Hot stone massage while pregnant

[Dani2019]

I am close to 20 weeks pregnant and made an impromptu decision yesterday to get a massage. The masseuse said she was trained and has pregnant clients who see her regularly.

I agreed to a 30 minute massage but I am now worried as she used hot stones and online there appears to be conflicting advice about whether this is okay in pregnancy. She mainly focused on my shoulders and upper back but did spend a bit of time on my lower back. I am also worried as she did apply quite a lot of pressure at times. I didn't feel too hot during the process but have just been left feeling quite nervous. I was wondering if anyone else has had a hot stone massage while pregnant?

Did you have to lie on your front or your side for the massage OP?

Hot stones are one of my favourite options but when I was pregnant I was told by a couple of places that they wouldn't do it and had just a standard pregnancy massage on my sides.

@trippingoverrainbows I was lying on my side

I can't see why a hot stone massage would be considered more dangerous than a standard massage? I doubt that the stones would increase your temperature to the extent that it could be dangerous and new research suggests that even sitting in a sauna doesn't elevate a pregnant woman temperature to the point of concern.

I'd really not worry about it - I hope it was lovely and relaxing! Don't undo the good work x

I trained in hot stones and the reason places are cautious about doing this on pregnant women is because 1. The heat from stones raising body temp 2. The extra massage pressure from hot stones and 3. “Placing” and leaving hot stones on parts of the body.

However I agree with PP that the temp isn’t enough in hot stones (especially in a 30 min massage) to raise your body temp enough to do any harm to you or baby and it sounds like any extra pressure would have been away from stomach/lower back area in your case.

So in conclusion, you’ll be fine and I hope it was lovely and relaxing 🙂