Are prenatal massages worth the cost?

Beener0514 · January 2012

I've had my fair share of massages pre-pregnancy and am a huge fan. Lately, the middle of my back has been killing me and I'm considering purchasing a prenatal massage (DH has not been picking up on my hints!). For those of you who have had one, are they worth it? Can you lay on your stomach while they work on your back or do you lay on your side?

cheri lynne · January 2012

You lay on your side and they hardly put pressure cause they don't want to cause any problems. DH got me one and I appreciated it but I'd rather him dig his thumbs and heel of his hands instead.

mystikaljess · January 2012

Yes, you lay on your side. For me it is/was worth it. I have a membership at Massage Envy and go there to get mine done, haven't had a bad one yet.

sweetdreams2000 · January 2012

Yes it was worth it to me. I told the massage person to just put as much pressure as she could and I was sore enough that it helped. I layed on my side, in kind of a scissor kick type pose, rotating to the other side halfway through, with a pillow under my belly, and one between my legs. I felt pretty stable, and it definitely helped work out the kinks in my back/neck/hip.

FusionLMT · January 2012

cheri lynne:
You lay on your side and they hardly put pressure cause they don't want to cause any problems. DH got me one and I appreciated it but I'd rather him dig his thumbs and heel of his hands instead.

That's a generalization, but unfortunately one that some will experience. If you get one, make sure the LMT is certified in prenatal massage. There is no separate license or certification required to practice it and some will still take pregnant clients and not know what to do other than Swedish. A good therapist will still use some pressure and help work out the specific kinks that pertain to pregnancy. A good therapist will absolutely help out big time.

scskelly · January 2012

The one I got was not worth it. I was so uncomfortable laying on my side propped up at an incline. I had to rest my head on my arm and shoulder so then my neck hurt so bad.

JFH2010 · January 2012

Yes yes yes! I've loved my prenatal massages. I haven't noticed a difference in pressure from pre-pg, so I guess it just depends on the person. Mine has me on my side with a pilow under my head and between my knees and ankles. I've had back pain and they really help (along with exercise).

LDW80 · January 2012

I thought it was worth it. I layed on my side (with pillow between my legs and under belly) and she worked on my shoulders/back and used lots of pressure there. I guess every massage therapist is different and every client is different (as far as how much/how little pressure you want). Just let the therapist know where you want/need the most work done at.

sharrow · January 2012

Mine was awesome, but I went to a place that specialized in pregnancy massages. The therapist was incredible, and they didn't have me lay on my side at all.

They had special cushions that took the pressure off you when you lay on your front (just being able to lay face down was a dream). Like this:

I limped in and practically leaped out. My sciatic was better, and I felt so relaxed.

Sunshine+Luv · January 2012

Oh my goodness, yes! It was worth it. I went to massage envy, the lady was awesome. There was a bit more work involved, she used lots of pillows, I laid on my side. She used the right amount of pressure, hard where I needed it. It was the best. I felt so good the entire time, LOVED it!

TotallyLoCo · January 2012

I had one done at a spa last month and it was great, I laid on my side. But I think next time I'm going to go to the place that specializes in prenatal. There are massage places where you can lay on your stomach and they have a cutout on the table for your belly or something. I've heard those are the best.

Browneyedhunni85 · January 2012

I just had my first prenatal massage last week and it was just okay. I was very sore for about two days after the massage mostly in my neck and shoulders. At times the therapist was a little too rough and it wasn't as relaxing as I wanted it to be. It was also very strange for me laying on my side and that also added to the discomfort. I'm not a big fan of massages at spas anyways. I prefer one that DH gives me anyday over them. I however love love love facials. I think I will stick to facials for relaxation. The best part of my prenatal massage was the therapist massaging my legs, feet and hands. I really enjoyed that part. I wouldn't have spent the full price on the massage anyway but I was able to get a good deal with a groupon so it wasn't that bad.

cattynine · January 2012

TotallyLoCo:
I had one done at a spa last month and it was great, I laid on my side. But I think next time I'm going to go to the place that specializes in prenatal. There are massage places where you can lay on your stomach and they have a cutout on the table for your belly or something. I've heard those are the best.

The place I go has the special table with a cushion in the middle of the table that can be removed so your belly can hang there. It has some webbing to support the belly too. I would never go if I couldn't lay on my stomach. Its the best part!

danseusefrancaise · January 2012

I had one earlier on in pregnancy (maybe around the beginning of 2nd tri?) and it was great. I'm a huge fan of massages, too. I don't know how much prenatal massages cost, mine was paid for as a birthday present, but I thought it was very nice, even though I couldn't lay on my stomach.

JaimeG183 · January 2012

I go every month and have had both the ones on my side and on facedown with the cut out.

I think it matters more about the therapist then how you lay. I like the one therapist i've been going to a lot. she is good and uses a good bit of pressure

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