Prenatal Massage During Pregnancy: Safety & Benefits

Question
OK...I am a 36 yr old white female with 2 children 9 and 10 and I am currently 28 weeks pregnant. I have had a premature birth in the past (2nd child went into labor at 31 weeks and delivered at 35...the two kids were 14 months apart) and started having contractions in my 19th week. My doctor put me on moderate bedrest. He told me that I could go to get a prenatal massage. What is your feeling on this? I was also told that they should not massage between your pointer finger and thumb and around your ankles...that this might cause labor. Have you ever heard anything about that?

Your opinion is helpfull. Thanks

Answer
You can safely get a prenatal massage. There are some reports taht if you massage the space between your finger  and thumb you can trigger labor to start. Just avoid it. I have not seen any reports concerning your ankles.  If you have a history of preterm labor, drink plenty of fluids and notify your doctor if you start to have any contractions more than 10 minutes apart (from the start of one to the start of the other at the level of your belly button.)