Please excuse the possible stupidity of this question...

noah-bear · February 2012

But is it ok for DH to give me a lower back massage?

I'm in severe pain and I need something. I don't want to use a heating pad, not that I even have one, and I'm hoping that it will also help my injection spot that still hurts.

Daisiesinmygarden · February 2012

I don't see why not.

lizal · February 2012

I don't know, I've wondered about this too. If I do have DH massage, I have him do it with very light pressure and not for very long. I've heard from massage therapists that in the first trimester they don't massage the lower back because it can sometimes lead to miscarriage (not sure if this is true or not, and I don't know how hard the pressure has to be).

texasmeg1 · February 2012

I actually asked my masseuse this last week. She said it is fine as long as your body feels fine while he does it (that's what she said). And also to lie on your side hugging a pillow.

kokokat · February 2012

I have DH rub my back if I need it. I don't think an at home back massage can be deep enough or long enough to do anything harmful.

ECHC829 · February 2012

I think you'll be alright at this point. I think they usually say not to early 1st tri. I have had serious massage work done at the chiropractor to put my dislocated rib back into place. It's not lower back, but about 4 fingers distance down from my bra line... but it was definitely more firm than anything my husband would do.

Hope you feel better.

laoch101 · February 2012

I get a back massage from SO all the time. I use heat also. My ob said it was fine as long as it wasn't on the baby and not for long periods of time. I do 20 on 20 if I need for a long time. I

missbryn · February 2012

I think so, I'd just go easy - not pushing too hard, or going for pressure points. I had a massage a couple weeks ago, with a good prenatal massage therapist, and she rubbed all of my back and hips. She was gentle though - it was more about fluid strokes than pressure.

damabo80 · February 2012

It's fine.

Massages can't cause m/c. The reason why some massage places don't do massages in first Tri is because of liability/blame Woman goes in to get a massage, and starts bleeding the next day. At that point she blames the massage. Tells all her friends that the massage caused her miscarriage and tries to sue the massage place. Now, the massage place gets bad press and has to hire a lawyer.

I go to a place that does first Tri massages. I just have to sign a form before saying that I'm pregnant, and I won't blame them or sue them if I miscarry.

Regarding the ptl, someone would have to massage a pressure point for long and hard (like painful hard) in order to even think about causing ptl. If it were that easy to open a cervix with a foot massage, there would be no overdue ladies in the world.

The most important part about a massage is that it feels good. So, find a good position (side laying works great), and as long as it's not a painful massage, you're good.

Enjoy!