What Is a Pregnancy Massage?

There are several reasons you might consider having a pregnancy massage (also called a prenatal massage). Pregnancy changes your body and mind, bringing about a wide range of emotions and aches and pains in places that never hurt before.

A prenatal massage may help alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy while providing a sense of relaxation—but is it safe? In general, the answer is yes. However, there are some important things you should know before you schedule a session.

First, you will need to ask your doctor if it would be safe for you to have a prenatal massage, as there are some people who should not have massages while they are pregnant. Once you get your doctor's OK, you'll need to find a massage therapist who has the training and certification necessary to do pregnancy massage.

What Is a Pregnancy Massage?

Massage therapy is a natural modality for improving the function of the body, reducing pain, and lowering stress. Prenatal massage is a type of massage therapy that is specifically for pregnant people.

Type of Bodywork Used

The unique needs of each pregnant person will determine the type of bodywork that is used during a pregnancy massage. These needs—which can be hormonal, emotional, and physical—will change throughout the pregnancy.

In general, there are many types of massage therapy. Examples include shiatsu massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and Swedish massage.

A prenatal massage primarily makes use of the gentle Swedish massage techniques, which provide muscle relaxation to the entire body. The techniques include various types of strokes and movements that are used, which include:

• Friction (small circular movements)
• Effleurage (long gliding strokes)
• Tapotement (percussion movements, brisk tapping)
• Vibration (shaking and rocking movements of specific muscles)
• Petrissage (kneading the muscles)

A pregnancy massage will also cater to the unique needs of a person who is pregnant. Special care is taken to position the person's body using bolstering (or propping) to accommodate the physical changes that occur during pregnancy (such as the growing belly).

This can include certain body positions, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. For example, side-lying positions are normally used during the second and third trimesters. Lying on the left side is safest for pregnant people, allowing optimal cardiac function and fetal oxygenation.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Swedish massage can help improve a person's general body tone, increase blood flow and lymph circulation, improve the function of the joints and muscles, and alleviate physical and mental fatigue.

Additional benefits of prenatal massage include:

• Providing an overall sense of well being
• Improving sleep
• Increasing oxygenation of muscles and tissues
• Hormone regulation (which is linked with lower stress levels)
• Pain relief
• Reduction of swelling (edema)
• Relieving anxiety and stress

Research

Studies have shown that pregnant people with depression have a higher incidence of giving birth to premature and low birth weight babies.

In a 2010 study, a group of pregnant people were assigned to receive once- or twice-weekly 20-minute sessions of pregnancy massage therapy for 5, 12, or 16 weeks. Compared to the control group (who did not participate in massage), the people who received pregnancy massage had:

• Lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety
• Lower premature birth rates
• Fewer complications before birth (prenatal)

Other benefits of pregnancy massage that were reported in the study include:

• Lower incidence of depression (which might have been the result of an increase in dopamine and serotonin levels)
• Lower levels of anxiety
• Less back and leg pain
• Decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Lower rate of postpartum depression

The study also noted several benefits for the fetus. Prenatal massage was linked to higher fetal performance in the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation, and motor scales (a measurement of a newborn baby’s responses to the extrauterine environment, including an evaluation of activity levels and reflexes). Newborns also had lower cortisol levels.

Risk Factors

Some healthcare providers and expectant mothers are reluctant to pursue prenatal massage out of concerns that it may cause pregnancy complications or premature labor.

To date, any evidence of these concerns is lacking. A 2021 review of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine concluded that healthy people with uncomplicated pregnancies can safely receive massages during the entire course of their pregnancies.

Furthermore, there is no evidence that stimulating certain acupressure points or reflexology points during pregnancy will induce labor.

With that said, certain precautions should be taken to avoid rare but potentially severe complications that can occur with prenatal massage.

Vena Cava Syndrome

Vena cave syndrome is a condition in which blood flow through the inferior vena cava—which delivers blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart—is slowed. This can happen in people with pregnancy when they are laid flat on their backs, particularly during the third trimester.

To avoid this, massages should be performed during late pregnancy in a lateral position with the person lying on their side. Sitting positions are also possible.

Placental Rupture

Abdominal massages are generally avoided as there is a potential for placental or uterine rupture that may cause pregnancy loss and even maternal death. This is especially true in people diagnosed with placental previa, a rare condition in which the placenta is attached low in the uterus.

The American Massage Therapy Association advises therapists to postpone massage in people with any placental abnormalities, including placental accreta or placental abruption, until the treating obstetrician gives their permission.

