Massage during pregnancy and postpartum
Massage has been shown to be valuable to pregnant women with anxiety, depression, legs and back pain and has shown significant benefit in perception of pain during labor.
At Qi Acu Clinic we use gentle, light-to-moderate pressure and we avoid deep abdominal, deep lower back, or certain pressure points that could stimulate contractions.
Therapists typically concentrate on back, shoulders, neck, legs and feet to relieve common pregnancy discomforts such as swelling, back pain and muscle tension. It can be combined breathing exercises and foot reflexology.
Safety Precautions: Avoid massage if there are high-risk pregnancy conditions (e.g. preeclampsia, placenta previa, risk of preterm labor, or clotting disorders). Always consult your healthcare provider first.
Acupuncture in pregnancy
Maria Lira completed Doula Training under the guidance of renowned maternity care and birth expert Dr. Krysia Lynch, PhD. This training gives her understanding of perinatal care and continues to inform and enhance her acupuncture practice, particularly in supporting women through pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery.
1st Trimester: Some common complaints that acupuncture can help you:
Morning sickness, muscular pain, fatigue, digestive complaints, spotting or abnormal discharge, anxiety/sleep disturbance and history of miscarriage.
2nd Trimester:
Heartburn, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps, sciatica, hemorrhoids, muscle aches, pains and preterm labour
3rd Trimester:
High blood pressure, pelvic pain, incontinence, back pain, breech baby, edema, insomnia, labour preparation and labour induction.
Lymphatic drainage
In our practice, we use the Vodder and Leduc methods of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to provide gentle, safe, and effective support for pregnant women. These techniques use light, rhythmic movements that stimulate lymph flow and help reduce swelling in the legs, ankles and feet . The Vodder method focuses on smooth, circular motions to encourage natural lymph movement, while the Leduc method combines specific “call-up” and “reabsorption” techniques to enhance fluid drainage and comfort. Both methods are adapted to suit pregnancy, avoiding deep pressure or abdominal work.
Contraindications include known or suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or clotting disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, renal or hepatic dysfunction (as fluid shifts and enhanced lymph return may stress these systems), and active infections in the massage area.
1.The effect of Manual Lymphatic Drainage to treat leg edema at late pregnancy (ACTRN12611000272998) — Registered clinical trial of MLD for leg oedema in late pregnancy (≥28 weeks). Pubmed
2.Lymph drainage in pregnant women (2013) — Prospective quantitative study of pregnant women (30 limbs, women in 5-8 months gestation) who underwent one hour of MLD of the legs; leg volume (water-displacement) decreased significantly (P = 0.04). Pubmed.
Pilates online
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Pilates during pregnancy is associated with shorter labour duration and reduced labour pain. Pilates exercise in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pumed, 2025.
Online Pilates can be a safe and effective way to stay active during pregnancy, provided it is guided by an experienced professional who understands the specific needs and adaptations required at each stage.
Maria Lira has been teaching Pilates for pregnant women since 2010, helping expectant mothers stay strong, balanced and comfortable throughout pregnancy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully transitioned her classes to an online format, ensuring safe and continued support for women at home.