Massage During Pregnancy: What You Should Know
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to your body, and massage can be a wonderful way to relax, relieve discomfort, and give yourself some much-needed time to rest.
Massage during pregnancy does look a little different from a typical massage session, though. Certain positions, pressure levels, and techniques may need to be adjusted depending on how far along you are and how your pregnancy is progressing.
Here are a few things we want our expecting clients to know before booking.
Can I Get a Massage While Pregnant?
For most people with a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, massage therapy can be appropriate during pregnancy.
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recognizes massage as a therapy that may help with common pregnancy discomforts, including back and leg pain, stress, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. AMTA also emphasizes that massage therapists working with pregnant clients should understand pregnancy-specific precautions, contraindications, and appropriate modifications.
There is some variation in recommendations regarding the first trimester. Some healthcare providers and massage professionals recommend waiting until around 12 weeks, while there is not a universal guideline stating that massage must be avoided during the first trimester.
Because every pregnancy is different, we encourage you to speak with your OB/GYN, midwife, or other prenatal healthcare provider if you are unsure whether massage is appropriate for you.
Why Is Pregnancy Massage Different?
Your body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. Blood volume increases, your joints and ligaments change, your center of gravity shifts, and your circulatory system is under additional demand.
Because of this, your therapist may adjust both your positioning and the amount of pressure used during your massage.
Prenatal massage generally uses light to moderate pressure instead of very deep tissue techniques.
This is especially important on the legs. Pregnancy naturally increases the risk of developing blood clots, so deep or aggressive pressure on the legs may not be appropriate.
Pressure may also be reduced or modified around the lower back, hips, and abdomen.
If you normally enjoy very firm or deep tissue massage, your prenatal session may feel different from your usual massage. Your therapist may choose not to use the same level of pressure during pregnancy based on your stage of pregnancy, symptoms, health history, and comfort.
Cleveland Clinic recommends gentle prenatal massage and advises avoiding deep pressure on areas such as the abdomen, lower back, and legs.
Positioning May Change Too
As your pregnancy progresses, you may spend more of your massage lying on your side with pillows and bolsters for support.
Supported or semi-reclined positioning may also be used.
Later in pregnancy, prolonged time lying flat on your back may not be appropriate because the weight of the uterus can place pressure on major blood vessels. Your therapist will adjust your position as needed to keep you comfortable and properly supported.
The goal is still relaxation. We just make a few changes to accommodate your changing body.
When Should I Talk to My Healthcare Provider First?
If you have a healthy pregnancy and have not been given any restrictions by your prenatal provider, massage may be perfectly appropriate for you.
However, we recommend checking with your healthcare provider before receiving massage if you have a high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy complications, or symptoms that concern you.
This may include conditions or symptoms such as:
• High blood pressure or preeclampsia
• A history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
• Significant or unexplained bleeding
• Severe or unusual swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Significant varicose veins
• Previous preterm labor
• Certain heart or circulatory conditions
• Any pregnancy complication your provider is currently monitoring
This list is not exhaustive.
If something does not feel right, or you simply are not sure whether massage is appropriate for your pregnancy, please contact your prenatal healthcare provider before your appointment.
Please Tell Your Massage Therapist You Are Pregnant
Even if you are very early in your pregnancy and are not showing yet, please let your massage therapist know.
Knowing that you are pregnant allows us to make appropriate decisions about positioning, pressure, heat, techniques, and the areas we work on.
We want you to feel comfortable asking questions before or during your appointment. Pregnancy massage is not meant to be uncomfortable, overly intense, or something you simply have to "push through."
Your session should feel supportive, relaxing, and appropriate for where your body is right now.
The Bottom Line
Massage can be a relaxing and supportive part of pregnancy for many people, but prenatal massage is not exactly the same as a standard massage.
Expect modifications to your positioning and potentially your preferred pressure, especially on the legs and lower back.
If your pregnancy is high-risk, you are experiencing unusual symptoms, you are in your first trimester and have concerns, or you simply are not sure whether massage is right for you, please speak with your OB/GYN, midwife, or prenatal healthcare provider before scheduling.
We are always happy to modify your session to help you feel safe, supported, and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
