Headaches and massages

[forest234]

Hi,

I have had headaches for the last 4 days. I have taken 2 paracetamols (tylenol) each day but today it has really knocked me for six.

I had DH give me a head, neck and shoulders massage. He is a strong guy and put some pressure on there. It felt great.

Then I remembered that you couldn't have massage when you were pg especially in the first trimester so I checked the net and it said that it may cause m/c.

DH thinks that it would be impossible but I am worried. Obviously nothing I can do now but it did feel good so would like another if I get a headache but won't if it could cause harm.

DH gave me back/shoulder/neck/head massages pretty much every day for first trimester and I'm now 27 weeks and all OK so far

Think they just say that as they don't really know what effect anything might have on baby. Also, with things like reflexology there are certain foot points if you press they could (they say) triggor contractions, so they say to avoid this in first trimester and get someone pg trained to avoid these bits because of this. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Hope the headache imprves - they're killer arn't they? Drinking lots and lots of water can help and those cooling headache pads/4head can help some headaches too.

I've had professional massage throughout pregnancy with someone properly trained and am now 37 weeks.

If your OH sticks to well away from your bump/back, it'll be fine - the properly trained pros just stay away from the baby area early on and never do abdominal massage. There are also some reflexology (feet) points you might want to avoid if you're being extra cautious.

Many spas won't do massage on pregnant women because the therapists aren't trained in it so they don't want to risk it and risk getting sued.

I also think alot of the advice about massage being avoided during pregnancy is to do with any essential oils that may be used.

For instance, lavendar should not be used.

So it will be fine, for all the reasons the other posters have given.

Forest234, I'm sure the benefits of being massaged by a strong, caring man FAR outweigh any negatives :)