I am wondering if their is any research done on the effects or side effects of massage therapy on women who are in their first trimester. It is a common rule, at least in Montreal for massage therapists who are trained to not massage women who are in their first trimester. What i am wondering, is this based on any conclusive data that women who are in this category are prone to miscarrage because of a direct correlation to the massage. Or is it the case of legal causal issues that put the blame on the massage therapist and not the disposition that prevade the woman’s pregnancy. If you have any information, it would be of a great help. thank you. Brownstone
There is some evidence that massage can trigger miscarriages. In addition, miscarriages are more likely to occur in the first trimester. Add these two risks, and you get more cautious massage therapists.
There are specific points on the body that are to be avoided in pregnant women - and unless a massage therapist has been specifically trained, they’re pretty easy to hit. It’s safer to avoid working on pregnant women, and refer them to someone who has additional training in that area. While I have worked on pregnant women during the first trimester, I do so after consultation with their doctor, and I generally ask for written permission from the MD.
As a side note, they do make special tables designed to fit pregnant women, but they cost big bucks. Most massage therapists, myself included, are not in the big-bucks category.