Massage in the first trimester

keiral

Prior to my BFP, I scheduled a massage for my birthday, which is coming up in the next couple of weeks. 

I've read conflicting information on having a massage in the first trimester.  I really can't imagine why it wouldn't be safe, but some things that I've read have warned against it, suggesting it can cause MC.  Other things I've read have said that it's harmless.  Of course, being PGAL, I want to be cautious.

I plan to call and ask the doc about this, but I'm just curious about the opinions of the PGAL ladies.

TIA!

KJohnson826

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KJohnson826

I got a massage when I was about 5 weeks along, and they said as long as they just do a light massage it shouldn't cause any problems. They might make you sign a pregnancy waiver, I know the place I went to did.

bluebonnetmeg

I got one the day of my BFP, but the woman I go to specializes in prenatal massage. She said that she would avoid some pressure points, but other than that it was fine. It felt awesome.

tiffanysbride

I know that the lady I go to will not do them prior to 14 wks. It is company policy to protect them in case of loss. I am having my first in a while this weekend. Sleeping on my side is killing my neck. 

hurdalyson

My advice - make sure that they know you're pregnant, or dont tell them at all if you're not worried.  I scheduled a massage at 9 weeks right after a deadline, and had a very rude awakening when I went in and they told me that they couldn't massage me because it was their policy not to do massage on women in their 1st trimester, and then only with someone licensed in prenatal massage after that.  I went home really annoyed, I had really been looking forward to my massage!

My OB kind of rolled her eyes and said there was nothing really to worry about, but they were just covering their own butts really in case you have a miscarriage and try to blame them.  So - I'd just check with them before you go so you dont get turned away.  I now have a therapist licensed in prenatal massage, and I go once a month.   I swear its made a big difference in making this physically better.  I had very bad sciatica at the beginning, and its pretty much gone now.

Good luck!

jojo3020

I had a massage when I was in my first trimester with DD and there were no issues.  I will say, though, that my BBs were so sore that I couldn't enjoy the massage once I was on my stomach.  Other than that, though, it was great and next time I'll see if there's something else I can do.  Sorry for the Italics; for some reason the button keeps re-highlighting after I turn it off.

missbryn

I'd call them now and tell them and make sure your person does prenatal massage. If that's not a specialty, I'd cancel and find a different place. I wouldn't worry about safety, so much as your comfort. DH scheduled a massage for me for valentine's day (9w), and he found a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal - at a great place full of knowledgeable therapists. They even had a medical questionnaire I had to fill out ahead of time. The lady was great - she talked to me first about comfort, etc., and when I said lying on my stomach wasn't comfy, she set the table up for side-line (just pillows in different places, but she was super good at making sure I was all comfortable, properly lined up, etc.).  

chusum

I wouldn't before the end of 1st tri, but that's just me, even a pre-natal one. I would hold out if possible until then, and still get the prenatal kind.

LottaLattes

chusum:

I wouldn't before the end of 1st tri, but that's just me, even a pre-natal one. I would hold out if possible until then, and still get the prenatal kind.

I'm in this camp.  It might be totally harmless, but it might not be (depends on how much you believe in accupuncture/accupressure, I guess).  I did have massages before 6 weeks with both of my losses and had NO idea it could cause problems and I will always wonder if it actually did (just didn't mention it).  I figure after all I went through to finally be pregnant, I didn't want to risk it.

With that said, now that I'm out of first tri, I should totally schedule one, hmm....

Diananicole7

I've heard somewhere that it can release hormones that can cause miscarriage. Not sure if that's true or not, just something I heard.

Eastie156

To the PP- I also had a massage during the first 7 weeks of my 1st PG and never considered whether it could've had an effect on my loss either. I'll never know either  

 I just experienced being turned down for a 1st Tri massage on Friday. We have a lady that comes into our office once a month and I completely wasn't considering the fact that I was PG when I booked the massage, initially. I went to the appointment and when she asked how I was, I said, actually I'm PG! She was excited for me but then after finding out it was immediately following a loss, was like, sorry there's no way I can give you a massage. The way she explained it to me is that most likely it would be fine, but the liability is too great. If something were to happen, she'd feel terrible, especially knowing I'd already had one loss. She said there are many people who are not experienced in prenatal massages and to be very careful, because there are certain pressure points, especially below the knees that are NOT supossed to be touched during PG. While I was kinda bummed, I was grateful she shared that info with me!

keiral

Wow.. lot's of great info.  Thanks!

I think I will be on the safe side and wait until I'm in the second trimester.  Even if it is harmless, I don't want anything else to be paranoid about!