During pregnancy, leg heaviness, fluid retention, and edema are common. Manual lymphatic drainage is often recommended to alleviate these symptoms. But is this technique safe for pregnant women? And does it offer real benefits? Find out here whether lymphatic drainage can be considered during pregnancy.
Lymphatic drainage and pregnancy: what are the benefits?
Summary
Published on October 7, 2025, updated on October 7, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading
Themes:
Key points to remember.
Lymphatic drainage is generally not recommended during the first and last month of pregnancy.
Lymphatic drainage may be beneficial for relieving heavy legs and edema during pregnancy.
Lymphatic drainage may also help to limit the appearance of varicose veins and alleviate the effects of cellulite during pregnancy.
Lymphatic drainage must imperatively be performed by a professional and adapted for pregnant women.
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Is lymphatic drainage therapy appropriate for pregnant women?
The lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique aimed at stimulating lymph flow, the colorless fluid that runs alongside the blood and whose role is to remove waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the body. Through slow, light movements performed along the lymphatic pathways, it helps decongest tissues and reduce feelings of swelling. However, during pregnancy, the body undergoes significant physiological changes. It is therefore natural to question whether pregnant women can undergo lymphatic drainage.
Manual lymphatic drainage can be performed during pregnancy, but certain precautions are necessary.
In general, it is recommended to avoid this type of massage during the first and last months of pregnancy. During the first month, the embryo is in the very early stage of its development, and any inappropriate manipulation could potentially disrupt this fragile process. In the last month, concerns center primarily on the risk of precipitating labor too early: certain maneuvers, especially around the abdomen, may trigger uterine contractions. Outside of these periods, when performed by a practitioner trained and specialized in prenatal massage, lymphatic drainage can be beneficial and support the expectant mother's well-being.
Is it beneficial to receive lymphatic drainage massage during pregnancy?
When properly performed, lymphatic drainage during pregnancy can be highly beneficial, particularly given the physiological changes occurring at this time. Increased blood volume and fluid retention can lead to swelling in pregnant women, especially in the legs and ankles. By promoting lymph circulation, lymphatic massage helps eliminate excess fluids, thereby reducing feelings of heaviness and edema.
The drainage massage during pregnancy can also help to limit the onset or worsening of varicose veins, a problem commonly encountered in pregnant women. By improving venous return and blood circulation, it reduces pressure in superficial veins and helps prevent vessel dilation, while relieving heavy legs. Similarly, by stimulating circulation and tissue drainage, the lymphatic drainage can help reduce the appearance of aqueous cellulite, which is associated with fluid retention.
In addition to its decongestive effect, lymphatic drainage massage can improve overall comfort and quality of life in pregnant women. By stimulating circulation, it enhances tissue oxygenation and reduces muscle tension, often localized in the lower back, legs, and hips—areas particularly strained during pregnancy. The massage also provides a relaxing, soothing effect, which can help reduce the stress and anxiety frequently experienced by expectant mothers.
What do scientific studies show about the benefits of lymphatic drainage during pregnancy?
Several studies confirm the benefits of lymphatic drainage during pregnancy. A Brazilian study evaluated the effect of manual lymphatic drainage on pain due to leg edema in 28 pregnant women divided into four groups based on their trimester (second or third) and whether they underwent manual lymphatic drainage sessions. Participants rated their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum pain). The results show that, in the experimental group, mean pain scores were significantly lower than in the control group.
| Group | Pain assessment before lymphatic drainage sessions | Pain assessment after lymphatic drainage sessions | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second trimester of pregnancy with lymphatic drainage | 6.5 | 3 | - 3.5 |
| Second trimester of pregnancy without lymphatic drainage | 6.7 | 8 | + 1.3 |
| Third trimester of pregnancy with lymphatic drainage | 7 | 5 | - 2 |
| Third trimester of pregnancy without lymphatic drainage | 6.8 | 7.8 | + 1 |
Progression of edema-related pain in pregnant women undergoing manual lymphatic drainage.
Source: BARBORATI I. N. & al. Does lymphatic drainage reduce pain during pregnancy? Brazilian Journal of Development (2020).
Lymphatic drainage therefore appears to have reduced pain due to leg edema in pregnant women, likely by decreasing the edema itself, even though the study does not specify this explicitly.
Another study evaluated the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage on lower limb edema in pregnant women. Fifteen participants, between the 5th and 8th month of pregnancy, were included. Each woman underwent a one-hour session of leg-draining massage. Edema was assessed by water displacement volumetry, comparing measurements taken in the morning and afternoon over two days: one day with lymphatic drainage and one day without. The results, presented in the table below, show a clear difference between days with and without drainage. Lymphatic drainage thus appears to have reduced fluid accumulation in the legs over the course of the day.
| Day | Average morning volume (g) | Average afternoon volume (g) | Variation (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without lymphatic drainage | 2 849.1 | 2 889.1 | + 40.0 |
| With lymphatic drainage | 2 856.4 | 2 812,. | - 44.4 |
Effect of manual lymphatic drainage on leg volume in pregnant women.
Source: DE FATIMA GUERREIRO GODOY M. & al. Lymph drainage in pregnant women. Nursing Research and Practice (2013).
This study confirms the value of lymphatic drainage for reducing leg edema during pregnancy.
Sources
DE FATIMA GUERREIRO GODOY M. & al. Lymph drainage in pregnant women. Nursing Research and Practice (2013).
BAMIGBOYE A. A. & al. Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy (Review). The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015).
SZYGULA Z. & al. Lower-limb oedema during pregnancy. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (2016).
BARBORATI I. N. & al. Does lymphatic drainage reduce pain during pregnancy? Brazilian Journal of Development (2020).
ROMERO-MORALES C. & al. Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage vs. perineal massage in secundigravida women with gestational oedema: A randomised clinical trial. International Wound Journal (2020).
