Venues offering Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage (prenatal massage or maternity massage) is a massage treatment adapted specifically for pregnancy to help ease complaints common in pregnancy, such as tension in the lower back and hips, swelling (oedema) and a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and difficulty sleeping. It differs from classic massage in its position, pressure, the areas avoided and the oils used, so it needs to be given by therapists trained in this area and with a doctor's approval.

How the session unfolds: position and support cushions

A pregnancy massage session begins with a short conversation in which you are asked how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you have your doctor's approval and what your complaints are. Since lying face down is not suitable in pregnancy, the massage is usually given with you lying on your side: support cushions placed under the bump, between the knees and under the head ease the lower back and hips. After the second trimester, lying on your back for long periods is also not recommended, because the growing womb can press on the main vein; if work is to be done with you on your back, the upper body is raised with cushions and this part is kept short.

After working on the back, lower back, hips, shoulders, neck, arms and legs on one side, the therapist helps you turn onto the other side. Unscented or very lightly scented carrier oils are preferred. Wanting to go to the toilet, change position or take a break during the session is normal; tell the therapist as soon as you feel any discomfort.

Pressure and areas avoided

The pressure in pregnancy massage is gentle to medium; deep tissue work is not used. The abdomen is not massaged. Certain points on the inner side of the ankle and around the heel are avoided. No deep pressure is applied to the legs; the strokes are superficial and move upwards from below. As the risk of blood clots rises in pregnancy, this is an important safety rule.

Duration, timing and spacing of sessions

45-60 minutes is common for pregnancy massage. Most venues do not give massage in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks) and accept bookings from the second trimester onwards; be sure to give your week of pregnancy when booking. In the final weeks, staying in the same position for a long time can be tiring, so shorter sessions may be preferred. There is no fixed rule on the interval between sessions; your doctor's advice and how you feel are what decide it.

What it can offer and what not to expect

Pregnancy massage may help reduce the tension in the lower back and hips that increases as the growing bump changes your posture, and may make it easier to relax and fall asleep; it may bring temporary relief from the feeling of heaviness in the legs. It does not treat pregnancy complaints, does not get rid of oedema permanently and does not replace antenatal check-ups.

Who should not have it: why a doctor's approval is essential

You need to get your doctor's approval for a pregnancy massage; this is not a formality. Massage may be inadvisable in a high-risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, threatened preterm labour, placental problems, bleeding and multiple pregnancy. If there is swelling, redness, warmth or pain in one leg only, do not have a massage and see a doctor immediately. The session is postponed in the case of a feverish illness or an active skin infection.

In pregnancy, also be careful about the heat treatments offered alongside massage: hot stone massage, the hammam and the sauna are not recommended; in spa packages you can ask for these to be left out. You can find out in detail which treatments are considered safe in the guide to massage and spa in pregnancy.

How it differs from Swedish, aromatherapy and deep tissue massage

Pregnancy massage is not a single technique but familiar massage techniques adapted for pregnancy. The differences from the treatments it is most often confused with can be summarised as follows:

Some venues adapt Swedish massage for pregnancy and offer it under the name ‘pregnancy massage’. In that case what matters is not the name of the service but the therapist's training in pregnancy massage and whether the position and pressure rules above are followed.

What the price depends on and what to ask when booking

The price of a pregnancy massage is set by the session length, the therapist's training in this area, the type of venue (hotel spa, day spa or massage centre), the products used, and whether it is a weekend or a busy time. In spa packages, it is also worth checking whether facilities you will not use in pregnancy, such as the sauna and hammam, are included in the price. For what makes up the price, have a look at the guide explaining what determines massage and spa prices. When booking, ask:

• Whether the therapist has been trained in pregnancy massage
• From which week of pregnancy sessions are accepted
• Whether there are support cushions or a suitable table for lying on your side
• The ingredients and scent of the oil to be used
• Whether written approval from your doctor is required and whether there is a health form to fill in