Pregnant and Massages?

M.,

I enjoyed massages throughout my pregnancy--especially the ones late in my pregnancy with a prenatal therapist who had a belly-less table. The only thing my doctor told me was that during the first trimester, massage can excerbate morning sickness. It didn't for me, but I had very little nausea. Good luck and confortablr pregnancy to you

It's a good idea to wait until you are out of your 1st trimester. Here in South Dakota you cannot get one without being more that 13 weeks. But ask that spa where you are getting it they will let you know. Also enjoy!! I did them monthly with both of pregnancies and it was the greatest hour of my day each time!

I had massages every 4-6 weeks with my 4th pregnancy, starting early in the 1st trimester, & it was WONDERFUL. I had so much less back pain and swelling in my hands & feet. My massage therapist just used extra pillows & helped me position myself comfortably on my side, leaning slightly forward.

i went to beauty school and studied some of this you can get them done but the back of your heel is a pressure point that can result of going into labor so don't have anyone massages the back of the heel. but my doctor told me to do them because it is very relazing and when you have your baby you never know when you will have time

Check with your doctor and be sure to let the massage therapist know that you are pregnant. The techniques may be a little different and they need to be aware of the condition.

My OB said it was fine as long as the Massage therapist was certified for prenatal. I think another lady mentioned chiropractics- it made a world of difference for me! Here's to a comfy and relaxed pregnancy!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED getting massages while pregnant, my back killed me every time I tried to move. If you are able, find a masseuse that is familiar with pregnant women. The one I went to happened to be a friend, but she knew just how to deal with my pregnancy. There are massage tables out there too that have a cutout for your belly for later on in your pregnancy and if you find the right place they just may have one. It is also possible to have a chair massage done where you don't have to worry about lying on your tummy and you can still get the benefits of a great massage.

My doctor told me that as long as the massager was aware of my being pregnant and knew prenatal massage, that it was totally fine for me to get massages. I had a lot of back pain during my pregnancy and massages were the only thing that saved me! I had no complications with the pregnancy and delivered at 39 weeks.

Hi M.,
I had a lot of problems with sciatica when I was prgnant also. I had massages and they helped but I also went to a chiropractor, which I think helped more. Just thought I would mention that. Good luck.
Chris

Yes! As long as you don't have any contraindications that say otherwise, you can definitely have a massage. Prenatal massage is wonderful for mother and baby!

I'm a certified massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage, but not yet licensed here in ND, otherwise I would tell you to call me! We just moved here and are getting settled in - I just unpacked my table the other day.

If you have conditions like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or any other high risk factors you need to get your OB's approval first and make sure you find a therapist who is well skilled in mommy massage.

Some therapists have special tables for pregnant moms or special pillows that pregnant moms can use as well.

I suggest asking your OB staff if they can recommend any therapist...Altru teaches an infant massage class so maybe they can lead you to a qualified CMT.

Good luck!

Just want to add, that make sure the massasge therapist actually has experience in pregnancy massage. There are a lot of pressure points, specifically in the legs and feet that need to be avoided when pregnant. BUt otherwise it is great for your body to get those tense and stretching muscles worked on.

oh heaven's YES! be sure to tell the masseuse that you are expecting. there are some precautions they must take. i actually had the great privilege of having a professional massage at a spa while i was in contractions. massages can help relax you & ease any worries that have manifested themselves into physical stress. this type of relaxation is good for your baby, good for you & can totally make labor smoother.

Massage is a wonderful treat while pregnant, especially if your massage therapist has "pregnancy bolsters", with breast and belly cutouts, which allow you to lay on your belly. I had sciatic issues during my pregnancy, and while massage helped, Phil Robison, craniosacral therapist, actually fixed the problem in one session, along with some stretches he taught me to do at home. When it cropped up later on my other side, the stretches alone eliminated the pain.

You can get a massage at any time in your pregnancy. You need to let the therapist know that you are pregnant and they will take the needed precautions. We have specific bolsters for expecting mothers. The therapist will have you lay on your side which is called side lying position. There is a bolster for your head and legs, this helps you to be more comfortable and takes the pressure off. There are specific draping techniques specifically for the expecting mothers. It is wonderful! I am a student of the Utah College of Massage Therapy, and currently have one fellow student of mine who is expecting and she gets more work done than you would think is possible. I would highly recommend you get the work done.

Agree with previous person. I had massages while I was pregnant and felt a lot better, but they should be certified and also be aware you are pregnant so they can avoid massaging certain points in your legs and feet that can trigger labor.
C.