Prenatal Massage Freak Out

s_corrigall · January 2015

Up until now I've been primarily a lurker, so please don't jump on me for getting involved this late in the game. I have found many of the posts useful in answering my preexisting questions so that I didn't have to post. Alright, now that that's out of the way...

I'm currently 27 weeks and have been experience quite a bit of back pain for the last month or so. Recently I went for a prenatal massage and around the 40 minute mark I started to feel really sick; burning up, claustrophobic, panicked, and like I was going to throw up. I've never experienced anything like this with a massage before.

I'm now slightly hesitant to go back, but my back is in ever growing pain.

Has anyone else experienced this with a prenatal massage? If so, was it a reoccurring thing?

specialsn0wflake · January 2015

Sounds like you had a panic attack. They can happen anywhere at anytime so while it could have been massage related it's not incredibly likely.

I second the above chiro recommendation!

s_corrigall · January 2015

Thanks ladies! I'll check out the chiropractic services at my clinic.

somewheresublime86 · January 2015

I haven't had that happen during a massage, but I know the feeling you're describing. What position were you in when it happened?

s_corrigall · January 2015

I was on my stomach on a special pregnancy pillow.

Babykells3 · January 2015

Im a Registered Massage Therapist with over 9 years of experience and I've never had any of my prenatal clients complain about anything, or experienced anything like that myself, NOT saying that it hasn't happened though! A lot of times you need to be more cautious when you're laying on your back, just like sleeping. Next time tell them not to use the pregnancy pillow and say you would like to do it laying on your side, your therapist can give you some pillows so that you're comfortable. If you start feeling off, tell them and sit up, grab some water, sometimes your blood pressure can lower. Also, go to someone who has experience with prenatal or extra training specific to prenatal therapy. There's really no reason that they need to adjust their pressure (aside from digging their elbows into your low back) so much, other than being nervous and inexperienced. Always feel free to ask them to increase their pressure if you're comfortable with it.

ur_mom222 · January 2015

I got really hot really quick in the car the other day and had a panic attack or exactly what you were describing. Now it happens everytime I get too hot. I've been getting hot flashes and for some reason they come with anxiety. Maybe that's happening to you and it was just coincidence that you were also getting too hot? It almost happened again to me when my pedicure water was too hot but I was able to cool down before it got bad.

kitc101 · January 2015

Agree with @Babykells3‌ ... I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Prenatal/Postpartum MT. Did you let the MT know you were feeling off? A few factors could have contributed to what happened. Could be a panic attack like pps have said, dehydration, positioning (I always use side - lying with my clients), or blood pressure dropping, or something unrelated. Massage increases lymph flow, so staying hydrated is really important to get those toxins out of your system.

redneckmomma25 · January 2015

See a chiropractor.

s_corrigall · January 2015

Thanks everyone! I have another massage booked now for this week, and I'll ask to stay on my side, make sure I'm well hydrated, and inquire about their chiropractic services while I'm there. Thanks again!!

somewheresublime86 · January 2015

I've done all three - massage, acupuncture and chiropractic, since getting pregnant. I've never felt a panic attack coming on during, but had the same symptoms you're describing during a follow up ultrasound. If you're feeling off, just say something. The practitioner wants it to be a good experience for you!

The only thing I'd add to your list is to make sure you have a snack beforehand :-)

Enjoy your massage!

JaneShops · January 2015

Sorry about your experience, I've been having weekly prenatal massages which help tremendously to alleviate my back "tiredness", not exactly acute pain. They have me laying on the side, with a pregnancy pillow. It's bliss.. Wish you the same

PinkDahLia44 · January 2015

@Babykells3‌ , since you're a massage therapist, maybe you can answer this for me...I have a prenatal massage on Tuesday and I was wondering how weird would it be if I left my undies on? I've had massages before and never had a problem with being nude, but with all of the pregnancy grossness, I just feel like I'd be more comfortable partially covered. What do you think?

OP, please forgive me for the threadjack...

myeumyeu · January 2015

I also have intermittent (lasting about a week at a time) back and hip pain. I go to private pilates sessions for exercise and to work on my back. I always spend a lot of time trying to figure out what's wrong and how to fix it, but then it just goes away on its own.

My pilates instructor always has to remind me that my body is changing and all my ligaments are looser, so don't do anything drastic like stretching more than a little bit, which could make it worse.

You may be experiencing something different, you know your body best, but consider that they may be growing pains which can't be fixed the problem ay normal back pain can.

Also heres an embarrassing story: I was sitting in my Dr's office waiting to be seen and suddenly I started sweating profusely and got extremely nauseous, shaking and kind of limp in my muscles. It lasted a good 2-3 minutes and then I farted, and withing seconds I was normal again!! Oh my god I was so relieved. I had NEVER experienced anything like it before, it was absolutely different from any gas pain I'd ever had.

It's crazy how different my body is while pregnant, I have to learn all these new sensations and can't even tell when I have gas.

stephrob88 · January 2015

I have had a similar feeling as to what you described with the heat and clostrophobic felling. It has happend to me twice while I was in church. It's when I get really hot. The second time it happened I had an idea what was going on, so I went to the restroom and ran cold water on my hands and face with a wash cloth. This made me feel way better almost instantly. I am assuming that the feeling was all heat related. - hope that helps some.

PinkDahLia44 · January 2015

@baby_blessings‌ , thank you!

Babykells3 · January 2015

baby_blessings said:

PinkDahLia44 said:

@Babykells3‌ , since you're a massage therapist, maybe you can answer this for me...I have a prenatal massage on Tuesday and I was wondering how weird would it be if I left my undies on? I've had massages before and never had a problem with being nude, but with all of the pregnancy grossness, I just feel like I'd be more comfortable partially covered. What do you think?

OP, please forgive me for the threadjack...

@PinkDahLia44 I'm also a massage therapist and it's totally not weird if you want to stay partially dressed/leave your underwear on. I always tell people that they more they remove the better the massage, but with underwear it doesn't really make a difference. Undress to your level of comfort for that particular time and the therapist will adjust accordingly.

@PinkDahLia44‌
Exactly this! Disrobe to your comfort level. We are trained to drape you accordingly. And personally, with side-lying, I find it easier to drape the sheets and keep them secure if there's something to tuck them into. Enjoy your massage!!

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