Pre-Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a potentially dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure in females whose blood pressure had previously been normal. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often causing swelling in the legs (peripheral edema). It can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both the mother and baby.

The American Massage Therapy Association advises therapists to obtain permission from the treating obstetrician before delivering massage to individuals with high-risk pregnancies, such as those with pre-eclampsia.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Pregnant females are five times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than non-pregnant females. This is a potentially serious condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, typically in the legs.

While superficial lymphatic drainage and gentle stroking to alleviate edema are safe, deep tissue massages of the legs should be avoided as this can dislodge a clot and lead to a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

This is especially true if there are varicose veins and swelling in the legs, both of which are possible signs of DVT.

People with prolonged immobility are at especially high risk of DVT. It is worth noting that prolonged bed rest is sometimes advised during late pregnancy due to complications like pre-eclampsia or placental previa or abruption.

Modifications for Pregnancy

While prenatal massage is designed for people who are pregnant, the pregnancy experience is not the same for everyone. Each person will have their own set of symptoms that need to be taken into consideration, and modifications can be made to ensure the massage is safe and enjoyable. Some examples include:

• Morning sickness: According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage may help reduce nausea from morning sickness. Adjustments to accommodate nausea include elevating the person's upper body and avoiding massage strokes that cause rocking or shaking.
• Heartburn: Keeping a pregnant person's body in an inclined position may help prevent reflux, a common condition during pregnancy. When she is lying on her side, propping up the area under the abdomen can reduce tension from the gastric sphincter (the area in the stomach where reflux occurs).

How to Choose a Prenatal Massage Therapist

After you get your doctor's approval, you can begin researching massage therapists that are qualified to do prenatal massage.

To ensure you have a safe and helpful experience, make sure that a potential therapist:

• Is certified in prenatal massage (you can look up the therapist online to ensure the person is licensed in massage and certified to provide massage during pregnancy)
• Provides a clean environment
• Does not use essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy (such as basil and clary sage)
• Uses proper positioning and approved massage techniques for pregnancy

Tips for Pregnancy Massage

When you've gotten your doctor's OK and you've found a qualified therapist, there are some steps you can take to ensure you have a positive prenatal massage experience.

• Try to leave your self-consciousness at the door. If you are feeling uneasy about your pregnancy body, try to go into your massage reassured that therapists are unbiased and are there to help you feel your best.
• Speak up. If you are uncomfortable exposing certain parts of your body, let your therapist know. A professional massage therapist will create a safe environment for the massage and will not force you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
• Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. Staying hydrated is always important, but the fluids may also help to flush away toxins.
• Avoid scheduling your appointments more often than weekly. The general recommendation is that you don't have more than one prenatal massage per week, but you will want to ask your doctor how often is right for you.

Summary

A prenatal massage is a technique that can be used by massage therapists who are specially trained to perform massage on people who are pregnant.

While there are many types of massage, pregnancy massage most often uses Swedish massage techniques to provide muscle relaxation to the entire body.

A Word From Verywell

A prenatal massage can be a way to soothe your body and mind throughout your pregnancy, but you need to check with your doctor before scheduling a session. There are some conditions and situations that would make it unsafe to have a massage while you're pregnant.

Once you get your doctor's approval, look for a massage therapist who is trained and certified in prenatal massage. Before making an appointment, call your insurance company to find out what it might cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my partner give me a pregnancy massage?

While it’s OK to give your partner a back or foot rub to help reduce stress and lower tension, a layperson should not give a pregnancy massage. They should only be given by a trained, certified prenatal massage therapist.

Where can I get a pregnancy massage?

If you want to try a pregnancy massage, you need to find a certified prenatal massage therapist.

These certified professionals have additional training beyond the standard education for a licensed massage therapist. They are trained to look for signs of pregnancy complications (such as deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins), how to position a pregnant person to prevent injuries (such as strain to the uterine ligaments, and how to address other specific needs during pregnancy.

Who should not get a pregnancy massage?

There are many scenarios in which a person should not get a pregnancy massage. Some of the most common include:

• Any type of high-risk pregnancy
• Previous pregnancy complications (such as pre-term labor)
• Severe swelling, high blood pressure, or severe headaches (which can be signs of pre-eclampsia)
• Pre-eclampsia
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Placenta problems
• Recently post-partum (after birth)

How much does a pregnancy massage cost?

The cost of a pregnancy massage varies depending on different factors, such as your geographical location and the type of facility offering massages.

Insurance usually will not cover a pregnancy massage. Some may offer discounts or cover part of the cost. Some plans may cover massage under chiropractic care.

Check with your insurance provider before scheduling your massage.