No massage in first trimester?

[rt2008]

I had an appointment for a massage today. I actually had scheduled the appt a while ago before I knew I was pregnant. I had mentioned to the therapist that I didn't want any weird smelling stuff used because I was pregnant and some of that can still set off my nausea. She then said that they aren't allowed to do massages in the first tri because of risk of miscarriage?!? Something about stimulation on certain pressure points or something? I actually had asked my doctor at my appt on Wednesday about getting a massage--mainly for the reason for having to lay on my stomach for an hour. I'm nowhere close to showing or anything, and he said it was not a problem.

So I told the therapist that I asked my doctor and he said it was fine, so they had me sign something for liability issues and I got to have my massage.

Has anyone ever heard of this? My husband gives me back massages all the time. I'm not laying on my stomach; I'm usually on a chair or something, but if the issue is stimulation of certain points, I guess wouldn't that be an issue too, then?

I'm not really worried about anything happening. It was just a normal, relaxing massage. She wasn't pressing hard on me. But I just thought it was weird.

[urbancowgirl]

I think that's weird, too. I'll ask my brother about it. He's a massage therapist.

[littlemisschatty]

I'm actually interested in the answer to this, same thing happened to me. I scheduled a masssage that I already paid for, it was one of those Groupon-type deals, but got my BFP and cancelled it bc I wasn't sure if I should get it. I am just gonna ask my doc next week at my first appt. I felt weird booking a prenatal massage when I'm not even showing, but I wasn't sure if I should get a regular one.

[rt2008]

Dec 21, 2012 19:07:17 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

My OB has no idea where that restriction comes from and sorta rolled her eyes. Supposedly certain pressure points can lead to miscarriage (I think because it will cause contractions).

Except acupuncture and massage hardly seem effective at causing women in the third trimester to go into labor, when presumably their bodies are more ready for it. Really, if pressing a point near an ankle caused people to go into labor, I don't think so many drugs would be necessary.

The fact is, many people miscarry in their first tri, and I'm sure some people have tried to blame a massage, so they want to cover their asses.

ETA: this is why I didn't tell my place until 15 weeks. My pregnancy has had zero problems - no cramping, spotting, all ultrasound measurements were spot in to the day, etc. I had 3 massages in first tri.

That's good to hear. I wouldn't have even mentioned it, but I was nervous about her using scents I didn't like. I didn't think it'd be a problem at all. I guess with all the liability issues these days, they have to be more cautious. Oh well, I got my massage and it was nice

[Deleted]

I just didn't tell. I definitely do not believe there is any risk of miscarriage from massage. I had an hour massage last week, and it was heavenly.

[bunchkie]

I asked my doctor and my massage therapist. Both said a-okay. Later on you want to be on your side.

[Deleted]

My hair stylist is also a massage therapist and he is convinced there is a link so he just doesn't do it liability/suspicion wise. Next time unless you know the person and see them a lot I would just keep mum.

[lovebug]

I had massages in the first tri and it was not a problem. You just need to make sure that they are trained in prenatal massage so that they know which areas to avoid. There are certain areas that can cause contractions, etc that they avoid unless you go in because you're overdue and want to be naturally induced.

[emisi]

Gotta say, this conversation made me crave a massage. I have these horrible little knots under my shoulderblades. H is usually good at getting them out, but not this time. Prenatal massage, here I come! Well, after Christmas. So maybe Friday.

Sigh.