Massages and how are you positioned?

CougFan · November 2012

I've been prescribed massage therapy for the back pain I am having; I have gone 3 times and have 5 more appts between now and the end of the year (not sure if I will need to or be able to get them past that).

If you are having massage, how are you positioned? The second half I am on my back and the first half I am on my front with a bolster that has holes for my breasts and cushioning for my belly. I'm very comfortable and my therapist is certified to do pregnancy massage, so I figured this is fine.

Well, I was wondering how far into pregnancy I would be able to do this and I just read it is not recommended after the first trimester. Great!

I will talk to my Dr. and massage therapist, but I am wondering what you all are doing. Thanks!

kgs0505 · November 2012

What? Are you sure you read that correctly? I read they don't recommend massages during the first trimester. I've been waiting to be able to go! I just need to get the go ahead from my doc on friday.

HML5382 · November 2012

I have only gone once (not prescribed, just a spa day with my friend!) and I was lying on my side with a couple of pillows. She had me switch sides mid way through. It was very comfortable.

Not sure about the trimester limit. They actually said the opposite to me, that they would not give me a massage if I was in my first trimester... unless you mean that position is no good after the first trimester, which I would understand because of the laying on your back. You're supposed to limit that after 12 weeks. I think checking with the Dr and therapist is the best bet though

MandG2010 · November 2012

I've gotten massages throughout both of my pregnancies with no problems. Toward the end there are a few pressure points that they need to avoid so they don't accidentally start contractions (not necessarily labor, just contractions). As long as it's comfortable, you can lie on your back/tummy, but at a certain point it becomes uncomfortable so they will have you lie on your side, and flip halfway thru. It's absolutely wonderful and when the baby is sitting on your

sciatic it's such a relief to have that pain lessened!

CougFan · November 2012

I meant what I said: Lying on your front, even with bolsters or cut-out tables is not usually recommended after 13 weeks. My understanding is that because there have not been many studies on prenatal massage and the wide variety of training, some Dr.s will not recommend them in the first trimester but some will.

Either way, my first one in this pregnancy was at 17 weeks, so that is not the issue. I was just wondering if anyone is getting massage therapy and if anyone has been laying on their front with bolster or cut-out table.

synchrosally · November 2012

My RMT positions me on my side on a special pillow with one between my knees, the on my back with a wedge and more pillows. My RMT has no issues with giving me a massage in first tri because she is very well trained in prenatal massage.

In first tri she allows me to lay on my stomach and flat on my back.

2moms2b · November 2012

My prenatal massage therapist would not do any massages on me until I hit 14 weeks. At that point she has a pillow that I lay on my side with another pillow between my knees. I asked about the cut out pillow to lay on my stomach and she said she doesn't like the position it places the back in so she prefers the side laying. She said it creates pressure points in the back due to the weight of the belly as you grow.

I know if I went in and was told to lay on my back I wouldn't be able to breath so I prefer laying on my side. Also I know she is careful with my feet and ankles as there are pressure points that can cause contractions as well as with my wrists.

I am of the honest belief that you will know comfort wise if you can do the tummy pillow or lay on your back. At some point it may become too uncomfortable. I actually like being on my side.

lexyraejay · November 2012

I think each state's regulations are different, but after 12 weeks they won't put me on my stomach OR my back. I've been on my sides since then.

Rachel Goldstein · November 2012

I worked in a physical therapy clinic for 2 years in college and we had LMTs on staff one of which who was certified for pregnancy massages. *Most* women didn't even get theirs until 3rd trimester and often would come up until the week they delivered. I don't believe it is safe in first tri since the whole goal of massage is to loosen and release toxin buildup in your muscles. Definitely double check with your OB on those statistics. I'm certainly confused for you!

HappyMamaBear · November 2012

I agree with the other members who said that they had heard that prenatal massage was NOT advisable in the first trimester. The certified prenatal massage therapist I see would NOT do massage in my first trimester.

I recently had my first prenatal massage (I'm in my second trimester). She positioned me with pregnancy cushions so I had no pressure on my stomach or breasts. I was sort of face down but sort of on my side with lots of support and cushioning. I have to admit though, it wasn't a very comfortable way to lay, and we both agreed it would be the first and last time in this pregnancy that I lay that way for a massage. Next time I'm going to be on my side for the whole massage. Just be sure that your massage therapist is trained in prenatal massage, and knows what is safe and what isn't for a pregnancy massage.

Sometimes your OBGYN can recommend someone to you

kmb_nrb2010 · November 2012

I got a massage when I was like 12 weeks due to sciatic nerve pain. It was GREAT. I laid on my back at first, then on my stomach since I wasn't big yet.

She is a certified prenatal massage therapist and asked how far along I was, if I had any complications, etc. She said she would not do a deep tissue massage because I was pregnant, but it was still deep enough and was wonderful.

shibby00 · November 2012

I had massages all through 2nd and 3rd tri with DD and I've had 3 already with this LO. My LMT has a table with cut outs for belly and boobs, with sheets for belly support. I'm always completely comfortable, I'd stay there all day if I could. I had one today and it was pure bliss. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

CougFan · November 2012

shibby00:
I had massages all through 2nd and 3rd tri with DD and I've had 3 already with this LO. My LMT has a table with cut outs for belly and boobs, with sheets for belly support. I'm always completely comfortable, I'd stay there all day if I could. I had one today and it was pure bliss. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Good to know! I am so comfortable and could feel occasional kicks so baby wasn't squished, I don't think. What I read was that it can stretch supportive ligaments.

Mama-Bear · November 2012

I only had 1 during pg, it was at the end of my twin pg, I started on my left, then switched to my right.

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