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Maybe a silly question, but are massages OK while pg?
I was thinking on the way home from work today that would be great to get a massage on my birthday that is just around the corner. Been wanting a massage for years now but never have gotten round to it!
:)
Hi Veronica,
Yup - fine! :) Just let them know you're PG when booking in incase they use essential oils (they will need to modify) etc. I see my guy regularly and it really helps. He says he loves massaging pregnant women because they have a "special vibe". And he is brilliant! I can only have a massage sitting though because it's too uncomfortable me to lay down and I wish I had spoken to him about my edema earlier because he could have helped but that's life.
MG
yes they are bliss! Opt for a gentle massage and stay very clear of deep tissue massage as it can cause too much extra blood flow! enjoy :D
Yes! There is even a massage table designed with a big hole in the middle for a pregnant tummy so you can lie flat and have your back done!
I second what everyone else has said about telling your therapist and modifying the oils used. Great way to self nurture, good thing to do during PG! Hmmm might have to find someone myself...
:)
Coool!!
Now I just gotta find a place to go! I think my problem for not going to get a massage was I never knew where to go...
Ngala, I am a massage therapist and massage should be avoided in the first trimester.
The main reason for that is that massaging the lower back creates pressure on the abdomen. There hasn't been any 'proof' that this can cause a miscarriage, but generally the massage therapist doesn't want to be put in a position where they can be 'blamed' if anything goes wrong. We were always taught that 1st trimester if definatley a condraindication (not okay) for massage.
Having said that, there are people that will do it, and I used to massage my sister before she knew she was pregnant and she was in the high risk catagorie for miscarriage. Everything was fine for her too.
Also, if you are going to get one, ring around and find someone that specialises in pregnancy massage, not just someone that agree's to do it. A massage certainly is fantastic when your pregnant! Make sure they use a water based or natural oil too.
Let me know if you have any other questions :)
I went to a myotherapiest when I was 8 weeks (myo is very similar to massage) but didn't mention I was pregnant which was a mistake as when I got there and said I was pregnant she said she didn't feel confident with me still being in the 1st trimester, she said once your through that then it would be ok.
I would certainly recommend you go to someone that is trained to do pregnancy massage just so they are aware of the things they should and should not be doing.
We just received a local directory advertising local businesses, in it was a place that said they specialised in pregnancy massage so I will definiately be going there.
Hi Guys, I'm also a qualified massage therapist, and just wanted to reiterate, that if a massage thereapist is aware you are in the first twelve weeks, that if they are properly trained etc, realistically they should refuse, cause its drilled into you, i did extra training in pregnancy massage when i was doing my training and they were adamant, that you do not do massage in the first trimester.
After that its fine, and even if your massage therapist doesn't have a table avail for you specifically suited, if they've been trained in pregnancy massage there is multiple ways of laying a lady on her side or half upright with bolsters etc...
Nyssa
You can also do pregnancy massages on a regualar chair reversed chair with pillows or a specific massage chair ;)
Just another quick questions about massages.. I am going through what some places offer and a few massages have this: Full Body Steam & Multi-Jet Aromatic Shower - would something like that be OK? Or would it be better just to call up a place, tell them that I am pg and see what they offer me?
You definitely need to tell them you're pregnant and see what they suggest :)
DH bought me a hot stone massage gift voucher 2 weeks before we got BFP. I went to book in for it but they said i wasnt able to have it AT ALL while i was pregnant. But i have now finally booked it in again for March 10 :)
Yup - what Dee and Nyssa said.
I have been having massages from 12 weeks onwards, although I can't lie tummy-down anymore. My massage therapist didn't do any deep tissue work, but did some fantastic lymphatic drainage on my swollen feet and ankles.
I had morning sickness (including vomiting in public) from 8-20 weeks, and found that massage really helped the nausea for 4-5 days after each massage. It helped with my hormone headaches too.
Kimbaz, I do hot stones and it is the most AMAZING thing ever! Seriouslly, words can't describe it
My best friend puts it like this "once you had hot stones you'll never want another normal massage again"
But hot stones in pregnancy - NEVER!
I think massages are a necessity during pregnancy :D
I had one at 36 weeks with DS and OMG it was pure bliss. Wonderful!!
I had a special pg massage when I was 36wks with DS and it was heavenly. Trying to find a place that does them up here
I agree that massages are great and I believe a necessity in everybody and more importantly pregnant women. As a massage therapist myself I would recommend that you find a qualified massage therapist who knows how to massage pregnant women.
I wish i could afford one every week, but monthly will have to do.
Also make sure you know what oils that they use and be familiar with them yourself. I was 19 weeks and went to have a pedicure. I told her that I was pregnant and she still put peppermint on my feet!! I was so angry.
Goodluck to everybody for a great pregnancy.
Tammy - you are in Perth, do you know what places specialise in pgncy massages??
Hi Ngala,
I am not aware of anyone who specialises in preg massages as such as it is hard to make a career from just preg massages. If you tell me what area you live in - N, S, E, W etc I will look in my book and find someone who is good for you.
Hope this helps
Tammy :)
Tammy,
I just called one place and they said that they dont have a bed with a hole in it but they do offer massages to pg ladies. I told her I am only 15 wks so still tiny. So I am going in for a swedish back, shoulder and neck massage using an oil that is good in preventing stretch marks. She told me what it is called but I have such a bad memory, it starts with a C!
I live NOR (merriwa) so there arent many places around but I would love to hear of some suggestions if this place I am going to is no good.
Thanks!
if you dont have a bigbump and can still comfortably lay on your tummy...they can put pillows under your breasts and under your hips which should be comfy for you :)
Thats a good idea Danni. I am still pretty comfy laying on my belly, well on my bed it is ok! And its only for 30 mins but if it ends up not being comfy I might try the chair.
I had a massage when I was 36 weeks pregnant and all the did was sit me on a chair backwards, so i was resting my arms on the back of the chair and had a few pillows around my tummy and breasts so it was all supported and comfortable.
Hi Ngala,
There isn't amyone who specialises in just pregnancy massage but if you give me what area you live in Perth i will be able to have a look around for you.
Tammy