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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Lying on your back / massage

14 replies

Pinkmarshmallow · 03/01/2009 16:53

This afternoon, I had a wonderful special mother-to-be pampering massage. To massage my back, I was sitting on the edge of a chair, leaning over and resting my head on pillows & towels on the massage bed. This was a great position, really comfy. (Anyone jealous yet?!)

However, I was very surprised when after a while I was asked to lie on my back on the bed (for the facial, scalp & leg massage.) I told the therapist that I thought this was not recommended for pg ladies, especailly so far on in pg (I'm 32wks). But I didn't want to create a big fuss, so I told her I would do it and that I'd warn her if I started to feel funny and yes,I was fine. She checked with the head therapist afterwards and she also said there was no danger in lying on the back, so long as my legs were raised.

I'm confused now.... I've heard of women passing out while lying on their back because of pressure of the baby lying on internal organs etc etc.

Any experience or words of wisdom on all this?

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firstontheway · 03/01/2009 16:58

Sorry I have no idea!
But I know that personally if I lie on my back for more than even a minute I feel breathless and like I'm being 'squashed.'
Perhaps depends on position of the baby?

firstontheway · 03/01/2009 16:58

Im almost 30 weeks btw

naturalbornmum · 03/01/2009 17:08

I have heard that lying on your back after 30 weeks is not a good idea because it reduces bloodflow to the placenta and it is best to lie on your left handside. However I find it the most comfy position (am 28 weeks) but baby does seem to kick more when I lie like this - if that means anything?

naturalbornmum · 03/01/2009 17:09

20 weeks

Original poster

Pinkmarshmallow · 03/01/2009 17:16

Reduced bloodflow to the placenta... yikes... that scares me! Should I be worried now? I must have been on my back for about half an hour. Will baby be ok?

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MegBusset · 03/01/2009 17:19

Baby will be fine, I'm sure! When pg with DS I would always go to sleep on my side but more than once woke up on my back having turned over in the night. He doesn't seem to have suffered any ill effects. I don't think half an hour is that big a deal, really.

Bubbaluv · 03/01/2009 17:38

I heard thi sone last time I was pg and asked by OB. He said it was absolutely fine to lie on your back unless it made you fell funny, and if it made you feel funny don't do it! Sounds pretty sensible to me - never had any prob on back BTW.

naturalbornmum · 03/01/2009 17:58

Well this is my third and I'm sure I must have lay on my back in previous pregnancies and both are fine. I too have had a pregnancy spa treat similar to your - sure it is fine. i was a bit to when asked to lie on my back and has put me off going for anymore - shame.

wellbalanced · 03/01/2009 18:02

I went for a massage at 11week and they were v well up on pregnancy so i had the massage in a special chair leaning forward type thing!!!!
But then went to a diff place at 15wk and had a facial and they knew nothing and put me on my back...
I have heard you shouldn't lie on your back from 20wk (is that right?) for long periods of time, but the odd stint on your back should be fine.
If i lie on my back baby kicks more and i tend to get cramp/pins and needles in legs!!

Bubbaluv · 03/01/2009 19:59

The best are the tables with the tummy hole in them mmmmmmm!

Original poster

Pinkmarshmallow · 04/01/2009 06:04

Thank you all for putting my mind at ease. Have felt baby active lots since, so I take that as a good sign that all is well.

Bubbaluv, the tables with the tummy hold sound great. I went for a massage at a different place at 20something weeks and the therapist made me lie on my tummy! When I said I can't, erm I'm pregnant, she got really snotty and asked how I possibly expected her to massage my back if I wouldn't lie on my tummy. It was so uncomfortable.

OP posts:

May67 · 04/01/2009 08:40

Pinkmarshmallow- that's terrible that she made you lie on your tummy if it was uncomfortable!

Last time I was pregnant I had a wonderful pregnancy massage at Aveda on Shaftesbury Ave which my friends bought me as a baby shower pressie. You lie on a big water bed/air cushion thing and then the therapist uses oils so that she can slide her hands around your back. It was amazing and you're also kind of tilted up so not lying flat on your back. I was about 30 weeks.

littleducks · 04/01/2009 08:49

am a bit at all those who had pg massages, sounds lovely

i think you arent supposed to sleep on your back otherwise just see how you feel, lots of woman birth lying on back (not a good idea for other reasons)

CoteDAzur · 04/01/2009 08:53

I've had lots of massage lying on my back when heavily pregnant. As long as you feel comfortable, it's fine.

I'm only 19 weeks pregnant this time but often find myself sleeping on my back at night. That is fine, as well, as I don't feel any discomfort.

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