Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

A Comprehensive Guide for Therapists and Expecting Mothers

If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably heard all kinds of advice about what you should or shouldn’t do. One question that often comes up is: Is pregnancy massage safe?

Pregnancy is a time of incredible changes—some exciting, others less comfortable (hello, back pain!). So, it’s no wonder many pregnant women turn to massage therapy for relief. But there’s a lot of conflicting information out there about whether it’s safe, when it’s safe, and what you should look for in a pregnancy massage.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of pregnancy massage, explore the benefits, address common concerns, and help you feel confident about booking that relaxing session.

What is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is pretty much what it sounds like—a massage designed specifically for pregnant women. It’s tailored to address the aches, pains, and discomforts that come with carrying a baby, while also being mindful of the safety and comfort of both mom and baby.

Unlike a typical massage, pregnancy massage uses different techniques, positions, and levels of pressure to accommodate the changing body. You may be lying on your side with pillows for support or in a semi-reclined position rather than lying flat on your back or stomach, especially after the first trimester.

What Are the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage?

Before we get into the safety side of things, let’s talk about the benefits. Massage during pregnancy can be an absolute lifesaver for many women. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Relief from Aches and Pains

As your body changes during pregnancy, it’s normal to experience all kinds of new discomforts. Your growing belly can put strain on your lower back, hips, and legs, and you may find yourself dealing with neck and shoulder tension due to postural changes.

A massage can help ease these aches and pains, offering relief from the discomfort of carrying extra weight and adjusting to your new center of gravity.

2. Reducing Swelling

Swelling (or edema) is a common issue in pregnancy, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. This happens because your body is holding onto more fluids, and your circulation may not be as efficient as usual.

A gentle massage can help improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, which can reduce swelling in the legs and feet.

3. Stress Relief and Relaxation

Let’s be honest—pregnancy can be stressful. Between physical discomfort, emotional changes, and preparing for a new baby, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Massage therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and helping you feel more grounded.

According to research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, massage during pregnancy can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while boosting serotonin and dopamine, which are the body’s “feel-good” hormones .

4. Better Sleep

Many pregnant women struggle with sleep, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Whether it’s discomfort, frequent trips to the bathroom, or just plain restlessness, getting a good night’s sleep can feel like an impossible task.

Massage therapy may help by relaxing the body and mind, easing the aches that keep you tossing and turning, and improving overall sleep quality.

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—is pregnancy massage actually safe?

The short answer is yes, when performed by a trained and qualified therapist, pregnancy massage is generally considered safe for most women. But, like many things during pregnancy, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Timing Matters

One of the most common concerns is whether it’s safe to get a massage in the first trimester. Some practitioners recommend waiting until the second trimester because the first 12 weeks are a crucial time in your baby’s development. While there isn’t strong evidence to suggest that massage directly increases the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy, many therapists err on the side of caution during this time.

From the second trimester onward, massage is widely considered safe, as long as it’s done by someone who is experienced in pregnancy massage.

2. Avoiding Certain Pressure Points

There are certain pressure points, particularly around the ankles and wrists, that some believe may stimulate uterine contractions. While there’s limited scientific evidence to back this up, many massage therapists avoid deep pressure on these areas during pregnancy, just to be on the safe side.

3. Positioning is Key

After the first trimester, lying flat on your back for extended periods isn’t recommended because the weight of your uterus can compress major blood vessels, which may reduce circulation to your baby (and make you feel faint!). During a pregnancy massage, therapists typically position you on your side with plenty of pillows for support or in a semi-reclined position.

4. Choose a Qualified Therapist

This is really important. Not all massage therapists are trained in pregnancy massage, so you’ll want to find someone who is. A qualified therapist will know how to adapt their techniques to ensure both you and your baby are safe and comfortable.

Make sure to let your therapist know how far along you are, what discomforts you’re experiencing, and any medical conditions you have. If you’re ever unsure, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before booking a massage.

When is Pregnancy Massage Not Recommended?

While pregnancy massage is safe for most women, there are some situations where it might not be the best idea. If you have any of the following conditions, it’s important to consult your doctor before getting a massage:

• High-risk pregnancy: If you’ve been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy due to factors like preeclampsia, placenta previa, or gestational diabetes, your doctor may recommend avoiding massage.
• History of miscarriage: If you’ve had a miscarriage in the past, it’s important to discuss with your doctor whether massage is appropriate for you.
• Blood clots: Women with a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should be cautious, as massage could increase the risk of dislodging a clot.
• Severe swelling: If you’re experiencing sudden, severe swelling, especially in your legs, it’s important to talk to your doctor before getting a massage, as this could be a sign of preeclampsia.

If in doubt, always talk to your healthcare provider about whether massage is safe for you at your stage of pregnancy.

What to Expect During a Pregnancy Massage

If it’s your first time getting a pregnancy massage, you might be wondering what to expect. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. A Comfortable Position

Most therapists will have you lie on your side, propped up with plenty of pillows for support. This is especially important after the first trimester, as lying on your back for too long can compress major blood vessels. Some therapists also use a pregnancy massage table, which has a cut-out for your belly, but many women find the side-lying position more comfortable.

2. Gentle Pressure

Pregnancy massage tends to be gentler than a traditional deep tissue massage. Your therapist will focus on relieving tension in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, and legs—common areas of discomfort during pregnancy. Always communicate with your therapist about what feels good and whether the pressure is too much.

3. Tailored Techniques

Your therapist will use techniques that are safe for pregnancy, such as Swedish massage, which involves long, gentle strokes that help improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. They may also use light stretching or lymphatic drainage techniques to reduce swelling.

Can Massage Help with Labor Preparation?

Another question many pregnant women ask is whether massage can help prepare for labor. While there’s no guarantee, some evidence suggests that regular massage in the final weeks of pregnancy can help your body relax, reduce stress, and potentially ease the intensity of labor.

In fact, a study published in the journal Midwifery found that women who received regular massages during pregnancy reported less pain during labor and shorter labor times overall .

Some therapists also offer specialized techniques to help prepare the body for labor, such as perineal massage (to reduce tearing) and acupressure (to help encourage labor once you’re past your due date). However, these should always be done under the guidance of a qualified professional.

Conclusion: Yes, Pregnancy Massage is Safe (and Amazing!)

So, is pregnancy massage safe? Yes—when performed by a qualified therapist, pregnancy massage can be an incredibly helpful and safe way to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being during pregnancy.

As long as you follow the basic guidelines—like choosing a trained therapist, avoiding certain pressure points, and being mindful of your body’s signals—there’s no reason to skip out on the benefits of massage while you’re expecting.

If you’re dealing with discomfort or just need a little extra relaxation, don’t hesitate to book a pregnancy massage—your body (and your baby) will thank you!

Pregnancy Massage Course for Therapists

References

1. Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Deeds, O., & Figueiredo, B. (2009). Pregnancy massage reduces prematurity, low birth weight and postpartum depression. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 30(1), 101-108.
2. Chang, M. Y., Wang, S. Y., & Chen, C. H. (2002). Effects of massage on pain and anxiety during labour: A randomised controlled trial in Taiwan. Midwifery, 18(1), 23-28.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatments during pregnancy.