Has anyone had a 'pregnancy massage'?

[brookeberry]

DH got me a spa voucher almost 6 months ago and it's about to run out. They do a 'Bumps-a-Daisy' Pregnancy Massage. Would anyone recommend something like that, or should I just get a facial?! A tiny voice in the back of my head is saying something about aromatherapy oils - is this a no-no in pregnancy? Thanks

[Stirling84]

They'll use safe oils!

In any case - you can specify what you are comfortable with (eg if bump is out of bounds)

[Eminybob]

I had a bump, leg and foot massage when i went to centre parcs while 18 weeks pg.
I would have appreciated it a lot more when I was 30 odd weeks with giant swollen legs and aches and pains!

But if they are advertising it as a pregnancy massage they will be using appropriate oils.

[Cuppachaplz]

Pregnancy massages are AMAZING.
(I dropped so many hints with DH for Xmas... )
Enjoy

[brookeberry]

Yes, of course they'll use safe oils. I have a stinking cold and my head is mush just now! Sounds like a good idea then. Yes I think I was taking it a bit literally as in bump touching which I don't fancy! But back, shoulders and legs would be brilliant -I'm starting to get a bit achey at 24 weeks. Thanks all

[ShowYourSeams]

I had 2 and have mixed feelings. The furst, she laid me on my back for an hour! I was so uncomfortable, I felt sick, kept coming over all dizzy. It really hurt my back too and SPD was horrendous afterwards.
The other one was amazing. I was on my side the whole time and came out feeling so relaxed and refreshed.
I'd definitely have another, if I was still pregnant but I'd be more assertive and definitely speak up if I was uncomfortable.

[brookeberry]

Good advice show. I really don't like my front being touched (pregnant or not) so I'll make sure I go on my side. Not to self: speak up!

[brookeberry]

note to self!

[Nousername2015]

I had one at 31 weeks and it came at the perfect time. I was just starting to get aches and pains everywhere and it sorted me right out.

[Paperblank]

I'd love a massage. I'm thinking of booking in for one when I go on mat leave along with a pedicure and a haircut!

[purplewhale]

I had one about 26 weeks. It was an Espa one and it was amazing! If I could have afforded it I'd have had weekly ones!

[glitterinmyeyes]

I had one at about seven or eight months, can't remember but I was pretty big.
It was nice, and I lay on my side so not uncomfortable or painful. However it was very difficult turning over on the quite high and narrow table thing you have to lie on, I worried it was going to collapse
Only other thing I wasn't keen on was the masseuse was breathing incredibly loudly and deeply. I think it was meant to be relaxing but when it was right in my ear it felt a bit too intimate. Would have another though with next DC!

[ExplodingCarrots]

I'm a therapist and used to do a lot of pregnancy massages. Just tell them exactly what you want and what's uncomfortable etc I'd never lie a pregnant woman down flat for an hour .

If you feel dizzy or thirsty don't sit there and suffer , tell your therapist. I always had extra water in with me.

[brookeberry]

Thanks carrots, I will

[WoodHeaven]

What carrots said. I'm not a massage therapist but I do work with pregnant women.

Leaving someone flat on their back for an hour when they are likely to be unconfortable sounds carzy to me. If you feel anything unusual, please do tell the therapist!
That includes the position you are in but also any massage you aren't confortable with (eg the tummy area etc...).

Fwiw I found that people vary a lot as to what they are confortable with so the best is to ask as the provider. And for the client not to be afraid to tell anything they don't like.

[Cantstopsmiling37]

I had a gorgeous maternity massage. She did my back and shoulders sitting on stool leaning on the massage bed, then onto the bed for legs and ankles in reclined but quite upright position and only lay flat(ish) for my face, scalp and neck. It was amazing.