Massage - what can you and can't you have?

[mrsr]

The title of this thread is clear.

I usually get a massage every fortnight (on the table) and am wondering if anyone knows what I should and shouldn't have done. My masseuse is keeping away from the insides of my ankles because she said that is a point which is "connected" to the uterus.

I really feel it if I don't have my massage and I guess I'll have to get the point where I'll have to have a seated massage.

Looking forward to your responses.

Lucy-Ann

[visitor1]

The only massage type i know u cant have is Hot Stone....lol... both pregnancies i had a voucher for one and never could use it....

But id looove a good massage... see if ur masseuse is qualified in pregnancy massages....then he/she should know the best ways that are ok!!

I stick to DH's massages...

[Visitor7]

I had regular massages (on the table) throughout my pregnancy, and my massuer knew where the pressure points were. When my belly started getting bigger, I just layed on each side. I can't see there being any reason to stop unless you've been told my your ob.

ETA: kim, after I had Nina I had a hot stone massage, it's definitely worth the wait!

[mrsr]

kimbaz, DH's massages?? I have no idea what you're talking about...I'm sure he doesn't either!! I wish!!! Hmmm, may have to give HIM one when I get home.

Jodi, when did you stop lying on your tummy to have yours done?

[MamaPan]

I have these done evey 2 wks as well.... a lot of massage therapists have some training in preg massage. i get them to focus more on back, hips, glutes as that is where i am sore... i know they MUST avoid any abdominal massage if you ever have this.
I either lie on my side (s) or on a bed with the whole in the middle for the belly. I personally like on the sides better (hugging pillow and surrounded by pillows). I also do about 10 mins on my back with pillows under legs while she works on my head, neck and face for relaxation. It is also worth mentioning to the therapist which essential oils are no gos in preg as some of them are not aware...
enjoy it, i dont think you should be too worried and i find it really helps me relax and sleep and keep the aches at bay...

DH also gives me massages on demand - I am one lucky woman!! (a few of the preg books have guidelines for this which I left lying around til he read them and got the hint, he loves doing it now it is nice bonding)

[Berry]

Wow good timing to read this thread as hubby and I are booked in for our relaxation massages tomorrow. I let the therapist know beforehand that I'm preg and she seemed knowledgeable about preg massage - she's bringing a special preg cushion (I wondered if its one of the donut shaped ones so you can lay on your tum with somewhere for the bump), and apparently certain essential oils are to be avoided when preg.

[Visitor7]

I had one of the body pillows during my massages.

mrsr, I started showing at around 9 weeks, so not long after that, that I was on my side. I suppose it's whenver you feel comfortable.

pregpan, I preferred the side massage as opposed to the whole in the middle table.

Also, if you ever go for pampering to a day spa or somewhere, spas are to be avoided as well.

[Snacks]

A couple of other pressure points to avoid are on the hands between thumb and forefinger, and on the shoulder (trapezius muscle) just behind the clavicle. (and the one on the ankle as you've mentioned.) Various pressure points aparently cause muscle contractions in corresponding parts of the body... these ones correspond with the uterus - they're good to massage if you're overdue! Enjoy your massages!

[Lilly-Pilly]

Oh, EVERYONE should have a Hot Stone Massage at some time! They're wonderful

You can have a massage even when you are full term lying down if your massage therapist has the pregnancy mats that go on the table and accommodate the pregnant belly.

You shouldn't have a massage in the first trimester, esspecially if you are at high risk for miscarriage, but other than that it should be fine.

I massage pregnant women and its never been a problem before, the other option is to have a seated massage where you are propped up with pillows under your tummy and breast while you sit on a chair backwards. Its very comfortable this way too.

[Yael]

I am studying massage, and have just done a subject in pregnancy massage.

Most of it has already been said here re: accupressure points (google them for a map of spots if you like... good to use yourself when you are at the end also.. i'm already geering up for it).

Otherwise deep massage is contraindicated in the lower back (when the lumbar spine is.. not only cos the baby is right there, but also because that part of your spine softens a lot with pregnancy, and you can do damage). Also, no deep work in the calves, there are a few points in there.

But i would only go to somebody who has special training in pregnancy massage, as they need to know about side lying positions etc.

My teacher runs a big course where a lot of ppl from other schools etc come to, she isn't a fan on the pregnancy mats, as she feels they really don't provide proper support to the lumbar spine. Instead we were taught about how to correctly position the pillows (we use about 5, if not more in class), which is exactly what the mats are, but it did feel a lot better.

So just because somebody doesn' have the mat, doesn't mean they don't know how to give pregnancy massage, but they should hold a certificate in pregnancy massage recognized by the AAMT... I guess it's each to their own on whether you find the mats more comfy....

I'm going to road test that one when i'm like 36 weeks and try out a few places, and decide what i'm going to do in my business based on that... The best thing about the subject i did was i was the only pregnant lady there, so i got to be the body for all the demonstrations

[Berry]

We just came back from a beautiful trip to Daylesford and I thought of this thread....

Masseurs came to our B&B and set up their massage tables. They brought a cushion with a ditch in it for my tummy, however even with this the pressure of laying on my tum felt pretty uncomfortable and I opted to have most of the massage laying on my side. However apparently some of the day spa places in Daylesford can provide a massage table with a hole built in which would allow you to comfortably be on your tum.

Despite feeling a little awkward and laying on my side, it was a very special experience laying alongside hubby and having the massage in the front of a log fire while looking out over beautiful hilly bushland, snow-flakes gently floating down and a congregration of kangaroos in the distance. Ahhhh luxury......

[August]

There's a lot that you can still have during a massage - the important thing is that your masseuse is qualified for pre-natal massage.

Definatley agree with this one as there are things your massage therapist should be aware of when doing pregnancy massages. The only only thing I would add is to make sure you drink lots of water following the treatment. During a massage your lymphatic system is given a good cleansing and toxins released so it's important to help flush these out by drinking lots of water. This is important after any massage but especially after recieving a pregnancy massage.