Existing clients who become pregnant

[zaza]

Evening everyone, i am qualified in holistic and sports massage. I have seen this particular client 4 times for a back, shoulder and neck massage. She is now pregnant and i am trying to find out information on whether it is ok for me to continue the treatments.

I have said to her that we may need to wait until after 3 months and we would need to check with her doctor or midwife.

I realize that i will need to adjust position to ensure mum and baby are comfortable and supported and look into suitable oil/wax to use.

Is this something i should consider or refer her to a qualified pregnancy massage therapist??

Thanks

 

[pafthpha]

Check with your insurance company.

Myarka.

 

[kweyqjfe]

Unless she is a very high risk case with an abnormal pregnancy, then there is no problem at all receiving massage all the way throughout the pregnancy, you do have to adjust the massage later on as they have to sit up for a back massage, but pregnancy is no an illness it is a normal function of the body.

 

[beamer]

I've treated many clients who have become pregnant and unless they're in a high risk category or any other issue/s I treat them as normal just leaving out all reflex points related to pregnancy and I use a plain base oil until they've past the 3 month mark. I've even massaged a lady pregnant with natural triplets from the beginning until she was too uncomfortable.

Go gentle with care and you should be fine. My motto is - If in doubt, leave out.

Cheers, Sue

 

[njknjk]

I agree with all that has been said above. Definitely speak to your insurance company. I asked mine about it and they said they advise against giving massage in the first trimester for any treatments but they don't say that you can't provide the treatment.

I would suggest your client mentions to her midwife when she next sees her that she is having a treatment. Most midwifes nowadays recommend reflexology and massage anyway.

 

[Andrea Krawchuk]

My feeling is that treating with common sense wouldn't put your client or future baby in danger but all the opposite! Preganancy, including the first months is such an important time to get some extra support with all the hormonal/emotional and soft tissue changes!

Generally, I don't use any essential oils and use the side lying position, which I find very useful and comfortable anyway for non-preganant clients also. I don't massage the abdomen. I am also careful with specific reflexology points.
Also, I wouldn't treat if they have a history of miscarriages or unstable pregnancies or other possible risk factors.

But I prefer to be covered anyway, just in case...
So I always ask the client to sign a disclaimer in which they understand that they should ask their GP/physician for advice in receiving massage during the first trimestre and that they accept full responsibility.

 

[lalahamster]

My massage teacher made me a little paranoid about massaging pregnant women so I have decided to take a specific course (tomorrow, in fact) about it to feel more at ease! I am hoping to learn new moves while I am there anyway, and the A&P should be interesting!

 

[garlo7]

With pregnancy your insurance will probably state not to treat in the first trimester but double check, however even out of that first trimester i ask about previous pregnancies and if they were complicated in any way, perhaps history of miscarriage etc.... load yourself up with information and make an informed decision.

 

[P.J.]

I just did a one day pregnancy massage course and I am really glad I did because I feel much more confident about it now!
We learned how to use the side position for the client, and I really liked it. There are some nice moves you can do in that position!