Question about getting massages and pedis when pregnant

ilovebijou · August 2009

I was getting my hair cut last week and my stylist said to be careful about getting any pedis or massages when you are pregnant because there is a spot on your ankle that if they press it you can immediately go into labor. Has anyone heard of something like this? She claimed that it happened to another stylist and she went into labor but luckily she was nearly 40wks. I had never heard of this before and didn't know if I should belive it?

Fuzzy8252 · August 2009

Yes... there are certain pressure points that when triggered can cause preterm labor. If you're going to do something with any massage involved, let them know that you're pregnant.

karelaorange · August 2009

This is mostly bogus. Your body will not spontaneously go into labor just because of a pressure point, but if you are near your due date (i.e. your body is close to being ready) there is some indication that this can help speed things along. The reason to be wary of pedicures is the nasty chemicals you inhale while you're there, which have been shown to be bad for pregnant women (everyone, really, but anyway...)

FriendlyFanny · August 2009

I wish! That route sounds a heck of a lot easier and enjoyable than cervadil, pitocin, et al.

ilovebijou · August 2009

FriendlyFanny:
I wish! That route sounds a heck of a lot easier and enjoyable than cervadil, pitocin, et al.

That's what I was thinking!

Payne2B2008 · August 2009

Yes & No

I had a friend's mom who offered to give me a massage that would "most likly" make pop (as I was 9 days over due. But saddly I didn't get that message until after Aiden was here (great timeing right)

MrsGo4Hockeychick · August 2009

there are actually a lot of pressure points in the ankles and feet that CAN trigger contractions/labor in pg women. Of course, it's not always going to work, but they are there....and there are some places that won't even do massages/pedicures on pg women because of the liability if something should happen.

mbgreenwalt · August 2009

I had a massage at 9 weeks for my b-day. I called my doctor and she said just make sure they know your pregnant and for it to be a gentle massage. I read about the pressure points, but they weren't concerned.

A pedicure and manicure I would be concerned about a possible infection. The last pedi I had she cut open my big toe with a cuticle pusher.

otc · August 2009

MrsGo4Hockeychick:
there are actually a lot of pressure points in the ankles and feet that CAN trigger contractions/labor in pg women. Of course, it's not always going to work, but they are there....and there are some places that won't even do massages/pedicures on pg women because of the liability if something should happen.

Ditto this. My OBGYN office has a masseuse there and she taught me the pressure points on my feet and some on my hands that either relieve pain or help contractions along.

Any licensed massage therapist or pedicurist knows where they are, so just tell them. Even the asian place were very careful with me when I was PG. The massages were lighter and be sure to go to a place that doesn't do acrylics.

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