Question: Is the massage suitable for pregnant women?
Asked by Elgirl more than 1 year ago
26 answers
Hello, I saw the offer of 50% off at the Chelsea salon on the Travelzoo website but was wondering if the massage in question is suitable for women who are pregnant? Thanks!
Treatments:
Pre and Post Natal Massage, Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage
Can you help out?
Top Answer – As rated by the community
HeadToToe more than 1 year ago
Many women experience backache and insomnia during different stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy massage is great for relieving muscle tension as well as aches and pains. Lymph drainage helps to clear swelling in the hands and feet and both anxiety and blood pressure can be reduced.
It can also help with:
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.
So is Massage good for pregnant women YES go for it!
Sources: own knowledge and experience
Answer Comments
Other answers (25)
Salma more than 1 year ago
I can't answer on behalf of the Chelsea salon, but it is recommended that in the first trimester that massage should be avoided as it is in this gestation period that miscarriages may occur. Most therapists are divided on this issue, where some still will treat (if you have had a fit bill of health and no previous pregnancy problems). If you are in your second of third timester massage should only be carried out by a therapist qualified in pregnancy massage, as factors such as postioning, different massage stroke techiques and so forth are required. I hope that was of some help :)
Answer Comments
WestOrangeMassageTherapy more than 1 year ago
Not only is massage an excellent way to relieve the physical strain of pregnancy for mom, but studies have shown that mom's who receive prenatal massage have a higher chance of carrying full term.
Sources: http://www.birthsource.com/scripts/article.asp?articleid=308
Answer Comments
TherapeuticTouch more than 1 year ago
Yes. Massage is more than suitable for pregnant women, in my book it is a must. Many changes take place in the body when you are pregnant and they are rapid which can add to stress and anxiety, especially for a first time mother. A regular massage can help SO many things during pregnancy 1) It is a safe, drug-free way to relieve aches and pains, 2) Eases pressure on the sciatic nerve, 3) They can learn relaxation skills to help with labor, 4) Prepare the body for labor 5) Assist in emotional tension, 6) Increase the flow of oxygen and blood to your tissues, accelerating the flow of nutrients to both you and the baby. 7) Relieves backaches and other pains associated during late pregnancy. 8) Decrease swelling and edema as massage helps to drain toxins from the body. 9) If you go to a therapist who has been working for a while and has advanced education they can also help with bowl problems, if the baby becomes breech toward the end can also turn the baby and so on. 10) Massage helps the pregnant mommy to come to terms with their new changing body throughout the pregnancy too. Then you also have Doula / Labor Care - there are MANY benefits with a Doula coach too. 1) The need for Cesarean is decreased by 50 % 2) The need for Epidural are decreased by 60% 3) The need for Pain Medications are decreased by 30% 4) The Length of Labor is decreased by 25% 5) reduces the need for induced labor, 6) dramatically increase your odds of a natural labor 7) and improves the health of your baby. Then you have Postpartum massage which restores muscle tone, stimulates the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and position, alleviates muscle pain from postural shifts, fuller breasts and weight all from having carried the baby. Infant massage is also wonderful for the baby but that’s another subject in it’s self.
Any way, you can read of all the benefits above or on websites you can get information but to experience them you need to find a well trained, educated and experienced therapist...all of the above are my experiences throughout the years and also client feed-back. Pregnancy massage & Doula Coach is one of the greatest gifts I think massage therapists can offer. Do not get me wrong we do a lot of other things to help all of our clients but if you think about it – pregnancy, and labor massage are a unique part of being a therapist – things not taught thoroughly enough or at all in our basic training. However, having the extra training and learning how to work with the body in its new form, with all the changes taking place and so on is a wonderful experience. Pregnancy and Dula are the only things where you help / are a part of bring and seeing a true life miracle take place –Birth! It is one of my favorite things! Yes many benefits, many benefits!
Answer Comments
JadeDavis more than 1 year ago
Pregnancy massage is great when its offered by someone who has had extensive trainnig and qualification in just that! The main thing here is to make sure they are properly qualified and understand the changes and needs of ones body during pregnancy.
I would highly recommend reading Gowri Motha's book 'A gentler birth' which incudes tips on massage adn teh best types at thaat time. She is a leading birth specialist in London and I have received her patients at a pilates studio many years ago and they all did very well on her plans! She can recommend the best people, practitioners and how to find them.
A doula is good if you can find one! (birth companion) see doula.com or try a massage with our Ayurveda Consultant, and Massuese of over 30 years who has extensive qualification and experience in Pregnancy massage. You can visit her at her spa in Suffolk, or book a day with her in London. See http://www.vital-body.co.uk/tanyabradbury
Answer Comments
serbugabi more than 1 year ago
As a rule, and if you have complications, or lost a baby before, stay away from massage for the first trimester. After that, get massages as often as you can aford them. Be aware that massage dilates your body. Toward the end of the pregnancy you can get them more often because they will help you deliver with less pain.
