I have seen some anti-stress and one off posts about beauty care. But was hoping to have an on-going thread to be a reference for questions, concerns and recommendations of health, beauty and self-care practices during pregnancy. Hopefully it can help a few us and be a good place to start conversations about these specific topics.
Re: Self-Care During Pregnancy-what's safe, recommended and what to avoid
Have any STM or beyond moms got massages during pregnancy? Does it have to be prenatal massage? Do you only trust therapists trained specifically in pregnancy massages?
One of my OBs told me it was fine to do them in the first tri, but that places wouldn't because of the high risk of mc (totally not massage related) in the first tri. They don't want to be blamed, even if they aren't at fault.
TTC 9/2016 BFP 12/9/16 EDD 8/21/17 NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
TTC 2/2017 BFP 3/6/17 EDD 11/17/17 DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
TTC 12/2018 BFP 6/2/19 EDD 2/12/20 NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
TTC 7/2019 BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
TTC 8/19 IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20
AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
I am looking at a local place that gets great reviews and specializes in prenatal massage. I probably won't be able to get in until late June, putting me around 14-15 weeks, so I guess I won't be too worried at that point since it is the second trimester.
kissthesky32 That's for the response. I am a little bummed because I love deep tissue (my neck and back develop a lot of knotted muscles), but I will take any kind of massage at this point! I am no so sure on the pressure point thing either since there isn't definitive research, but **TW** I did get a massage at 10DPO before I knew I was pregnant back in December and that ended in a CP. I am sure they were completely unrelated...but it didn't help with my mental connection between the two.**TW**
I also love deep tissue and will look for someone that can do a prenatal deep tissue massage.
I got facials with my first every 4 weeks and we just steered away from products with retinol.
TTC since August 2018
The experience itself was neat but not anything I crave to do again. (Groupon with girlfriends!)
@dragonfly87-2, I am seeing my LMT that I've used for years. She did specific prenatal for me with DS, basically lighter touch in abdominal areas and avoiding certain pressure points as PP mentioned. I actually had no idea it was taboo to go during first tri so when I brought it up (too late after a session), she looked a bit flustered and just adjusted her approach from then through my due date. I did ask her to do my pressure points near my due date and was still late (none of the tricks worked for labor).
My dh surprised me with a massage for the two of us last week and (not wanting to spoil it) I just didn't tell her. I did say I ate a late lunch (which was true) so was kinda bloated (very true!) so she avoided putting pressure on my lower back and focused on my upper body where I wanted it anyway. I'm not at the point where I need extra bolsters to lay face down for a few minutes.
TW ***I have been through two MCs and on my fourth pregnancy and felt confident that there's nothing in the routine of my sessions with this provider (I've had years of exp with her) to compromise baby in first tri, especially to cause an MC, but that doesn't mean anyone should assume an unknowing masseuse couldn't do something wrong or use an oil or compound you're not supposed to. Like, I withheld info because I know what my routine with her is. I would not do that with a new therapist or if I was a FTM or new to receiving massage. End TW