Lymphatic Drainage in Pregnancy: Is It Safe and Does It Help?

Swollen feet, ankles and legs are one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, especially in the last few months and towards the end of the day. For most women the swelling is normal and harmless, but it can be heavy, tight and uncomfortable, and many look for gentle ways to ease it.

This guide explains why swelling happens in pregnancy, whether lymphatic drainage massage is safe, what it can help with, what you can do at home, and the warning signs that mean you should contact your midwife straight away.

Quick answer

Lymphatic drainage in pregnancy is a very gentle, rhythmic massage that can ease the normal swelling of the feet, ankles and legs. It is generally considered suitable for healthy pregnancies, usually from the second trimester, provided your midwife or doctor agrees and sudden or unusual swelling has been checked first. It is done lying on your side, with light pressure only. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, or swelling with headache or blurred vision, needs urgent medical advice, not massage.

Why swelling happens in pregnancy

During pregnancy your body holds more fluid than usual, and the growing baby presses on the veins that carry blood back from the legs. Fluid collects in the tissues, mainly in the feet and ankles, and gravity makes it worse as the day goes on. Swelling tends to be greatest in the third trimester, in hot weather and after long periods of standing or sitting still.

This kind of swelling, called oedema, usually builds slowly, affects both legs fairly evenly and improves overnight or with your feet up.

When swelling is not normal

Contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit straight away if you notice:

• Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
• A severe headache that does not go away
• Blurred vision, flashing lights or other problems with your sight
• Pain just below the ribs
• Feeling very unwell or vomiting

These can be signs of pre-eclampsia, which needs prompt assessment. Seek urgent help too if one leg is swollen, painful, warm or red, as this can be a sign of a blood clot, and call 999 for chest pain or sudden breathlessness.

Is lymphatic drainage safe in pregnancy?

Manual lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure and does not work deeply into the muscles, which is why it is generally considered one of the gentlest massage options in pregnancy. Research specifically on lymphatic drainage in pregnancy is limited, so it should be seen as a comfort measure rather than a medical treatment.

Many therapists prefer to start after the first 12 weeks as a precaution. Before treatment we ask how many weeks you are, how your pregnancy is going and whether your midwife or consultant has any concerns. Lymphatic drainage is not suitable if you have pre-eclampsia, a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder, or a high-risk pregnancy where your care team has advised against it.

What it can help with

• Heavy, tight and puffy feet, ankles and lower legs
• Discomfort at the end of the day or after travelling
• General relaxation, which many women value as much as the reduction in swelling

It will not prevent swelling from returning, because the causes continue until after the birth. Many women find a session every week or two in the later months, together with the home measures below, keeps them more comfortable.

What a session is like

You lie on your side, supported by pillows, rather than flat on your back. Your therapist starts with very light, slow strokes around the neck and other lymph node areas, then works gently from the legs upwards. The pressure is feather-light and should never be uncomfortable. Sessions are usually 60 minutes, and many women feel lighter and need the toilet more often afterwards. If you prefer a more traditional massage, see our guide to pregnancy massage in Chiswick.

What you can do at home

• Keep moving. Short walks and gentle swimming help the calf muscles pump fluid back up the legs.
• Put your feet up whenever you can, ideally above the level of your hips.
• Avoid standing still for long periods, and do ankle pumps and circles while sitting.
• Sleep on your side in the later months.
• Wear comfortable shoes and avoid tight socks or waistbands.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Ask your midwife about compression stockings, which help many women.

Gentle movements from our lymphatic drainage exercises guide, such as ankle pumps and deep breathing, are also suitable for most women in pregnancy. Avoid anything that involves lying flat on your back in later pregnancy.

After the birth

Swelling often increases for a few days after the birth before it settles, as the body clears the extra fluid. It usually resolves within a week or two. Lymphatic drainage can be helpful postnatally too, including after a caesarean once your wound has healed and your doctor or midwife agrees.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have lymphatic drainage in the first trimester?

Many therapists prefer to wait until after 12 weeks as a precaution, and swelling is rarely a problem that early. Speak to your midwife if you have concerns.

How often can I have it?

Every one to two weeks suits most women in the later months. More frequent sessions are fine if they help and your midwife agrees.

Is it the same as a pregnancy massage?

No. Pregnancy massage usually works on muscle tension in the back, hips and shoulders. Lymphatic drainage uses much lighter pressure and focuses on moving fluid. Some sessions combine the two.

Does it help with carpal tunnel in pregnancy?

Fluid retention can contribute to tingling in the hands in pregnancy. Gentle drainage and hand exercises may ease it for some women. See our guide to carpal tunnel exercises, and mention new numbness to your midwife.

How much does it cost?

At Omnia, lymphatic drainage massage starts from £65. See how much lymphatic drainage massage costs.

Lymphatic drainage in pregnancy in Chiswick

Manual lymphatic drainage is delivered at Omnia Lifestyle, 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking. Every session starts with a check of how your pregnancy is going, and treatment is adapted to your stage and comfort.

Read more about lymphatic drainage massage in London, see lymphatic drainage before and after results, or book a session.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the advice of your midwife or doctor, and seek urgent help for any of the warning signs above.