Pedicure - mini rant

heatherjeanp · June 2014

So I treated myself to a long overdue mani-pedi today. I went to two different places (long story), and the pedi was at an ethnic nail place (which I won't do again). When I told the girl that I didn't want the massage because I'm pregnant, she kept questioning me - as if I made up the fact that foot massages can trigger pre-term labor! She told me she works on pregnant ladies all the time and she never heard of that.

Like I wouldn't take a foot massage if u could have one.

Stupid nail girl.

***update*** I won't delete this because I deserve some flack - I guess I was really being a bitch about this. She did do a good job and my toes look better. I was nice to her and I did tip her - sorry ladies

golfingdarwinfish · June 2014

I'm sorry you had an unpleasant experience, but "stupid nail girl" feels a bit extreme (and condescending). Maybe it's also the fact that the ethnicity of the individual was pointed out, but there's something about it that just made me cringe. Perhaps this was the first time she learned that foot massages are possibly contraindicated in pregnancy; that doesn't make her stupid.

Hope you have better pedi experiences in the future!

TinyTRex321 · June 2014

Yes, clearly you should never go to a stupid nail girl at one of those Asian places again. ((eye roll))

Emerald27 · June 2014

I was very surprised to learn that foot/leg massages can cause contractions and labor, and didn't even learn it until DS was well over a year old! A friend was telling me that her chiro worked on some pressure points in her ankles and feet to get labor started, since she was overdue and facing induction. I was completely clueless!

I understand that you were frustrated, but it seems like a stretch to expect that this is common knowledge. I'm sorry that you felt like she was being rude or disrespectful or condescending, but I would let it go.

Also, calling her stupid and mentioning her ethnicity is low and inappropriate. Not cool, OP. [-(

[Deleted User] · June 2014

Foot massages can trigger preterm labor? I've never heard that before. Yikes! And also, dang.

heatherjeanp · June 2014

You are right. I feel like an ass. And my toes do look nice now. I can only say I was really acting like a bitch there

heatherjeanp · June 2014

VCGolfNYC said:
I'm sorry you had an unpleasant experience, but "stupid nail girl" feels a bit extreme (and condescending). Maybe it's also the fact that the ethnicity of the individual was pointed out, but there's something about it that just made me cringe. Perhaps this was the first time she learned that foot massages are possibly contraindicated in pregnancy; that doesn't make her stupid.

Hope you have better pedi experiences in the future!

You are right. I really reacted horribly about this. Not proud.

heatherjeanp · June 2014

Kirby513 said:
Yeah, there's a line between ranting and sounding mean, elitist and racist. You crossed that line.

You're right too. I'm not proud of my reaction

heatherjeanp · June 2014

Emerald27 said:
I was very surprised to learn that foot/leg massages can cause contractions and labor, and didn't even learn it until DS was well over a year old! A friend was telling me that her chiro worked on some pressure points in her ankles and feet to get labor started, since she was overdue and facing induction. I was completely clueless!

I understand that you were frustrated, but it seems like a stretch to expect that this is common knowledge. I'm sorry that you felt like she was being rude or disrespectful or condescending, but I would let it go.

Also, calling her stupid and mentioning her ethnicity is low and inappropriate. Not cool, OP. [-(

Thanks for the reality check - I really was out of line.

heatherjeanp · June 2014

TinyTRex321 said:
Yes, clearly you should never go to a stupid nail girl at one of those Asian places again. ((eye roll))

I deserve this

JessAnnJ · June 2014

Everyone has already addressed the other issues so I'll just add that I have still gotten the leg/foot rubs. My legs hurt right now maybe DH will rub them.

Justabean3 · June 2014

Beside everything else in the thread

I got a pedicure done every 4 weeks and then every 2 weeks.. Basically anytime I have an appointment and I never even had contractions or BH becaus of them

Sockgnome78 · June 2014

I still get the leg and foot massage. The just do it for as long. The place I go to knows I am expecting and will take their time in scrubbing my feet to replace the massage time.

NavyFlyer · June 2014

Im getting a pedi tomorrow and I will be pissed if I dont get a massage lol.

NavyFlyer · June 2014

also, I have put my foot in my mouth before. OP owned up and apologized. Thats more than I could say for a some we've seen on this board. lets not turn this into the next big drama on the board lol.

atraveller · June 2014

Everyone has addressed in length the inappropriateness of the post - so I don't need to add to that.

I had heard of the whole foot massage (not leg) potentially causing pre-term labor but when I mentioned it to my nail person who I've been going to forever, she had never heard of it and has worked on many pregnant women - so it is definitely not common knowledge. I still do the massage, I just ask her to avoid the area around my ankles - which is apparently where the pressure points are - or so I've read.

Justabean3 · June 2014

I actually found out about it from a pregnancy massage. They told me it was pressure points on the ankles as above poster said. But a 10 min pedicure massage isn't going to do it

There are also lower back point too

Emerald27 · June 2014

@crawford411‌ My friend's chiropractor was of the opinion that the pressure points in your feet/ankles can cause contractions for any mom (which are scary in mid-pregnancy), but will only start labor for the mom whose baby is ready and when labor is immanent anyway.

cozybluebear · June 2014

I was given the same information... it could possibly kick start labor but only when baby is due, not prematurely. It will take extreme pressure on the actual pressure point too, not a massage. Enjoy those pedicures ladies!

Unknown · June 2014

This content has been removed.

swizz09 · June 2014

I avoid the ankles because of what one girl giving me a pedicure said. The second pedicure I got they had never heard of it. I guess it's just what you feel comfortable with.

Do any of you use the massage chairs?? I do but I am always nervous about using them which kind of takes away from the relaxing I'm supposed to be doing!

Sockgnome78 · June 2014

@swizz09‌ I do use the massage chairs. If I am having lower back pain I focus it there. Otherwise I let is do it's thing and enjoy my pedi.

mcclan03 · June 2014

I use the massage chairs and am okay with the foot rub but no leg massage. I think deep leg massages are also not advised because they can dislodge clots. But I'm great with a light massage, especially on my tired feet!

It is frustrating to take time out of your day and end up with a bad pedi. (First-world problem, I know.) There's one woman at the place I go who is a total sweetheart, but almost always nicks or cuts me somehow. When I get her I always end up sitting there all tense, like, please don't make my toes bleed today.

vrj0522 · June 2014

Emerald27 said:

@crawford411‌ My friend's chiropractor was of the opinion that the pressure points in your feet/ankles can cause contractions for any mom (which are scary in mid-pregnancy), but will only start labor for the mom whose baby is ready and when labor is immanent anyway.

Yeah, when I was pregnant with DS, I would get prenatal massages and they never worked in the ankle area until I was 39 weeks along. And then I went into labor the next day.

slsl509 · June 2014

My experience is that a mani/pedi from an "ethnic" place is >>>>>>>>>>mani/pedi from a white girl. Like looks great for 2 weeks vs chips by the time I get home.

Props to OP for realizing we can all be irrational at times.

TheOtherJacobsons · June 2014

It takes a mature person to admit when they're wrong. Good for you for owning it. I hope you find a place that works better for you. It's hit or miss sometimes with nail places.

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