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Does anyone have any experience or information on home massage during pregnancy?? I trust professionals to keep me and my baby safe during a massage, but our budget doesn't allow me to see a professional very often (luckily I have a great husband though!!) I've heard that certain types of massage are bad if you're pregnant and I was just wondering if there is anything we should avoid.

Thanks in advance!!

2007-10-21 13:21:39 · 14 answers · asked by WBMMort 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting Pregnancy

14 answers

I studied Massage Therapy and graduated with a 4.0, and what I can tell you is that there is really nothing you can't do when you are pregnant that you can't do when you are not pregnant. Of course, you don't want to do any abdomen work for obvious reasons, and there is a acupressure point on the foot that "is said" to help induce labor, but you have to know where it is and really work it.
If your husband is doing it, awesome, what a great guy. Don't use oil that has mineral oil in it, and tell him never to work directly on a bone....ie; the spine, ankle, etc. You want to work around the bones.
Lay on your side. Lower back, leg and feet work is always wonderful for pregnant women.
If there is a heath food or holistic store in your area, stop in there and ask for some nice soothing massage oil. You can also go to Bath and Body Works but they are usually less knowledgeable about what oils are good.
You can call the local massage schools in your area as well and see if they have students who need to practice. Sometimes they have "clinicals" that they have to do before they can graduate, and they will usually do a massage on you for nothing or very little.
And a pregnant woman is almost always welcome in the classrooms because they like to train you on "side lying massage"
Sorry for the long answer, I hope this helps!
Enjoy!

2007-10-21 13:37:25 · answer #1 · answered by gavzmom 2 · 5 0

This past Wednesday I had a prenatal massage at 38 wks and 1 day, and I'm telling you it was wonderful, but my massage therapist did an actual prenatal massage, which is somewhat lighter than the swedish or deep tissue massage. She wasn't able to do anything but light massage on my legs due to the risk of dislodging any possible blood clots in my legs since you are at higher risk for those during pregnancy, but it really did help with the swelling that I've been having in my hands. My midwife referred me to this particular person, and it was definitely relaxing and enjoyable!!!! She told me that for 6 wks after the birth of my child, if I decide to come back she would continue to do the prenatal massage until my body has started to recover from the pregnancy, and then I could have a swedish or deep tissue massage after the 6 weeks. Good luck!!!!!!

2007-10-21 15:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by Meggan B 2 · 0 0

Wait until you are past the first trimester because massage can worsen morning sickness.

There are pressure points on both sides of the ankle and the webbing between the thumb and index finger that if stimulated, may induce labor. Avoid these areas during the massage.

You should be able to find a lot of information doing a quick internet search.

2007-10-21 13:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

Curing what ails you in pregnancy.
Most people enjoy human touch. A touch can convey comfort, love, awareness and many other sensations. It can also help alleviate aches and pains.

All of these are of benefit, especially when you are pregnant.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:

Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress.
Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.

2007-10-21 13:28:24 · answer #4 · answered by KRISTOFF 2 · 1 0

Nothing too rough or heavy. Gentle massage is great. Back rubs are necessary. It would be unusual for massage to hurt a pregnancy. BUT if it hurts, don't do it.

2007-10-21 13:26:05 · answer #5 · answered by chatsplas 7 · 0 0

massage is wonderful, back legs, feet, head and neck, don't lie on your stomach, sit on a chair, facing the back of the chair and lie your head on a pillow or on your arms. Use a nice baby oil. to massage the stomach, use the oil and gently rub the tummy while lying on your back sitting in semi upright position. Nothing strenuous on your tummy. FYI after baby is born they love massage too... Good luck and God bless and put angels on your pillows

2007-10-21 13:29:52 · answer #6 · answered by fluffyflo_1999 4 · 2 0

I wouldn't call it massaging, but light rubbing might do the same thing for you, just try to relax your muscles, and if it doesn't feel right, then stop. My boyfriend rubs my back and tummy lightly all the time, and it does help with back pain quite a bit, but the rubbing never feels bad or painful. Maybe it'll help you out.

2007-10-21 13:27:08 · answer #7 · answered by Jess H 1 · 0 0

I would check out your local library on any books out for Pre-Natal Massaging. Also, there are many books on infant massaging for when the baby is born.

Good luck

2007-10-21 13:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by reh075 2 · 1 0

That was a lil harsh of a response. Anyways, I have no clue of any massages that are bad for you but I'm sure normal back ones [[with you sitting up of course]] would be fine. If you doubt it, don't do it.

2007-10-21 13:25:59 · answer #9 · answered by girl.with.a.plan. 5 · 0 0

don't get aromatherapy or acupuncture. but a sweedish massage or even a deep tissue massage should be fine.

2007-10-21 13:30:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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