First massage ever: Get it now or wait

2.red.heads · May 2010

I've NEVER had any sort of massage. My good friend can't believe this so for my Birthday (back in Feb) she gave me a gift certificate for a full body massage. I basically got my BFP on my B-day. I should have gotten it right away, but I just never made it in.

So now I'm wondering: should I get my very first massage right now, with my small, but very much there, baby bump? Or, should I wait 'til December when I'll probably really need the break (and can possibly get more out of a massage not being pregnant). I know that if I get the massage now I need to make sure the person is certified to give pregnant women proper massages.

Even if I LOVE having a massage I can't picture myself ever becoming a regular because we just don't have that cash flow w/me being a stay at home mom. That's why I really want to make it count!

FishNchips1 · May 2010

honestly wait till 24-26 weeks. I thought my back hurt when I was 17 weeks but man could I use a prenatal massage now. Up to you though!

mrs.spears26 · May 2010

i would get it sometime during your pregnancy. DH got me one for valentine's day and it was heaven. i'm going to figure out how to afford a few more before the baby comes

hewinked · May 2010

I would wait til after the baby. I had one early in my 3rd trimester. I was very much looking forward to it cuz it was a prenatal one, with a space cut out on the table so I could lay comfortable on my belly side, and my belly would lay in the cut out part. I almost passed out. I couldn't lay on my back (or stomach, apparently) when pregnant cuz I'd come close to passing out every time. Not that it would happen to you, but it would be a shame if it did and you couldn't enjoy your first ever massage!

purplegirl_2008 · May 2010

I have had massages before and they have always been well worth it. Next week is my first prenatal massage and I am very much looking forward to it. Having said that, the first massage I ever had was very uncomfortable to me because I am a bit of a control freak and didn't know what to expect. There was some anxiety which made it less of an enjoyable experience because I couldn't fully relax. So, if you think this could be an issue for you given that you have never had a massage I would wait.

Either way, it should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience that makes you feel renewed so I would schedule it for when you think you will most need a relaxing time.

[Deleted User] · May 2010

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JMCAVC · May 2010

It depends on how you feel. Many massage parlors offer prenatal massages (just make sure that person is certified). My boss gave me a gift certificate for a massage for my birthday and I'm going to use it towards the end of my pregnancy as a "treat." I figured I may not have the few hours to spare after the LO is born to get it later. I've heard great things about prenatal massage and it's something I'm looking forward to.

snansley · May 2010

The place I did my prenatal massage had me lay on my side so ask how they do it when you call.

Agree with previous posters about your level of comfort.It took me a couple of regular massages to figure out what I like. For me it is a male masseuse and firm pressure (I am very ticklish). A prenatal is a bit different because they don't use as much pressure, different positions, etc

Regardless it should be relaxing. Don't be afraid to speak up about pressure, temperature, comfort, etc.

doxgirl · May 2010

I would wait. I had a prenatal massage and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as a regular message.

puterbaby · May 2010

I've been trying to go once a month. You might want to check with insurance, because mine covers 80%. If you want to treat yourself to just one, I would go later in your pregnancy. This is my first pregnancy, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I've heard that from a lot of women. Either way, enjoy it!!

pgin08 · May 2010

hewinked:
I would wait til after the baby. I had one early in my 3rd trimester. I was very much looking forward to it cuz it was a prenatal one, with a space cut out on the table so I could lay comfortable on my belly side, and my belly would lay in the cut out part. I almost passed out. I couldn't lay on my back (or stomach, apparently) when pregnant cuz I'd come close to passing out every time. Not that it would happen to you, but it would be a shame if it did and you couldn't enjoy your first ever massage!

I agree to wait - I had two during my first pregnancy - one around 28 weeks and one in the mid 30's. Neither of them were that enjoyable (had them at different places because I thought it might just be where I got them). The table isn't all that soft and hurt my hips and back a lot. Plus, they are super soft on you because you are pregnant and it just didn't feel as good as massages I've had not being pregnant.

historychick79 · May 2010

I had one last week and it was amazing (have had them pre-preg, but the pregnancy massage definitely worth it). I agree that even though I was sore around 17-18wks, I'm definitely feeling more weight and tension in the back so it made a nice difference. Also planning one in the mid 30-wks range to help with swelling and stiffness, while avoiding being too close to labor; though the massage therapist/doula who did mine said you could do it any time up to labor starting.

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First massage ever: Get it now or wait

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