Hot stone massage?

[collie_crazy]

Does anyone know if this is safe or not in 2nd tri?

I know I've read somewhere that massage isnt recommended in the 1st tri although I cant quite remember why. I am only 15 weeks so not got a huge bump to get in the way or anything and I have just seen one of those city deals where it is only £29 for an hours hot stone massage and 45 minute facial which sounds amazing right about now!

Had a quick look online but cant really see anything.

Should probably phone the salon and check really....

 

[missmayhem]

i have got some stones (99p shop) for home massage, i can see why the heat would hurt..... but be careful of the oils used

 

[seoj]

I've had weekly massages my entire pregnancy... I see the chiropractor once a week, and get a 50min massage before I'm adjusted. Never been an issue. There are places that won't do massage in the 1st tri (not because it's not safe)- but because of "liability" reasons... I'm assuming it's just precautionary. But there is NO reason not to get a massage. I'm sure the hot stone ones are fine too- the stones are placed all around... and felt great on my back. Just make sure they know your prego so they can set up the table appropriately for you to lay face down-- with belly pillows or a special pregnancy massage table.

Enjoy!!!!

 

[lesbianlove]

some places wont do them if the massuse is not aproriately quialified and covered with insureance to do so, its more that you use different massage moves for pregnant women due to stretching limbs ( im a beauty therapist) and also sometimes when ur stretching after a massage it can seem quite sensetive or cause discomfort depending how uv felt going for ur massage but otherwise hot stones and things are gr8 for pregnancy much the same as a hot water bottle or a hot bath

 

[kellyb]

Don't worry about it. As long as a the therapist has experience in pregnancy massage, you'll be fine. I've been in massage school for the last year (just graduated 2 weeks ago, at 21 weeks pregnant), so I've been getting massages all along. The only concern is that there are acupressure points associated with the uterus--when intentionally pressed, for a good amount of time, that can help bring on labor (some women use this on purpose at the 40 week mark). But any qualified massage therapist knows this, and will just lightly go over those areas. Remember, it takes focus, intent, and time for those points to possibly activate anything. That kind of focus, intent, and time does not happen in a standard swedish, circulatory massage (or even hot stone). Go enjoy yourself, and don't worry! The massage will be great for you and baby!

 

[vicstar68]

I am a Remedial Massage Therapist. Unfortunately I do not believe that RMT's get enough training and experience during their RMT training for pregnancy massage and as such should not be performing pregnancy massage - that is just my opinion, however it is up to the client to decide what is best for them - someone who has completed a days training in pregnancy massage techniques or someone who actually has a "Diploma in Pregnancy Massage".

I run a massage and natural therapy clinic in Darch, WA (Phoenix Therapies) however we specialise in pregnancy massage and maternity care. What this means is that we have done advanced training and continue with ongoing training in pregnancy massage.

This also means that we have expert knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of a pregnant body and the hormones at different stages, the changes that are taking place both within the mother and the baby and what is happening to all the muscles, tissues and ligaments of the body. We are able to tell you where your baby is positioned and what effect that has on your own body and suggest what would benefit you most during your massage. We are able to provide you with techniques to help you after your massage to ease aches and pains in certain areas and how to position yourself to release tension and discomfort in the lower back and other areas.

We do pregnancy massage from early pregnancy to help with stress and relaxation of the client right up to and including the day of birth. The oils that we use help to counteract some of the adverse reactions to the hormones that are being infused through the body.

Pregnancy massage is extremely beneficial to pregnant women and can provide the following benefits:

• Relief from muscle cramps, tension, spasms, pain especially in the lower back, neck, hips and legs
• Reduction of stress on weight bearing joints
• Increase in bloody and lymphatic circulation, which aids in reducing swelling
• Enhancement of elasticity and pliability of the skin and underlying tissues
• Help with sleeplessness and insomnia
• Increase range of flexibility and movement
• Helps to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety
• Prepares the muscles and tissues used during labour and birth

We do not believe the tables with the holes in them offer a pregnant woman the best in comfort and support - what they do is stretch and strain the ligaments of the uterus (that which we should be protecting not creating more strain and discomfort).

The massage therapist should have a specially designed orthopaedic pregnancy table (as we do) that provides you with safe and effective pregnancy support that gives decompression of joints, relaxation of muscles and pressure away from the hips.

With hot stone massage this is contraindicated during pregnancy and the main reason is a pregnant woman has almost double the amount of blood in her system and her blood pressure and body temperature are affected because of this.

Pregnant women usually feel so much hotter than they would normally and by adding strong heat from hot stones this can overheat them even more and their baby. I would be very surprised if you found a qualified Pregnancy Massage Therapist who is covered by insurance for hot stone massage during pregnancy and this should be a question you ask your therapist to be sure they are qualified - if they are qualified then they will be insured - it's as simple as that.

For more information about pregnancy massage, induction massage and pregnancy related issues please email Vicki at Phoenix Therapies and we would be happy to answer any of your queries.

 

[Arisa]

I had a massage in the first trimester, it was really good
yeah I would be careful at this stage in the pregnancy using hot stones, they are very good in relieving aches and pains in saying that I have not had one whilst pregnant

 

[kitcat]

I'm a massage therapost too. I would refuse you - sorry hun! xx

 

[marley79]

I'm also a massage therapist and agree with the vickstar. I'm sorry for those that deem it ok but it really dpeends on the type of massage and the expereince of the therapist. Hot stone is a no for reasons that have been so well listed. be careful with nay massage - check qualifications, it's not great for our industry but people can do one-two day courses and call them selves massage therapists - even insurance is not an indication of expereince.
However a good massuese who is well trained is a great expereince when pregnant.
Tip for all those wanted a massage - the oils should be safe, ideally just a base oil and if you are avoiding nuts then no nut oil as a base either. the couch should be suitable for a pregnant lady - very few therapists have these bump couches where you can lie on your tummy as they are so exspensive - so if one isn't avaialble then the massage should be done with you laid on your side not your back ever, in a fetal like position with your legs supported.
x

 

[collie_crazy]

This was started last year, how strange it's just got loads of new replies.