[Anglyn]

I know about prenatal massage, but at my chiro appoinment yesterday I didnt get the massage part because the therapist was taught in her training that its not safe in the first trimester?

Any opinions?

 

[mom2emerson]

Many massage therapist are not comfortable giving massages in the first trimester. Those who will should definitely be well trained on doing so.

I had one with this pregnancy at the very end of the first trimester. Only one of the MTs at the spa where I went was trained/comfortable with doing it that early. It was different from massages I've had in the past in that it was very mild and more relaxing than therapeutic feeling (kwim?).

 

[OMama]

I've had numerous massages in my first trimesters of pregnancy. Most massage therapists in my area (NW Washington) seem to not have a problem. The way I understand it is that there are certain pressure points to avoid, and as along as those aren't worked on, then it is totally okay -- and of course good for you to get massage. I guess I was ignorant but I thought most all massage therapists across the country learned about this in school. It is not like being pregnant is a rare condition.

But by any means if someone doesn't know what they are doing, I wouldn't want them to work on me, especially if pregnant.

 

[katt]

I didn't get full body massages, but hand and foot massages.

I love those!
the MT told me not to have my wrists/ankles/ or the area between the thumb and forefinger massaged later in my PG cause it can help induce labour.

 

[jennkraig]

As a licensed massage therapist, I learned that massage in the first trimester is not a problem. We just stay away from certain areas, like pp mentioned, places on the ankles and hands. Even those points are only dangerous if you spend alot of time on them. I avoid them completely just so that if anything happens I can not be blamed.
There are some places in the country where massage therapists are not required to have any formal training. Some states have licesing requirements, some do not.
There are several certification programs for prenatal massage, and if you are concerned about getting massage while pregnant it might be good to look for someone who has had that training.
I have gotten lots of massage during this pregnancy. It is nice to be cared for at a time when you are caring for someone else 24 hours a day. Just make sure you drink plenty of water after.

 

[didkisa]

I'm 7 weeks and getting a massage tomorrow.

I've heard that you shouldn't get a deep penetrating massage, especially of the legs because if you have any blood clots, they could be dislodged and sent to your heart--deadly. My massage therapist has never heard of that, but I would still be cautious of the legs.

And like what a PP said, definitely drink plenty of water afterwards to flush out all the toxins the massage will help your muscles release. Otherwise you can feel pretty sickly afterwards! (I know from experience...)

 

[dividedsky]

eek... please tell me the massages they give with my regular manicures/pedicures (hand/arm/foot/leg/neck) are ok? since it's still early days (i'm in my 7th week) and it's my first, i'm paranoid about everything, lol!

 

[peacechief]

what about just a back massage from dh? just have him not press too hard?? Never thought about this being an issue... Is it only the first trimester?

 

[2Peas14mnsapart]

I've had 1 massage every month of each of my pregnancies.

My massage therapist says it's safe as long as she stay's away from certian points that "may" cause issues.

I really trust her I have been going to her for a LONG time now and my OB even encouraged me to continue to go when I was in my first month with our DD and I asked about it.

She just puts a pillow under my belly also, it's a pregnancy pillow thing that has a hole for my belly this is supposed to take the pressure off of my belly during the massage. But you can have them do you massage with you on your side if your not comfortable on your belly, some women just are not comfortable on their bellies at all.

I would just talk with your massage therapist about it and I am sure they will give you all of the info they know on it.

 

[prettypixels]

Quote:

Originally Posted by didkisa I'm 7 weeks and getting a massage tomorrow. I've heard that you shouldn't get a deep penetrating massage, especially of the legs because if you have any blood clots, they could be dislodged and sent to your heart--deadly. My massage therapist has never heard of that, but I would still be cautious of the legs. And like what a PP said, definitely drink plenty of water afterwards to flush out all the toxins the massage will help your muscles release. Otherwise you can feel pretty sickly afterwards! (I know from experience...)

Why would being pregnant indicate blood clots in the legs? I have never heard this before at all.