pregnancy massage safe?

[nataliekristin]

Pregnancy massages are obviously tailored for pregnant women! but I have heard some stories of things going wrong and it affecting the baby etc. I'll be 38 weeks when I'm hoping to have a pregnancy massage - I don't know what it entails but what's the general opinion on massages at that stage? is it just in early pregnancy you should avoid them?

There are certain essential oils that should be avoided and you can't lie on your front but otherwise it's fine. Personally I wouldn't bother again as I didn't really enjoy being on my side for it.

I had one at 36 weeks. Lay on side with pillow. Lady was used to pregnant clients and I went to a reputable spa. She used grapeseed oil. Whilst the massage was relaxing and good for hips which have been sore from sleeping on side, I personally found a facial more relaxing....highly recommend Elemis visible brilliance....it combines a bit of massage too and is nice and long. Enjoy!

38 weeks is classed as full term. It will be fine.

I had one at my local salon and they used a foam thing with holes for boobs and bumps! Looked strange but quite comfy

Where have you heard stories of massage affecting babies? It would have to be quite severe for that to happen!

Nowhere will give you one under 12 weeks anyway

Oh dear I'm glad I hadn't heard those stories! I had one at about 22 weeks ish and one at 34 weeks, in posh spa places and obviously the special pregnancy ones. They. Were. Amazing. What I will say though is that weigh up how anxious you feel about any possible risks as the massages are quite expensive so you want to know that you will be relaxed and not worry that it's harming the baby (if that makes sense). But I speak as someone who doesn't relax easily!

I've had two so far in a reputable London spa chain at 13 and 20 weeks and loved them. I don't lie down for my back but lean on the bed with my bump underneath. They then put me in a semi seated/lying position to do my front. I've always loved massages and find these the best at helping my back and hips. I've got one tomorrow in fact at 26.5 weeks and I can't wait!

It's not true to say no one will do it before 13 weeks- I had a pregnancy massage at 8 weeks by a specially trained masseuse and it was fab.
You will be absolutely fine - enjoy.

Yes sorry some may do but most seem very over cautious!

Can you have mum to be ones at 8weeks? Going to CP and was about to book one to be sure oils were safe?

As a PP says, some places won't offer them before 12 weeks just in case. I don't know what the evidence is to say they cause problems this early but it seems the exception to offer them in first tri rather than the norm. I personally didn't want to take the risk but I'm an ivf pregnancy so admit I may have been/still am a bit risk averse. Didn't stop me at 13 weeks though so not that averse!

That should have said mum to be one!!

I had massages throughout my pregnancy. I was having a massage every week (ahhh, the bliss of having disposable income...I remember it well) and told the massage therapist as soon as I had my BFP. She made sure to use safe oils and safe techniques. Massaged me face-down as long as I was comfy. When I got too big she had me sit astride a reversed chair and draped forward over a huge pile of pillows.

It was sheer bliss. I wish I could have afforded it in my other pregnancies.

This lady was a massage therapist who taught at a reputable school of massage.

I don't think there is any evidence to suggest that massage in the first trimester is risky - it's just spas covering themselves as the risk of mc is higher and they wouldn't want to be blamed if something did happen (which in all likelihood wouldn't be related).

Should have said that I had my first trimester massage from an independent masseuse - most spas won't do it for reasons given by minijoey