Pregnancy & postpartum: when is it allowed?
Answers to the most common questions about massage and lymphatic drainage around pregnancy, after birth and with a C-section scar. Safety-first and tailored to your situation; this does not replace medical advice. BodyFix has been Amsterdam's longest-running specialised connective-tissue and fascia practice since 2008.
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During pregnancy
Massage & lymphatic drainage during your pregnancy
The most common questions are about safety and timing: is it allowed, from which week and under what conditions? BodyFix deliberately chooses caution here. The answers below are general in nature and do not replace medical advice; when in doubt we always refer you to your midwife or doctor.
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
With an uncomplicated pregnancy, massage can be suitable from the second trimester, provided there are no medical contraindications. Whether it is safe in your situation is something we assess during the consultation. When in doubt, with any complaints or with a relevant medical history, speak to your midwife or gynaecologist first. A treatment at BodyFix is supportive and not a substitute for medical care; this answer does not replace medical advice. Read more about pregnancy massage in Amsterdam.
From which week is a pregnancy massage allowed?
At BodyFix we start pregnancy massage from 14 weeks. In the first trimester we advise against treatment because of the increased risk of miscarriage. When in doubt or with any medical complaints, we always consult your midwife or gynaecologist first.
Why is massage advised against in the first trimester?
In the first trimester we advise against treatment because of the increased risk of miscarriage. That is why we only start from 14 weeks. If you have any questions or complaints during the first trimester, speak to your midwife or doctor.
Does lymphatic drainage help with fluid retention (swollen legs or ankles) during pregnancy?
Fluid retention is common during pregnancy. Lymphatic drainage can be used from the second trimester as a supportive, relaxing treatment, provided there are no contraindications. We promise no result. With strong or sudden swelling, consult your midwife or doctor first, as this can point to something more serious. Whether it is suitable for you is something we assess during the consultation. Read more about lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam.
Is lymphatic drainage safe during pregnancy?
The same conditions apply to lymphatic drainage as to pregnancy massage: from 14 weeks, in the second trimester and provided there are no contraindications. We assess this during the consultation. With any medical complaints or complications, speak to your midwife or gynaecologist first. This answer does not replace medical advice.
What are the contraindications for pregnancy massage?
Contraindications include: the first trimester (under 14 weeks), pre-eclampsia, placenta praevia, threatened premature labour, deep vein thrombosis and active skin infections. When in doubt, always consult your midwife or gynaecologist first. We also assess this during the consultation. You can find a full overview on our contraindications page.
After birth
After birth
Postpartum & the C-section scar
When you can be massaged again depends on your recovery and the type of birth. We deliberately err on the side of caution and never start without the go-ahead from your doctor or midwife. The answers below do not replace medical advice.
When can I be massaged again after a vaginal birth?
After a vaginal birth, the right time to start depends on your recovery and is assessed individually, once your midwife or gynaecologist has given the go-ahead. We discuss the right moment to start for your situation during the consultation. Read more about postpartum recovery in Amsterdam.
When can I start scar massage after a C-section?
Scar massage only starts once the scar has healed sufficiently and your body is ready: the scar must be fully closed and no longer fragile. That is generally from around 8 weeks, and you need the go-ahead from your gynaecologist or midwife — unless a specific treatment or your doctor advises a different moment. Discuss the right moment to start during your consultation and with your doctor or midwife. We err on the side of caution and do not start too early.
What are adhesions around a C-section scar, and can massage help?
Around a scar, the connective tissue can form adhesions, which can make the tissue feel stiffer or less mobile. Targeted scar massage is aimed at making the tissue more supple and can be supportive. We promise no cure or fixed result. Treatment only starts after healing and with your doctor's approval. You can read more on our page about C-section scar massage in Amsterdam and in the knowledge base about releasing adhesions.
Does scar massage also help with an older C-section scar?
Targeted treatment can sometimes be worthwhile with older scars too. Whether it is suitable in your case is something we assess during the consultation. We give no guarantee of results. You can find more information on our page about C-section scar massage in Amsterdam.
Breastfeeding & recovery
Breastfeeding & recovery
Breastfeeding, tummy & diastasis
Finally, the questions we are often asked about the period after birth: breastfeeding and the recovery of your tummy. We are honest here about what we can and cannot do.
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Can I be massaged or have lymphatic drainage while breastfeeding?
Yes, breastfeeding is not a contraindication for connective tissue massage. We do not treat the breast area itself, and the lymphatic drainage component is safe during breastfeeding. Do mention it during the consultation, so we can tailor the treatment protocol accordingly.
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Can BodyFix do anything about a loose tummy or diastasis after birth?
BodyFix focuses on the connective tissue and the skin: skin firming, scars and postpartum recovery. Diastasis (rectus diastasis) is primarily a matter for pelvic physiotherapy; for that we refer you to a (pelvic) physiotherapist. We make no treatment or cure promise about diastasis. You can read more about what we can do on our page about postpartum recovery.
Treatment always starts diagnosis-first with a Bodyreading. The BodyFix Method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula and combines deep manual connective tissue massage with device-assisted lymphatic drainage.
Read on
Read on
More about pregnancy, recovery & scars
Explore the treatments and topics around this phase in more depth.
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Pregnancy massage in Amsterdam — safe, tailored to your trimester.
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Postpartum recovery in Amsterdam — connective tissue and skin after birth.
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C-section scar massage — adhesions around the scar.
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Lymphatic drainage in Amsterdam — supportive with fluid retention.
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Contraindications — when treatment is (not yet) possible.
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Back to all frequently asked questions — fascia, complaints and practical details.
Not sure whether it is right for you? Ask your question during the free consultation
Every new client starts with a free 20-minute consultation, with no obligation. We discuss your situation, the right moment to start and whether a treatment is right for you — diagnosis-first, via a Bodyreading. Rated 4.9/5 based on 205 reviews. BodyFix is a private practice and treatments are not reimbursed by health insurance.
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