[Jacqueline]

Hi everyone-
I was reading some posts on a more medically-minded pregnancy site and someone said that you should avoid massages the 1st trimester since it's such a "fragile" trimester anyway. I had thought that as long as I told my massage therapist that I was pregnant, she'd be able to avoid the points you shouldn't touch on pregnant women and that I could still enjoy a nice massage (which would feel really good right now). However, when I visited my acupuncturist last week for my regular monthly visit, she treated me for a cough I've been having, but then we talked about holding off on more appointments until I was into my second trimester, just to give the baby a chance to settle. So, maybe all body work should be eased up during the first tri? I'm in my 7th week.

Any of you have experience with this kind of thing? I'll be seeing my midwife soon and can talk to her about it, but I thought I'd see what some of you had heard about this topic. I have a massage scheduled for next week, but I can cancel it if needed. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[bebe luna]

I am a certified practioner of Chinese Medicine, including bodywork (Shiatsu)... I also have worked very closely w/ acupuncturists, as well as took special classes for bodywork during pregnancy and postpartum, taught classes on the subject, had numerous pregnant clients, as well as recieved bodywork and acupuncture throughout pregnancy...
That said:
massage and acupuncture is completely safe during any stage of pregnancy. Even if you have a history of miscarraige. The bodywork is wonderful energy for the baby and mother, and actually can help settle a restless baby and even help prevent miscarraige.
There are specific points that definately should not be needled or given a lot of pressure to in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester (these same points can be excellent for sringing on labor in late pregnancy though).
I wouldn't recommend sports massage, rigorous deep tissue massage, or rolfing during pregnancy, but shiatsu, swedish, esalan, acupuncture, chiropractic, reiki, etc are all safe and very beneficial during all the stages of pregnancy.
Acupuncture and shiatsu can be especially helpful in the first trimester for helping alleviate morning sickkness, headaches, and fatigue.
I say go for it, but do be sure that you tell the practioner you are pregnant and be sure that they have been trained in the contraindications for massage during pregnancy.

 

[CajunMama]

I was wondering the same thing when I got pregnant- and my doc( who is an old line conservative type of OB) said " Massage is good at any time- as long as you have a knowledgable massage therapist". My massage therapist told me the same thing- I was thrilled and continued with the therapy.

I am sad though- my massage therapist is in acupucture school 4 hrs away and I haven't seen her in 2 months

Enjoy it! It is a wonderful thing to treat yourself to when you are pregnant.

 

[coco]

I wouldnt do it unless they were totally prenatally trained -regular anatomically and pressure points and all that. I had a m/c after a massage and although Im not pointing a finger, I just wish I hadnt done it.

 

[Doodlebugsmom]

As a licensed massage therapist, in my pregnancy massage class we were taught not to massage in the first trimester. After several years of experience doing massage, I don't believe that a Swedish massage would be harmful during the first trimester. As a massage therapist, I would keep the massage light and relaxing with no pressure point work. I personally would have no qualms about getting myself a massage during the first trimester.