I ache like an old woman and want a massage - so why not?

[GibberingGinger]

Pretty much as the title says. I'm pregnant, my back aches, my legs ache, I could really do with just lying on a bed and having moisturiser smothered all over me. Apart from the fact that I can't lie on my front due to massive bump, and I should avoid aromatherapy oils is there any reason that I shouldn't have a massage? Oh, and where would I get one (DH is rubbish and gets sore hands and bored after 3 minutes) cause the places I have contacted said they don't do massage on pregnant ladies, just facials and stuff. As nice as a facial would be I really long for a lovely back and shoulder rub

Could you try acupuncture for relaxation (yes, I realise that sounds odd, but if you haven't tried it yet, I'd highly recommend!) instead? I had a massage late in pregnancy, it was supposed to be specifically for pregnant ladies, but I absolutely hated lying on my tummy, even though it was only short and was "padded" with pillows etc.

Thinking back, I wish I'd saved my money for a babysitter and a nice treat after the birth. Mind, I would probably have snored...

You absolutely have to get one! Professional massage therapists have a 'hole' in the massage table for bumps!

Don't know where you live, but try chiropractors and osteopaths to see whether there are any accredited massage therapists connected to their practice.

Good luck!

Just need to find someone who does pregnancy massages. I had one in late pregnancy last time, lay on my side. It was lovely!

Agree with pps - find a specialist.

Places that say no are usually saying no because of their insurance, and/or because their therapists aren't sufficiently qualified.

A pg massage therapist will never massage your bump, will never lie you on your tummy (without a suitable hole in the table ), but may use aromatherapy oils. Again, go to a specialist. Clary sage, for example, can bring on labour, but other oils such as lavender can be used sparingly (in the same quantities as one would use for a newborn) by a professional.

My therapist (my former massage teacher) did all my massage with me on my side, with pillows supporting bump as necessary, or with me seated. It was divine and I highly recommend it.

Time to get the Yellow Pages out!

Massage therapist won't massage in the first trimester because of the risk of miscarriage due to the release of toxins in the blood stream. Some won't do it all throughout the pregnancy because they are worried about being sued if anything went wrong and they got the blame. Even a signed disclaimer won't help them if they are sued.

Some will do it though. Look in the yellow pages? Or google pregnany massage and your postcode?

heaven

Thanks for the replies. Will try some more places and see if I can find anywhere willing to accommodate me and my bump. I actually went for one when I was about 8 weeks pregnant but didn't tell them - in hind sight maybe I should blame the twins on that!
It's the one thing I really love as a treat (i only go once or twice a year - i'm not a massagoholic really!) and I would so love one. Will try chiroprators and physiotherapists as they might be more qualified. Thanks again

are you no where near leeds then?

Sorry ruddynorah, missed that was a link am on a laptop with dodgy screen. It looks perfect unfortunately I'm in Fife, Scotland so Leeds is a little far afield for me, though it is tempting!

Don't suppose you are near SW Scotland at all? GOod ante/peri/post natal massage therapist in next town to us. Very experienced and good.

Ah, cross posts.

Here

Hell of a track from Fife, but he is good. Him and his missus both therapists but he does the pg stuff.

You can come and visit me afterwards.

Not track.

Trek.

what a shame

Thanks Nickytwotimes that also looks lovely. I have however just found one in Glenrothes/Dunfermline/Edinburgh so I'll be on the phone to them asap. Ooh I'm getting excited already

Oh, that's good.

It is well worth it.

Clarins do a fab antenatal massage in their salon in John Lewis, Edinburgh. I've been for a couple of them and they are bliss! They sit you down with pillows to lean against the table to do your back properly, and they will, very gently and with your permission, massage the dreaded bump too It feels brilliant.

I am so lucky that I have found a local massage therapist (lives in the next village) so she comes to my house - bliss! We have figured out a really comfy position with me sitting on a low back chair and leaning forward on to some pillows on the table. She just does a lovely relaxing freeing massage of my back, and it is exactly what I need. If you can find a therapist and a position that is really comfy and relaxing, go for it.