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Safety &
Pregnancy Massage 

Please take the time to read this before making your appointment

 

Massage can be of enormous benefit to you but you may wonder whether it is safe to have a massage during your pregnancy.

 

Massage is safe if you are having a straightforward pregnancy and are generally well and free from health problems.  However, please do carefully read through the list of contraindications below for more information on when massage might not be suitable for you.

 

When you book your appointment I will try and give you a telephone call so that we may discuss any health issues you might be experiencing and any suspected contraindications. In many cases, prior to receiving a treatment, you may need confirmation from your GP, midwife or other healthcare providers that they give their consent for you to have massage therapy.

 

I am trained to provide massage in pregnancy and my priority is to ensure the comfort and safety of you and your baby throughout your treatment.

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In the current COVID-19 climate, all pregnant clients are requested to get consent for treatment from their pre-natal care providers prior to treatment. 

 

 

When is it not safe to have a massage?

 

There are some instances when it isn’t advisable to have a massage so please do check the list of contraindications to massage. If you are uncertain or unclear about what to do before booking a treatment, then please don't hesitate to contact me.

 

If you are experiencing any significant health problems or a high-risk pregnancy, you probably won’t be seeking out a massage anyway. But if you are, then I will need to get approval from your primary healthcare professional before giving you a treatment.

 

Total contraindications to massage in pregnancy

 - massage is NOT suitable

 

  • Fever – massage isn’t suitable until you’re fully recovered.

  • Infectious and other communicable diseases and conditions – including urinary tract infections, skin infections, coughs, colds and flu.

  • Active uterine bleeding – if you are experiencing this please contact your GP, midwife or consultant as soon as possible.

  • Undiagnosed abdominal pain – may be a symptom of something more serious so please contact your primary care provider as soon as possible if you are experiencing this. Massage will not be suitable until you are given a diagnosis, and then consent from your primary care provider will be required.

  • Undiagnosed back pain – as above. Massage will not be suitable until you are given a diagnosis, and then consent from your primary care provider will be required.

  • Bleeding or heavy discharge – please contact your primary caregiver as soon as possible. Massage will not be suitable until the issue is resolved and consent provided by your primary caregiver.

  • Blood clot or phlebitis – massage will not be suitable as bodywork can dislodge the clot.

  • Pregnancy bed rest – full massage won’t be suitable.

  • Eclampsia - massage isn’t suitable.

  • Threatened miscarriage or early labour – massage isn’t suitable.

  • Visual disturbance – may be indicative of something more serious, please contact your primary healthcare provider.

  • Recent operations – massage may cause infection.

  • Acute injuries (in past 48 hours) – massage may aggravate these and cause more pain and trauma.

  • Hypersensitive skin – massage may make you uncomfortable and aggravate your skin.

  • Under the influence alcohol or drugs - massage isn’t suitable.

 

Medical contraindications 

- massage may be suitable with the APPROVAL and CONSENT of your midwife, GP or other primary healthcare providers. 

Please ensure you have gained their consent prior to making an appointment.

 

  • Pre-eclampsia

  • Diabetes and gestational diabetes

  • High blood pressure/chronic hypertension – if you have consistently high blood pressure it can mean that you are at higher risk of developing more serious conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP. Your primary healthcare provider will be able to tell you whether massage is suitable.

  • Placental dysfunctions       

  • High-risk pregnancy – massage isn’t recommended unless your primary healthcare provider gives their explicit consent.

  • Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or Pelvic Girdle Instability –your doctor or midwife will be able to advise you whether massage will be suitable for you if you are suffering from this.

  • Cancer - gentle face/arm and hand massage may be suitable with your doctor or midwife's consent

  • Epilepsy

  • Heart disease

  • Thyroid conditions

  • Unexplained lumps and bumps – they may indicate a more serious health problem and need to be checked by your GP before a massage can go ahead.

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Local contraindications

- massage is suitable but affected areas of the body are avoided during the treatment.

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In many instances, you will be the best judge of whether massage is suitable for you at the time but any such issues will be discussed with you during your consultation. Local contraindications include – areas of inflammation, varicose veins, non-infectious skin problems, healing bones, strains and sprains, heavy bruising, cuts and abrasions etc.

 

Other considerations

 

  • Nausea – if you are feeling nauseous you probably won't fancy a massage and so please consider this when timing your appointment

  • Heartburn - lying down may be uncomfortable for you and so you’ll be the best judge of whether a massage will be suitable for you at the time. Do bear in mind that you will be lying on your side for the treatment.

 

If you are in any doubt about a condition you have or symptoms you are experiencing please consult your healthcare professional GP, midwife before booking a massage treatment.

 

 

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