Opinions on pregnancy massage...

charmedgrl517 · May 2012

I got a gift certificate for a 55min Pregnancy massage for my bday and was wondering if any you ladies have got one and if you liked it or not. When is the best time to get one (7 months pg, etc)? Is 55 min gonna be too long, you think?

My SIL works at the spa and recommended it and said you lay on your back for a lil with a bunch of pillows and on your side. I'm just worried because when I had my u/s this week I got really lightheaded while laying on my back ( I always lay on my sides). And I've heard that pg massages can bring on labor, not sure if that's true or not?

Im going to see what my doc says at my appt in 2 weeks but what to get your options first!

Allycat11 · May 2012

I used to work at a chiropractic office that offered massage therapy as well. We had some women get massages weekly throughout their pregnancies and love it. I would check with your SIL and find someone who specializes in pregnancy massage because some are way better than others.

If you get lightheaded on your back, just let the therapist know ahead of time and they can do more on your side. Be sure to drink lots of water before and after your massage because they can dehydrate you.

Definitely ask your Dr. before you go ahead with it.

mwitter80 · May 2012

I go and get them and love them! However, they always have me lay on my side, and I have gone to 3 different places. They have me rollover half way through to the other side and then massage that side. I would schedule for when you're the most sore or the most swollen (it helps tremendously with swelling). I just had one at 36 weeks and it was the one best one so far.

IEtoLA · May 2012

I've had a message at various times through my pregnancies and they are great at any point really. I have never been required to lay on my back. They have always had me lay oan my sides with pillows for support. Like pp said, just make sure whoever does your massage has experience and knows what they are doing. 55 minutes is a good amount of time. I had a 60 min massage last week and wished it was longer, but I felt great regardless. I think any shorter would leave me disappointed.

Manderlin923 · May 2012

Oh my, I LOVED them when I was pregnant with B. They were amazing. I would highly recommend massages, especially in the last few weeks. I wouldn't worry about them bringing on labor- that only works if your body is already ready, I think, just like any other natural induction technique. If you're worried about that, just ask the person not to massage your ankles and feet, which is where the pressure points are to bring on labor. But I wouldn't worry about it. Also, I never had a problem lying on my back for a short time, and then they had me on my sides.

BELLABAY24 · May 2012

Oh you'll love it and with all the pillows, they have funky looking ones but they work fabulous so you don't have to put pressure on your arm while on your side. I did one massage with the table with the hold for your tummy last pregnancy and I wouldn't recommend it. I felt like it was too big so there was not much support for my lower back but the side ones I love! Enjoy

liesam · May 2012

I have my first one on Tuesday and I cannot wait! My only advice is to make sure that the massage therapist is certified to do prenatal massage because there are some things you want to avoid doing to a pg body. Enjoy!

orangegoggles · May 2012

I have never made it that far to consider going but I am sure they are fabulous! I would go and enjoy yourself. Remember, you can always tell the therapist what you want to avoid. They probably have a set rountine that they do but that doesn't mean they won't be able to change it to fit your needs. Once I needed them to avoid lower legs and I just simply told them and she spent more time with my back. Enjoy

quezzo · May 2012

I want to get one so badly! I say you go and relax. If something feels wrong - like they want you to lay on your back - just tell them no and they will have to work around it.

damabo80 · May 2012

They have you lay on your side. Earlier on, I offered to lay on my belly/back, but you don't need to.

In order for massage to bring on labor, they'd have to hit a pressure point and massage it very hard. You would be wincing from the pain and pressure of that massage.

Mid it was as easy as getting a spa massage to bring in labor, they wouldn't be any "how to I bring in labor!" posts on the 3rd Tri board.

lex382 · May 2012

I do them every 3-4 weeks (60 minute sessions) but they never have me lay on my back - 30 minutes on one side and then they move the pillows over to the other side of the massage bed and change to my other side. I started getting them as soon as I was done with the first trimester - check with your MD first to make sure he/she doesn't have any concerns about oyu doing them

charmedgrl517 · May 2012

Thanks so much ladies for your thoughts!

I will talk to my doc at my next appt and go from there!

csquared426 · May 2012

I got one at 20w, and it was great. I have another planned for my birthday, and I cannot wait to go again. It was so relaxing!

My place never put me on my back - just on my sides.

The next place I go to, they have a pillow that I can lay on, and be on my stomach.

kokokat · May 2012

I've had several prenatal massages, and I think they're wonderful. The spa I go to has two masseuses that are trained in prenatal, and one happens to be my favorite therapist anyway! She does my back by having lay on my sides, hugging a big body pillow, which is super comfy. At the same time, she works on my top leg/arm, etc. It's only for a few minutes at the end that I lay on my back, sort of propped up under my head/torso while she does my neck and scalp. She always asks if I'm ok with being in that position, and it's fine for me right now.

Because she gave me massages in the past, I noticed that her pressure is lighter with the prenatal massages, but they're just as relaxing and helped a lot with back pain I was having. I also notice that she doesn't do my feet at all, which I assume is because of the possiblity of triggering uterine contractions. Oh, lastly, 55 mins doesn't seem too long! It seems short to me!

missbryn · May 2012

I love pregnancy massages. I would check and make sure you get someone trained in prenatal, though. Also, before she starts, tell her what bothers you -- like, "I can only be on my back for about 2 minutes before feeling nausea/dizzy/etc" or "I can't recline past 60 degrees comfortably," that sort of thing. It's her job to make you comfortable and happy, so I'd be very upfront before she even starts. I think an hour is perfect.

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