Pregnancy massage

[Bat96]

Hello,

I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and my partner has very kindly surprised me with booking a pregnancy massage for me.

Just wondering if anyone else had one of these and if it was a good experience?
In the description on the salons website, is says the massage includes 'lower leg and foot massage to help reduce fluid retention'.
I have read online that pregnant women are not supposed to have legs and feet massaged?

This is my first pregnancy and I'm a little bit anxious. Any replies would be appreciated

Step away from the Internet - the idea that a foot or leg massage can induce labour (or cause any other problems) is complete b**cks. Enjoy your massage!

Had one from a massage therapist who had a hole in the massage bed especially for pregnant women. It was wonderful.

Think foot massages were what got me through!

So long as they are trained to deal with pregnancy it is fine.

Enjoy your massage! Feet and legs are fine. If you have any risk of DVT or blood clotting then just avoid hard pressure but pregnancy massage tends to be pretty gentle anyway. They will either have a special pillow to allow you to lie on your tummy or you will just lie on your side.

I treated myself to one at 37 weeks to kick start my maternity leave. I'm still kicking myself I didn't make it a regular affair once a month throughout my pregnancy as it was phenomenal! Don't forget that masseurs will be trained in giving maternity massage so they wouldn't do anything that could harm you & baby. I also had an extensive q & a session regarding my pregnancy before I was even allowed to strip down. Enjoy!! X

Had one in my 3rd trimester. It was so relaxing and felt so good! Hopefully I'll be able to have one this time round!

I had one at 16 weeks and it was lovely, I'd kill for one now at 38weeks! Especially
On my massive ankles!

I’m glad someone posted on this becos it was my birthday recently and I’ve been gifted a pregnancy massage which I was very much looking forward too. After speaking to an auntie of mine she mentioned that pregnancy massages should only be carried out by therapists with the relevant qualifications, when I asked what the qual was I was promptly told to ‘google it’ which I did and I can’t actually find anything on it!

Maybe ask the spa where your going if they have the relevant qualifications to do a preg massage? I cant see how any type of massage would be dangerous ... and the pregnancy ones look very similar to the usual massages 🤷🏻‍♀️

@Rubyrecka

I’m glad someone posted on this becos it was my birthday recently and I’ve been gifted a pregnancy massage which I was very much looking forward too. After speaking to an auntie of mine she mentioned that pregnancy massages should only be carried out by therapists with the relevant qualifications, when I asked what the qual was I was promptly told to ‘google it’ which I did and I can’t actually find anything on it!

Maybe ask the spa where your going if they have the relevant qualifications to do a preg massage? I cant see how any type of massage would be dangerous ... and the pregnancy ones look very similar to the usual massages 🤷🏻‍♀️

Apparently it's to do with tension points and triggering labour. I'm not sure how scientifically proven it is but its actually completely advised against in the first trimester due to links to miscarriage but said to be safe later on by a trained professional. If a massage therapist offers pregnancy massage, it will be listed as a type of service they offer Ie. Deep tissue massage, back massage, facial, foot, head etc.

When I raised this with my OB, he did say that if it was that easy to induce labour, they'd rather employ massage therapist on labour wards then pump women full of drugs for induction so who knows! 🤨

@ALargeGlassofMalbecPlease ha that’s true, just get the masseuse into the labour ward! Save the NHS a few quid

I’ll speak to my midwife and see what she says 💆🏻‍♀️

I would love a pregnancy massage a little further into my pregnancy. Has anyone had any good experience at a place they would recommend?

I had one when I was about 24 weeks, it was divine! This was at Ragdale as that’s my local spa.
As long as it’s a specific pregnancy one and the therapist is trained it is perfectly safe.

I've done a pregnancy massage course. The theory was all about specific accupressure points to avoid and about avoiding excessive pressure in certain areas, ie not giving deep tissue massage over the legs. It also advises positions to put your clients in, ie not lying flat on their backs, and contraindications for massage.

I've given plenty of girls pregnancy massages and pregnancy reflexology (which is also a massive treat for a pregnant lady). In addition, towards the end of your term, you can include the accupressure points and if trained add in certain essential oils to help encourage labour.

Despite all my training, my husband has still given me full body massages during my pregnancy, he's an osteopath and does more of a deep tissue massage, which includes areas that you're meant to avoid during pregnancy and I've never had any problems. He believes if you're going to miscarry, it'll happen, a massage isn't going to cause you to loose the baby.

I think everyone errs on the side of caution when it comes to pregnancy. Some massage therapists who are trained in pregnancy massage won't treat people in the first trimester. It's all just a precaution.

Enjoy your massage!