December 2015 Moms

Prenatal massage.. Belly rub

So I'm 38+3 and I got a massage yesterday, it was amazing. But, the guy rubbed my belly for a minute which felt awkward and uncomfortable. I had him stop because it didn't feel good! Is that normal for a prenatal massage? Do people like that?!

Sorry if I just didn't see the discussion when I searched for belly rubs during massages. I've been mostly lurking during my pregnancy.

Re: Prenatal massage.. Belly rub

  • My Doula is my massage therapist and she always rubs the baby bump. It is kind of uncomfortable but the baby likes it and it's good for digestion and blood flow. A man doing it would weird me out though.
  • Loading the player...
  • Maybe it would've been more comfortable if he was a she then! Good to know it probably wasn't a pervert thing.
  • My chiropractor massages my belly as part of the Webster technique, she says it's one of the most neglected areas in general for massage and is really good for the functioning of organs even on a regular basis. It hurt at first, because my round ligaments were so tight, but that's what was keeping the baby from flipping.
    Married September 2013, Excited to welcome Baby Thompson December 2015
     
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • The therapist rubbed my belly during my prenatal massage, also a male. I thought it was very uncomfortable and my baby is already head down so I made him stop, didn't want the baby to flip the wrong way. However I found the whole experience unpleasant. He used too much pressure on everything and I had to keep asking him to be gentler. And I normally love massages. I think in future pregnancies I'll request a female therapist.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • I probably would have wanted some warning that he was going to do that since it is not commonly expected. Definitely would have weirded me out too!
  • My chiropractor massages my belly as part of the Webster technique, she says it's one of the most neglected areas in general for massage and is really good for the functioning of organs even on a regular basis. It hurt at first, because my round ligaments were so tight, but that's what was keeping the baby from flipping.

    Mine does the same thing with the Webster technique, but it isn't to get baby to flip. It is to loosen the ligaments.

    I had a female do a prenatal massage during my 36th week and it was rough and uncomfortable too. I was really disappointed.
  • My prenatal masseuse never touched my belly, she focused on pretty much everywhere else. I guess every masseuse is a little different? I definitely would have found it uncomfortable, my belly is pretty tender in spots!
  • Working at a massage therapy clinic (as a receptionist though) and having received multiple prenatal massages by lots of different therapists, I would say that's not normal. But of course I could be wrong. I'm sure every therapist and every location is different. No two therapists are ever trained the exact same way. Definitely though if you ever feel uncomfortable ever during a massage you need to have your therapist change what they're doing or just politely end the session yourself. Getting a massage is all about you girl, you need to enjoy it :)
  • Mine always asks if I want to do the belly. I always let her because it's good for the baby, but I myself could do without it. Just do what you are comfortable with. You won't hurt their feelings.
  • Interesting before I read the other comments I thought it was really strange lol. But I guess it happens. I wouldn't like that either:)
  • I've had a couple prenatal massages and they all had me sign a waiver of sorts before and feel out a chart of where I'm comfortable getting massaged...butt, stomachs, legs, etc. I def didn't get my stomach done as it just sounded odd to me. But after reading some of the previous posts and the expected benefits I might just be open to it next time.
  • I'm a massage therapist and I would say it depends on where you go (prenatal specific massage clinic or therapist vs other clinic or spa) and the training the therapist has. I do prenatal massage but I don't massage bellies unless asked. If you're not comfortable with it just ask them to stop.
  • ramfam2507ramfam2507 member
    edited November 2015
    Oh geez. I saw this as perineal massage.
    image
  • I have seen the same woman for massage for 15 years. Belly massage is a pretty regular thing and I did my own tummy massage as part of my self-care prior to conceiving.

    I went for a massage a couple weeks ago and was kinda surprised that it was mostly about the baby. She did a little bit on me for tight ligament and one leg longer than the other, but most of the focus was on moving him a little more towards the midline. I go back on Friday and can't wait!
    Lilypie Maternity tickers
  • Sounds like I should've let it happen for the baby! I just hadn't heard of it and felt uncomfortable. Thanks ladies!
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"