Would you get a massage?

skio · October 2012

So, I have a spa day planned with my three best girlfriends next Saturday. They don't know I'm pregnant and I'd like to keep it from them longer, but I may have to spill the beans if they keep saying stuff like, "hey, let's go in the hot tub!" and I'm all like, "nahhhhhh." Telling them the news is beside the point, though.

As of now, we all have massages scheduled. I have not called my doc to ask if it's okay and I have not called the spa to see if they will massage me in first tri, because I know a lot of places won't, but I will make said calls Monday. SO assuming that doc OKs it and the place allows it, would you do it?

I think the "fear" of massages came from spas not wanting to do them in first tri for liability reasons. I don't really think a massage could be bad for the baby. Has anyone heard otherwise? I'm trying not to let the hype get the better of me. Because I really want a massage.

WWYD?

Junebug060609 · October 2012

Anywhere I've ever called regarding massage while pg won't do them when you're in 1st tri. Too much potential liability.

skio · October 2012

Junebug060609:
Anywhere I've ever called regarding massage while pg won't do them when you're in 1st tri. Too much potential liability.

Feck! I'm thinking this is what I'm going to get when I call. My girlfriends are sooo not gonna buy 'I decided to get a facial instead of a massage for funsies.'

courty625 · October 2012

I don't think there are many places that will do a massage until you're in the second trimester. I've always heard that's a big no-no. I'm dying for one! I think I'll have one scheduled for the day I enter the second tri.

pinktrojanbride120107 · October 2012

I think its ok if you go to someone who's trained to work with pregnant women, but I'm not sure if that's only after first tri. I wonder if the spa has special massages for pregnant women?

Ilovebeingamom · October 2012

There is no actual evidence that it increases your chances for m/c but because it is more common, massage is usually blamed. A long as you don't do deep tissue and have someone trained in prenatal I don't see a problem. I am a massage therapist trained in prenatal and I just usually let the person know that I won't be doing anything too deep.

LizC216 · October 2012

I saw a chiropractor during my last pregnancy and she had massage therapists in her clinic. She wouldn't let me get a prenatal massage until I passed the 12 week mark.

Ilovebeingamom · October 2012

Although there will be a question. "Are you pregnant?" On the intake form... So be prepared incase your friends overhear.

aesthyerin · October 2012

Hmm.. are husband massages out of the question? I didn't know that.

Although back to OP, I don't have any answers about keeping it quiet!

skio · October 2012

Thanks, gals. They do have a special "prenatal massage" on their spa menu, but it doesn't say anything about whether it's okay for first tri.

ilovebeingamom, always good to hear advice from someone in the field, and that's what I figured. Thanks for the heads up about the form, also!

Alliebooberz · October 2012

Junebug060609:
Anywhere I've ever called regarding massage while pg won't do them when you're in 1st tri. Too much potential liability.

This. I had a prenatal massage in late second tri [i hated it but that is beside the point] and they made sure I wasn't in first tri.

logoz80 · October 2012

Tell your friends that you are feeling too lazy to shave and don't want to get the massage

MPLSdesigner · October 2012

I just had an hour long massage today. I'm 6 weeks along. The massage therapist said it was fine in the first trimester.

I had them throughout my first pregnancy and was fine.

I think everyone has a different comfort level these days but I've never heard of it being dangerous in the first trimester, only uncomfortable as you get larger and have a belly.

Enjoy it if you decide to indulge

ohhitislove · October 2012

I asked my midwife about this at my first apt and she said it is completely safe. She said there is no need for a pre natal massage until the 2nd tri. I know my masseuse wouldn't do it so I just didn't tell her. I would talk to your dr. The spa wil be more concerned with liability.

missystar1980 · October 2012

A spa refused to massage me 2 weeks ago because I was in my first trimester. On Thursday at my first Dr. appt. I told my Dr. that and she said it's ridiculous that they would not massage me and she would have written me a note if she had known.

Temp53431437508241 · October 2012

Can they just do neck and shoulders, and maybe hands/feet? I don't see how that could be a problem.

Or you could say you're not feeling so hot, and would rather just have a facial?

Fuzzy21 · October 2012

I'd just ask for a massage only on your feet, head, hands, etc

AZAmy77 · October 2012

Personally, I think a massage would be fine and the places just don't do it because of liability. But if you wanted a reason to do a facial instead - I had slept wrong and really messed up my neck one time and decided to do a facial instead - could use something like that. Maybe just put your feet in the hot tub, so you don't get too hot.

kread8 · October 2012

This really surprises me - I can't see how a massage would do any harm at this point during pregnancy?? The baby is super tiny and all snuggled in your ute, I can't imagine how it could affect the LO??? I'm guessing, like PPs said, that it's just a liability issue. Couldn't hurt to mention it to the spa when you go though.

And speaking of that - I had a bikini wax on Friday and they made me sign a release form when I told her I was KU. My aesthetician said she has read studies that say waxing could cause pre-term labor and they especially don't want to do it during the first tri - whaaaaat???????? Made me rethink getting a wax... but I asked my OB the last time I was pg and he said it was completely fine so I went for it.

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