Massage? Do I have to go Pre-Natal?

DunwoodyMama · April 2011

Hi!

I have been working (for my job working out) like crazy and I could use a massage. Do you know if I can do a regular massage or if I need to do a pre-natal massage where I do not lie on my belly.

Help!

catch2010 · April 2011

Ask your doctor, but I'd go pre-natal. There are spots that can induce a miscarriage and I'd want my masseuse to know my condition so she could avoid them.

Same for mani-pedis, let the nail tech know that you're pregnant. I think one of the pressure points is somewhere on the back of the lower leg.

Pocky873 · April 2011

Prenatal, but you may have to wait until you're in 2nd tri. Many doctors advise against getting a massage of any kind in 1st tri. Some spas have a special table with a cutout for the belly so you can lie comfortably face-down.

lindseymik13 · April 2011

When I had my prental massages last pregnancy I still laid on my belly. It is fine to lay on your belly until it is uncomfortable. But the place I went to had a cushion that fit my belly in it so I could still lay down.

MrsJetSet · April 2011

You can goto any massage therapist. You will not want them to mess with your achilles heel, inner thing or a point on your low back. Right now those won't be a problem but later they will. Just tell them you are pregnant. You can lay on your stomach but if your boobs are sore ask for a pillow to put under your tummy while laying forward. That will take some pressure off and make it more comfy. Also make sure no litament is used (any kind of liquid massage oil that pulls blood to certain muscles). I just saw my massage therapist , who happens to be 9 wks, last Friday. Enjoy!

rebeccaontherocks · April 2011

Your feet and neck have pressure points that can cause contractions no matter what stage of your pregnancy you are in. So yes you should go prenatal.

I go to a chiropractor and even he has to do a modified therapy on my neck/back because I am pregnant.

smilelari · April 2011

It is safe to do massage in any trimester (I had one at 5w4d) and in the first tri they will probably have you lay on your belly. I don't know that it has to be a "prenatal" massage, but be sure that the therapist knows that you are pregnant and is qualified to work with pregnant clients.

sweetpealee · April 2011

I'm a massage therapist... I had a prenatal massage two weeks ago and plan to get one again before the end of the first trimester. I did my research and found another massage therapist in my area who has great credentials that I trust. I would definitely go to a therapist who has taken a prenatal course and is certified. Many independent massage therapists who are certified pre- natal massage therapists will massage you before 12 weeks, spas will not, for legal reasons. There is no danger in getting a massage from a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage before the end of your first trimester if your doctor says that massage is ok. It is also OK to lie on your stomach in the first trimester as long as it is comfortable for you.

Therapists who are trained in pre- natal massage learn extensively about body positioning, shiatsu points to avoid (that are associated with causing pre-term labor), and pregnancy- related contraindications.

I would check this site to find a therapist in your area.

on a side note:

I have actually heard conflicting things about the tables that have the the hole for the pregnant belly cut out of them- my prenatal instructor said that the weight of the baby causes pressure on the ligaments around the uterus. There are also bolstering systems as well as specifically positioned pillows that can provide the pregnant client with the support she needs throughout pregnancy, that I would imagine are more comfortable.

DunwoodyMama · April 2011

Great advice everyone! Thank you so very much!

MrsG.060708 · April 2011

I had a prenatal massage with DD when I was 19 weeks pregnant and I laid on my stomach. I had another at 33 weeks and couldn't at that point, so I sat up (sort of) on a bunch of pillows. Some places have massage tables with a hole for the belly.

I'm hoping to convince DH that I should get one next week, and then another in 2nd and/or 3rd tri. They are HEAVEN at that point!

FuFey · April 2011

Hubby had scheduled me a spa day before we got the BFP. We were supposed to have an hour long couples massage, but the salon said that since I was pregnant they could only do prenatal and it was done on a different table than the one that was in the couples room (so hubby and I ended up with separate massages). Anyway, the therapist did the entire massage while I laid on my right and left sides and was completely supported by pillows. It was so relaxing and didn't hurt like the last deep massage I'd had. I can not wait to get another one! I was like 5-6wks along when I had the massage and my ob/gyn approved it. She actually said the massage therapist and chiropractor would probably become my best friends!

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