5 wks pregnant!

[.Green eyes.]

Well, I just started working at a clinic, and I went to get tested today and found out that I'm 5 weeks pregnant! I'm excited!!! But that also prompted some questions......how long can you work while your pregnant? Surely someone's not gonna want someone who looks like they're gonna "bust" to be massaging them. Won't my stomache eventually get in the way? And I'm used to doing 4 to 5 and every now and then 6 massages a day, but right now, I can do 2 and then I feel like I'm just gonna die, I'm so tired.   I know I can't get a massage right now (even though I feel like I need one) I'm trying to take care of myself the best I can, but money is a little bit of an issue, i was really counting on my income.   And on top of all this wondering about this and that, I've got a wedding to plan for (getting married next month)   I guess if we had to bad enough, i guess we could do w/o my income for  while (it just wouldn't be easy and we'd need alot of help) I guess i just need to know, about how long i'll be able to work. It's not like an office job where you can sit all day, it does take alot of energy.   What do ya'll think? Are there any mom's out there that were in this situation before?

 

[Mad Maverick]

5 wks pregnant!

KristyKat,

I looked up a few threads that you might find useful on pregnant massage therapists. There's lots of mom's among the MassagePlanet members, I'm sure you'll be able to find some useful info. Here's a head start... gotta love that Search feature!


How Long Should I Wait to Tell?
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1537


Some useful info perhaps in- Spa Treatments for Pregnant Clients:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2006

 

[Dachele]

kristykat,You will gain more energy in your second trimester and then get tired again in your third trimester.  Keep fit, eat right, and listen to your body to know what you need.My last appointment was three days before my water broke.  Granted, I was almost 37 weeks and I had planned to take off the last two weeks of my pregnancy when I'd heard I'd be the most uncomfortable.  I was never uncomfortable, my belly never got in the way, and people were always very excited to see a happy-pregnant-for-the-first-time mom.At my busiest I was 7 and 8 months pregnant doing about 12-15 a week.Good luck

 

[The Penguin IS BACK!]

I trade massage with a therapist that just had a girl...I worked on her every month of her pregnancy, and she worked on me every month of her pregnancy.  Our last appt before she had the baby was about 9 days before, and I never noticed any change in the work she provided.  Good luck! mk

 

[Chia Obama]

5 wks pregnant!

Congratulations! ;DIt definetly seems to be entirely based on the person.  You have have trouble you may not.  You may have nasty morning sickness, you may not.Seems like you just have to take it one day at a time.  Get regular massages!  Take good care of yourself!In the short time that I was pregnant, I found that clients are very excited for you as well as very understanding. I even read someone who wrote that they bonded more with the clients cause the baby would kick the client while they were working. Here's hoping your pregnancy goes smoothly!

 

[czarina]

thanks ya'll, that helps alot  

 

[bsk]

5 wks pregnant!

In the short time that I was pregnant...

Michelle, that sounds sad, I'm sorry to hear that.

I even read someone who wrote that they bonded more with the clients cause the baby would kick the client while they were working.

I was very conscious not to let my belly rub on my clients, just as I wouldn't want it to when I'm not pregnant.  But I only gained 25 lbs my entire pregnancy and I don't think my belly stuck out as much as other pregnancies might, so maybe it would be an uncontrollable?

 

[Badge203]

By the way, congratulations!  I was a space cadet for the first month or so always having these real moments where I'd kind of be taken aback, "I'm pregnant!  Wow!"It is such a sweet time of bonding with your baby.  I sometimes wished that my husband could feel all the moving and kicks and swirly stomach motions.  No one knew when those things were happening and it felt like my own private relationship.  A beautiful gift for Mother and Child.I hope all goes smooth.

 

[gabrielle]

one thing to keep in mind is that your belly grows slowly.  you don't just wake up one day with an extra 30 pounds sitting all up front (although it may feel like it certain days! haha).  you'll adjust your massage as your baby grows bigger.  i worked with a girl who worked up until the week she gave birth.  it really depends on your pregnancy.  like others are saying, you'll just have to take it one day at a time.  and a piece of advice from a former pregnant girl to a current one...don't read too much of that "during your pregnancy" stuff that's out there.  you'll start to think you have every abnormality that's out there along with crazy panic thoughts of what could go wrong with the baby!have a wonderful, happy & healthy pregnancy!

 

[Chimichanga]

First off...Congratulations!
I became pregnant one month after finishing massage school. Since I was just starting out I was only working one day per week and no more than 4 appointments scheduled. I continued to work until I was about 7 1/2 months. As my belly became more obvious I noticed some clients shying away from receiving massage from me. I assured them I would not be working if it were not safe. Once my belly was of considerable size I felt it was time to take leave and so I did. I know of some therapists who worked right up to their due date and I give them tremendous credit. I listened to my body and acknowledge my limitations and enjoyed my pregnancy to the fullest.
Above all listen to your body and know your abilities. Remember to take good care of yourself and the precious gift you are carrying. Best of all to you.
Connie

 

[Nesha]

Congratulations!

For what it's worth, there is a short article in the September/October 2005 issue of Massage Magazine called "Table for Two, Working Through Pregnancy".

--Miguel

 

[Dylan Calvert]

Kristy,

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope you, your tiny baby, and your soon-to-be hubby are happy forever!

 

[man darin]

Hows it going?

Hi! I was wondering how the pregnancy and your massage career are working out? I am almost 26 weeks pregnant and wondering what is in store for my massage career. How many hours are you working, what tricks have you learned, and how are you feeling!!
--- Karen

 

[sayed]

I am now in my 32nd week, and I am still working. An average day for me prior to was anywhere from 5-9 massages per day, 5 days per week. I have been cutting back for 4 weeks now, and I am now averaging 3-5 massages per day, 4 days per week.

Some ways I have adapted:

I use a stool and sit for almost the entire massage.

I no longer take deep tissue clients - I have transfered them to my other therapists.

I take frequent breaks.

I eat very healthy, small snacks all day long.

My intention was to work right up to the end, but my Dr.'s suspect I will deliver early. I am due late April, so I have stopped scheduling people as of the first week in April. Fortunalty they can actually SEE why they cannot get an appointment, and it makes it easier for my office manager to schedule them with another therapist!