting Wound Healing: Post-surgical lymphatic drainage is often used because it's proven to shorten the recovery time and reduce the development of scar tissue. Lymphatic drainage for an unexpected c-section or episiotomy could be a great use of the modality here.
There are many uses and benefits to consider when making the decision to include routine lymphatic drainage into your treatment plan. If you're wondering what you might expect after your first lymphatic drainage session, I've written a great blog post on this. Read it here.
Pregnant in Austin? Come and see us at Align Massage + Lymphatics! We're certified in The Vodder Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and we specialize in post-operative care. Whether it's your 1st pregnancy or your 5th, we're here to help you have a pleasant and comfortable journey.
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