Salam all,
How safe is it to get a massage during pregnancy. My mom came across a woman from the sub-continent who gives massages to pregnant women pre and post pregnancy.
I know post pregnancy maalish is really recommended in the desi culture but are there any benefits to getting maalish done while being pregnant…
Pls advise …
Re: maalish/massage during pregnancy
I say massage is a big thumbs up anytime! Soooo relaxing :D
However, I don't know about pre-pregnancy since, obvs, i've never been preggo. But a lot of the spa's here offer prenatal massage through RMT's and I have a friend who is an RMT and she said it was part of the course she did in order to become qualified so it can't be harmful, I'm guessing.
Re: maalish/massage during pregnancy
I would encourage it as massage always promotes the circulation of blood.
It will help with the swollen legs/ankles/feet.
It will also keep her limber and her body parts flexible for the actual labor and delivery process.
I would, however, ensure that the person knows what they are doing as massage of the lower back and abdominal area should be done with extreme caution. I would tell her to avoid those areas altogether......
Re: maalish/massage during pregnancy
If anything, massages have a positive effect on your baby, as a massage decreases your level of “stress hormones”. I had several massages during my last pregnancy… it really helps with relaxing tense muscles and improving your circulation and mobility.
Though there is no research that shows massages have a negative effect on your growing baby, some massage therapists say that massages should be avoided during the first trimester…
in any case, i would consult with your doctor to be on the safe side and ease any worries you have.
And finally, always use a masseuse that is trained in prenatal massage.
Hope that helps! 
Re: maalish/massage during pregnancy
I read somewhere on the net that massaging the abdominal area during pregnancy is very dangerous bcos it promotes the blood flow to the skin of the belly area and takes it away from the uterus or something along those lines.
Not sure whether that is really true or not, but it does make u think twice.
Re: maalish/massage during pregnancy
Ive heard the opposite, even from doctors, No massage during pregnancy, since all muscles and joints are loose and getting ready for childbirth.
Re: maalish/massage during pregnancy
Massaging belly in third trimester can rotate the baby causing the umbilical cord strangle the baby or even detach the placenta. I find massaging calves and back of neck safe and soothing though
so tried this lady today .... alhamdulillah mashAllah feel a lot relaxed...and my lower back was killing me...it has soothed a bit.
She is a 60+ year old indian lady who does this.... as soon as I told her I was pregnant she told me she would not be massaging my tummy or back area...just the legs and arms...and shoulders and neck....
And it was really soft.... with olive oil...very gentle.... she didn't apply any pressure at all... so alhamdulillah all well...