Pregnancy & Massage

I am newly qualified in pregnancy massage myself, so I am keen to hear views on this myself...

..... that the whole aspect of 'contraindications' is getting out of hand perhaps????

..... that the whole aspect of 'contraindications' is getting out of hand perhaps????

I fully agree, which is the point of my posting, but I would like to know how massage therapists usually approach this.

It seems to me therapists become increasingly "flexible" if they need to make a living at complementary therapy. It seems asking a client for a doctors written consent is pretty much like saying "go elsewhere", and verbal consent is only slightly easier.
I may be wrong but there does seem to be a gulf of difference between the training and best practice and the practical reality. Maybe I am wrong, I am keen to hear what others say, 2010 is my first year.

I've been a therapist since 1977, and have treated loads of pregnant women (and a pregnant horse - really - long story!!!).

Where's the problem/contraindication? As long as the woman is healthy there is NOTHING WRONG WITH HER - she is simply pregnant! Why some of the trainers/schools have started to warn newbies that you have to avoid the first trimester - what's that all about and what evidence to they have that massage causes problems?

Yes, anyone treating pregnant clients should check that everything is going OK and that there is no underlying stuff like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, but usually the midwives are well in charge by then, and you are unlikely to see them, other than possibly for a bit of TLC.

The avoidance during the first trimester thing does make me cringe sometimes - from personal experience - I didn't know I was pregant with Number 1 daughter until I was about 16 weeks..... I can't begin to list the 'bad' things I did during that time - including massage and reflexology!!!

"Doctors permission"?? You are unlikely to get it, well, certainly round our way - the doctors will not respond to letters. I have two very good friends who happen to be GP's and they admit they never reply to therapists letters and when a patient asks if they can try (insert therapy here) they usually say 'why not - at least it may make you feel good - can you afford it?'....!

Hi Jabba,
I think the problem is that schools teach it as a contraindication because it has been stated in books on massage etc.

I have been looking at a whole host of massage contraindications, and think there are a huge amount that need updating. I think that with the wonders of medical science, the number of contraindications is reducing, and replaced precautions.

I think pregnancy as a contraindication needs to be dropped, and replaced with precaution, as you say make sure there are no underlying problems associated with the pregnancy, or the health of the client in general.

I generally go with the thought of anything after 3 months is ok. At least thats when a woman is most likely to miscarry if shes going to therefore less likely Id be blamed or feel that id been the cause

Paula
xxx

Hi ST

I'm with JTH on this one. I do about approx. 7 pregnancy massages per year and never had a problem at any stage of pregnancy. Pregnancy a natural state not a medical issue, unless there is a medical issue. Exam boards and tutors are just trying to protect the student from taken too much on if something goes wrong. Shame schools don't tell their students that with experience contraindications become indications for treatment. Pregnancy massage is a specialist field and I recommend that therapists would benefit from additional training. Working on mums-to-be is an ideal opportunately to show the benefits of massage, especially when so many women don't get pre-natal support.

Have you contacted various insurance companies to find out their attitude to massage therapists working with pregnancy clients? There are the ones that have to look at risk! Isn't 98% of miscarriages in the 1st trimester due to chromosomnal (sp) abnormalities?

Best Wishes

RP

Hi RP,
there is literally nil evidence that massage has any detrimental effects in pregnancy. Im hoping that we can get some changes made in massage contraindications, in fact, a complete overhaul.

I do pregnancy massage and follow the same rule as everyone else, in that pregnancy is something to be aware of but certainly not to stop treatments from taking place.

I have massaged many people at different stages of pregnancy, some from the day they have found out! I think its more about creating an honest and open relationship, so the client feels secure and you feel confident as the therapist.

I did do a pregnancy massage course am glad i did it, if only to be more confident on how to make my client comfortable etc.

I've been a therapist since 1977, and have treated loads of pregnant women (and a pregnant horse - really - long story!!!).

Where's the problem/contraindication? As long as the woman is healthy there is NOTHING WRONG WITH HER - she is simply pregnant! Why some of the trainers/schools have started to warn newbies that you have to avoid the first trimester - what's that all about and what evidence to they have that massage causes problems?

Yes, anyone treating pregnant clients should check that everything is going OK and that there is no underlying stuff like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, but usually the midwives are well in charge by then, and you are unlikely to see them, other than possibly for a bit of TLC.

The avoidance during the first trimester thing does make me cringe sometimes - from personal experience - I didn't know I was pregant with Number 1 daughter until I was about 16 weeks..... I can't begin to list the 'bad' things I did during that time - including massage and reflexology!!!

"Doctors permission"?? You are unlikely to get it, well, certainly round our way - the doctors will not respond to letters. I have two very good friends who happen to be GP's and they admit they never reply to therapists letters and when a patient asks if they can try (insert therapy here) they usually say 'why not - at least it may make you feel good - can you afford it?'....!

I love reading your posts JTH they are so informative and inspiring. I am glad that sportstherapy posted this as this doesn't just cover Massage, but Reflexology and possibly Indian Head Massage and Aromatherapy ?

It was instilled into us at college never ever before the 1st trimester, never ever to practice Swedish Massage on someone with M.E/CFS etc etc, we would never have any work would we considering women are always going to have babies and some poor soul will have a debilitating illness, where will it end ??

I have to admit that I was working on pregnant clients before doing a specialist course. Like Andan says it is about the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client.

My pregnancy clients have often said to me that thank goodness that I wasn't afraid to give them a treatment as they have come across therapists that were too frightened. If I listened to contraindication lists instead of using my professional judgement, I would throw in the towel and give up.

The contraindications list is long isn't it, surely this is what a consultation form is for, I mean we're not stupid or........ lol

As holisticbabe says, most miscarriages (and there are more than most people think) occur in the first trimester. Some unfortunate women who experience this find it very traumatic and are desperate to find a cause. I don't think anyone really thinks a considerate massage is likely to trigger a miscarriage, even in the first trimester, but I think a therapist may feel awkward about having treated a pregnant woman a few days before she miscarries - and their insurance company would be very nervous indeed. The specialist course is mostly about discovering some sub-contraindications within pregnancy and about how to make the pregnant woman comfortable.
It is a shame we live in a blame culture otherwise massage in pregnancy would be much more widespread.