Sources: massagebygabi.com
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BelieveUnisexdayspa more than 1 year ago
Massage during pregnancy is very relaxing. It helps to release all the stress on your body during pregnancy. Many of my clients who had regular massages had no problem delivering their babies, nor had to push. Their babies came out with no difficulty. I even had one client who was suppose to have C-section because she had twins. After I gave her massages for 3 consecutive days, she had a normal delivery. This is a great experience for the mom to be and the baby. Make sure your therapist is specialized in prenatal massage. You can get massage during your first trimester. First, you have to get a permission from your doctor, then the massage has to be very light. Normally pregnant women have insomnia, backache, shoulder and neck pain during their first trimester. Avoid massaging the ankle.
Believe Unisex Day Spa
(561)768-2538
Answer Comments
dugmbkr more than 1 year ago
Of Course! there are a few things that should be taken into consideration.
-not during the first tri-mester
-deep pressure should be avoided,
-certain aromatherapy oils should be avoided (to be safe avoid altogether)
-history of pregnancy complications should be looked at
Other than that I think it has been very well explained by other people on this forum.
Answer Comments
HeatherMoll more than 1 year ago
I actually recieved my first professional massage while I was pregnant with my first child and I was hooked after that. I highly recommend pre-natal massage and would agree with all of the guidelines given here. There is nothing better in that third tri-mester than getting a good massage to relieve the tension in your lower body and feel a little pampered all over. If you are in Kansas City, visit my website below for more information:
Sources: http//:http://www.bodhi-culturejunkie.com
Answer Comments
Aletheia more than 1 year ago
I dont know where is Chelsea salon. I looked up at the website which is located in Tallhassee Florida. I am from Seattle, Washington state. By the way. Yes, massage is suitable for pregnant woman as though at any trimester at early to late trimester to birth. It called Doula. I dont do doula. But, I have experienced with massaging women who can lay on her left side of her hip upon the massage table. And also I have pregnancy cushion to comfort pregnant women at 2 to 3 trimester by laying facing down on table. Even adding four pillow support for facing up and tilt in 60 decree to support their low back. There are so many variable things that can do. Very important you could ask about how to position women's pregnancy needs comfort by laying down on massage table. If they oh yeah i know just come. It wont work that way.. You will have to ask many questions as possible to make sure they are experienced in the salon or Spas.
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SassyMT more than 1 year ago
Side-lying massage is recommended.
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mellowmassage more than 1 year ago
I don't know the Chelsea Salon either, but massage can be great for pregnant women, with the same exceptions or contraindications as massage at any other time. There are certain areas to avoid on a pregnant woman, and hopefully anyone specializing in this would know those spots(like don't do acupressure down the center of the calf!). Side lying position is only recommended because most therapists don't have a maternity cut out on their massage table. I do, however, and so many pregnant women love to be able to lay face down for a little while and get some pressure of their lower backs. I agree that asking the spa about how they position the pregnant woman during the massage is important.
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EmeryMassageandBodywork more than 1 year ago
Massage for the pregnant women after her first trimester is good, but I would want her to have a doctors statement saying she is doing well in her pregnancy to have the massage. I do not massage the feet.
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ValentineRawat more than 1 year ago
Massage is certainly good. So is exercise to build strength to alleviate from my back pains that women suffer from during various stages of pregnancy.
Other than that I think it has been very well explained by other people on this forum. Experience is a big issue. In spas in general the massage therapist are generally those that have just qualified from colleges and are on minimum wage so they do a) lack experience and b) for lack of a better word CARE.
So choose your therapist carefully.
Sources: http://theholisticsystem.com
http://valentinerawat.com
Answer Comments
JoanneB2010 more than 1 year ago
I can do prenatal massage. I'm not sure what offer you are reffering to but swedish massage is great for a pregnant woman. I only massage woman beyond their first trimester, and you would lie on your left side for the bulk of the massage, Massage is great for pregnancy, with the back ache from carrying so much weight and the extra stress and exhaustion. It's great for you to relax as much as possible. I think you got my webpage by mistake. I travel to people's homes to massage for them, I'm not a brick and mortar location. If I can help you, please let me know. Thanks.
Joanne
339-237-2132
jo_bridge2006@yahoo.com
Answer Comments
SilverHand more than 1 year ago
At first glance the facility advertise does not seem t be a place I would suggest for this situation. While Pregnancy massage can be a huge benifit, it is more of a specialty than it seems. Such spas undoubtly have staff members on hand that are trained for pregnancy massage, but it is not their regular modality and so may have gaps in knowledge or poor technique control. I would check with a doctor first, they will likely know of a specialist, or a Doula who in turn will be able to perform these techniques or know of someone who does.
