1st Trimester
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Deep Tissue Massage during Pregnancy (1st tri)
I've been researching and reading conflicting articles on receiving a deep tissue massage during your first trimester. I would like any medical opinions that are out there. What did your doctor tell you?
I'm reading that it's a good idea,and that the only thing your therapist will NOT do during a first tri massage is to not massage the abdominal/pelvic area.
What is your experience with trying to get a massage during your first tri? I'm reading that some women were refused by the spa/therapist. (liability issues, I assume.)
Thank you!!
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Re: Deep Tissue Massage during Pregnancy (1st tri)
2 years, 2 surgeries, 2 clomid fails, 2 IUIs, 1 loss, IVF #1 - 10/25/10 = BFP!, DS is now 3.5yrs!
TTC #2 - 6/12 surgery #3, FET #1 & 1.2 = BFN, 12/2012 FET #2 = BFP! DD is 1.5 yrs!
Surprise! 12/16/14 BFP, loss #2 12/31/14
I can't wait for the "im getting a divorce" post in 5 years or so because your husbands were fed up with your disgusting chair asses from playing on the knot all day and getting fired 4-5 times for not doing any work. you guys are all winners!! ~ Laur929
Me: 32 - Stage II Endo / DH: 36 - Low count and morphology (1%)
IUIs 1-3 BFN, lap Dec. 2010, IUIs 4-6 BFN
IVF w/ICSI #1 - ER 2/8: 24R 19M 9F ET 2/13 2-5 day blasts (no frosties) = BFP - b/g twins!
E & C Born 10/19/2012
I see a massage therapist who is licensed in medical massage as well as prenatal massage. People only come to this office if they've been recommended to get massages for medical reasons. I've been seeing my massage therapist since January (months before our BFP) to treat migraines.
I told her about my pregnancy immediately when I found out. I know her, I know her training. She knows me and my body and she knows what she is doing--what to avoid. I still see her every two weeks.
When I told her about our pregnancy she said that she usually backs off the pressure during 1st and avoids pressure points (reflexology) on the hands and feet. They also stay away from abdominal massage.
With all this said, if I didn't already have a standing relationship with a massage therapist I trust, I wouldn't be continuing treatment. I would not, for example, get a massage at a spa or a Massage Envy, just because I felt like I wanted to relax or pamper myself. If I were not already a regular massage client, I'd be holding off until after 1st trimester.
If you need massage for a medical condition, then find someone you can trust. If I don't get regular treatments to keep my migraines at bay, I'd have a migraine for 9 months. To me, massage is a better option than the alternative--a class D drug that will cause birth defects in my baby. You have to weigh the benefits and risks. If you don't need massage for medical reasons, then I'd say try to hold off until after 1st tri.
My BFP Chart
I have been seeing a massage therapist for years. She said in the first trimester there are several pressure points they must avoid completely and it makes it hard for any massage to be enjoyable as they are so limited. She said after week 14 there is more you can do without harm to you or the baby. She also requires me to present her with a note from my doctor clearing me for prenatal massage and to sign and additional waiver. I will be asking for this note at my next appointment later this month!
Most large massage practices such as massa.ge en.vy will not see you until 14 weeks and require a doctors note to put on file and normally require frequent clearance from your doctor as you progress. This is more for a waiver of liability on their part.
I would definitely speak with your doctor before doing any chiropractic or massage therapy just to be on the safe side. If they say it is totally fine in a prenatal setting then ask for a doctors note so you don't have to make a phone call asking later.
06/12 - BFP!!!!
Beta #1 15dpo - 256
Beta #2 18dpo - 1097
6wk U/S on 07/02 ~ TWINS!!!
EDD 02/21/13
09/10/12 Found out it's two Boys!!!! Sam and Jake
Jacob and Samuel born 1/29/13 at 36 weeks.
I had a chriopractic appt this morning and told my Dr. and his LMT that I was 6 weeks pregnant. He said he can continue my treatment up to 36 weeks without any problem and that it won't negatively impact the baby to adjust. There are ways to make it more comfortable and assist with reduced mobility.
You asked about massage though, I have a massage before my adjustments for 45-60 mins. They have the pregnancy pillows and other things to assist and keep me comfortable. I think if your doctor says you can have massages, it shouldn't be a problem. Make sure anyone treating you knows you're pregnant and how far along. Don't assume they remember with each new appt either. Be sure to say, "I'm 15 weeks along now," so they are reminded. Also make sure your massage therapist knows the pressure points that trigger labor, like in your ankles. They have to stay away from these places to not risk causing preterm labor when you're in the 3rd Trimester.
I have had a couple chair massages (shoulder massages, my work has someone come in once a month) in 1st tri, but those are short (10 minutes) and not intense.
I bet she's a anti-vaxxer too.
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I think she meant where your head is mentally, not physically.
To clarify; yes I meant where your head is mentally- your frame of mind in the first trimester. NOT that the massage or what you're currently thinking causes a miscarriage but that if you by chance have a miscarriage after a massage some women could blame their self for making the decision to have one done. Which I know personally if I were to lose my baby at any point, I would always question if i could have done anything to prevent it. It makes perfect sense.