Pregnancy massage

[spagirl]

How many weeks should a woman be before she gets a massage. I was taught 12 weeks.

[HandsOnU]

Pregnancy Massage should always be treated with extreme caution. It is okay to massage a pregnant client prior to 12 weeks only if you have been trained in the necessary precautions and use the greatest care. Check out www.bodyworkassociates.com for more info on pregnancy and massage.

[JMcColleyLMT]

I was always taught that it can be done through out the pregnancy, but for the most part to be on the safe side I would request a Dr. note, if they do not provide one get ahold of their Dr. and make sure that they are not high risk. Some women may not know how importat it is to be honest with their Massage Therapist, or may be in real discomfort and will do anything for a little relief! I always make sure i get a realease from the Dr. just to make sure.
Jenny

[Mimi]

I would prefer a woman to come to me when she's 3.5 months along. That way I know she's more likely to carry a baby. I also don't like that early on in pregnancy many women get nauseous. My massage room always smells from my oil or lotion, or perhaps a wake of someone else's body being in there. I don't want to deal with people becoming nauseated because of strong odors.

Also, the need for a massage kicks in when the new weight comes in from baby, from fat and from larger breasts. The pull on their back can affect their sciatic nerve, etc. So, I prefer when they get further along.

I don't do massage at labor though. I'm a pretty emotional person, so the stress the woman is going through in labor would stress me out.