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GypsyQueen more than 1 year ago
yes pregnancy massage is good for you, do not do deep pressure and do not do reflexology on hands or feet.
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GypsyQueen more than 1 year ago
yes pregnancy massage is good for you, do not do deep pressure and do not do reflexology on hands or feet. As far as cranial sacral therapy it is fight and the amount of pressure should not be more then the weight of a nickle, If excess fluid is felt on the cranium then that is a contraindication and the cranial sacral therapy should be performed
Answer Comments
GypsyQueen more than 1 year ago
yes pregnancy massage is good for you, do not do deep pressure and do not do reflexology on hands or feet. As far as cranial sacral therapy it is fight and the amount of pressure should not be more then the weight of a nickle, If excess fluid is felt on the cranium then that is a contraindication and the cranial sacral therapy should be performed
Answer Comments
marciasmassage more than 1 year ago
OF COURSE! There are some things you should be careful of, however. Make sure if you haven't had regular massages before that you are into your second trimester, as toxins could harm the baby. Make sure your therapist is experineced in pregnancy massage, as there are a few areas to avoid during the massage. A therapist experienced in neonatal massage would be VERY helpful! I know I would have used one had I known such people were out there when I was pregnant. Enjoy!
Answer Comments
Pavitra more than 1 year ago
Massage after the first trimester is safe and of therapeutic value - in the "right hands". Most therapists do not offer pre or post-natal massage unless they have training in this speciality - and most reputable schools would insist on appropriate massage and A&P qualifications as a pre-requisite for the advanced training. As a qualified Midwife and Therapist, I can recommend pregnancy massage - while you still have the chance for some "me time"!
Sources: Various
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Pavitra more than 1 year ago
As a qualified midwife and therapist, I can tell you that massage is perfectly safe, and very therapeutic for women with normal, uncomplicated pregnancies after the first trimester. Most therapists would be foolish to offer pre/postnatal massage unless they have undertaken further training in the speciality, and any reputable massage school would insist that therapists have qualifications in massage and A&P prior to enroling in a pregnancy massage course.
Sources: Own qualifications/experience
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andys more than 1 year ago
Massage is suitable after the first trimester , certain Acupuncture points should be avoided but generally massage is good to help relax the body when its changing its shape. Certain therapists specialise in this kind of treatment. Go to someone you can trust to look after you and your baby.
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beautydetoxspa more than 1 year ago
try
Glow offers a range of Mama Mio Spa treatments designed specifically for pregnant women. Designed to relax, soothe and alleviate some of the common discomforts of pregnancy these treatments are totally safe and very effective.
Answer Comments
LaurelleCMT-CLE more than 1 year ago
Yes :)
Thank you so much Elgirl for asking this very important question.
Rejuvenaire Med Spa a division of Womens Medical Group in Upland, California Here at the Women's Medical Group, We take pride in providing the highest quality healthcare services for all of your women's wellness needs.
Excellent care. From the guiding support of today, to the great life events of tomorrow. Here are the services that we provide.
•Obstetric Care
•Gynecology
•Urogynecology
•Intimate Rejuveniation
•Med Spa Services including Prenatal Massage by our State Licensed and Certified Massage Therapist.
Prenatal massage can promote oxygen in blood, provides support for emotional strains of mothering, reduces stress for the mid and lower back, enhances the pilability of skin and fascia tissue, sciatica problems, plus it relaxes both mom to be and baby :)
First trimester some therapist are reluctent as to determine if pregnancy would be suitable due to any miscarriage due to the gestation period, but if you are uncomfortable, about what is best, it is better to stay safe and to start your massges in your second trimester.
You would be accommodated by the massage in different positioning preferably such as side-lying. and other prenatal positioning. It is also great to have the father-to-be included too, so he can learn on how to help his partner :)
You can also google prenatal massage and watch videos on the positioning that will be given.
Hope this info has helped
Any questions please feel free to contact me: Laurelle at Rejuvenaire Med Spa in Upland CA a division of Womens Medical Group.
Answer Comments
Wirralbeautytherapist more than 1 year ago
In general, massage should be avoided during the first 3 months of pregnancy, after that there shouldn't be any problems. Indian head massage can be carried out with the client sitting in a chair so there should be no complications there (with regards to being uncomfortable) and in Swedish Massage you could simply alter your position, eg lie and your side and/ or use extra cushions for comfort. With regards to the pre and post natal Massage- this speaks for itself xx