Pregnancy massage

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roger D. Werstler on November 8, 2009 at 7:53pm

To tell you the truth, I will not say that all essential oils are bad for a pregnancy massage, but I tend to play it safe and stay away from the exotic oils. For most clients I love using essential oils, but since so many are contraindicated in pregnancy I avoid them. They are avoided primarily because they might stimulate contractions. I emphasize MIGHT and I try to err on the side of caution. However, Elaine Stillerman,LMT wrote one my "bibles' on maternity massage, and she tells of using rosemary and lavender in the second and third trimesters for relieving back stress.She suggests peppermint for heartburn. Jasmine is great for postnatal recovery. I find that using the right touch, correct pressure, and stretches will bring resolution.

Permalink Reply by leslie stager on November 8, 2009 at 8:42pm

For what purpose would you be using the oil? Essential oils are used for specific and therapeutic purposes, and with that in mind, you should have a reason for considering its use at some particular point in a particular woman's pregnancy.

Generally speaking, essential oils should be diluted by half for use during pregnancy. Certain ones must be diluted even more than that, and many are contraindicated. Of oils that are Not contraindicated, there is not a blanket response to a "good oil" during pregnancy. Many women are highly sensitive to scents during pregnancy and what once smelled good or was non-irritating to them in the past, may become highly annoying or bothersome now.

WIthout having more training in the appropriate and proper methods of using Essential Oils during pregnancy, i would agree with Roger, that it may be best to avoid them. Its too late to find out After having rubbed it all over a woman's body, that it is increasing her nausea, or creating an problems for her.

Having said that, there are some oils that are safe to use during pregnancy for specific reasons, and in my textbook: Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy, you'll find some oils that may be helpful during labor.

Permalink Reply by carolinajones on November 8, 2009 at 8:52pm

Hi Leslie,
The essential oil would be used for relaxing purposes. At the spa I work at we use Tara spa oils and for pregancy we use the loving essential oil. We always ask if they are sensitive to scents and if they say no then we use it otherwise we use unscented. Thanks.

leslie stager said:

For what purpose would you be using the oil? Essential oils are used for specific and therapeutic purposes, and with that in mind, you should have a reason for considering its use at some particular point in a particular woman's pregnancy.

Generally speaking, essential oils should be diluted by half for use during pregnancy. Certain ones must be diluted even more than that, and many are contraindicated. Of oils that are Not contraindicated, there is not a blanket response to a "good oil" during pregnancy. Many women are highly sensitive to scents during pregnancy and what once smelled good or was non-irritating to them in the past, may become highly annoying or bothersome now.

WIthout having more training in the appropriate and proper methods of using Essential Oils during pregnancy, i would agree with Roger, that it may be best to avoid them. Its too late to find out After having rubbed it all over a woman's body, that it is increasing her nausea, or creating an problems for her.

Having said that, there are some oils that are safe to use during pregnancy for specific reasons, and in my textbook: Nurturing Massage for Pregnancy, you'll find some oils that may be helpful during labor.

Permalink Reply by leslie stager on November 8, 2009 at 11:49pm

HI Carolina
If I'm looking at the correct Loving oil described at your spa website, then the nutmeg and red cedar are both contraindicated during pregnancy as emmenagogues. Some say spearmint is contraindicated throughout also, while others say it can be used after the first trimester, along with some of the other oils in that mix (and then used in greater dilution than normal).
Here is an interesting response about the question of EO's in pregnancy , though I can't vouch for the veracity or authority of the writer: http://auroma.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=2839764