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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
| Massage | Position | Pressure | In pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy massage | Lying on your side, with support cushions | Gentle to medium | Adapted to pregnancy; given with a doctor's approval |
| Swedish massage | Face down and on your back | Light to medium | Not suitable in its standard form; needs to be adapted |
| Aromatherapy massage | Face down and on your back | Light | Many essential oils are inadvisable |
| Deep tissue massage | Face down and on your back | Firm, slow | Not recommended |
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.
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:
Most venues do not give massages in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks) and accept clients from the second trimester onwards. This is a precautionary approach. In every case, you need your doctor's approval and should give the week of your pregnancy when making your appointment.
Usually lying on your side, supported by cushions under the bump, at the lower back and between the legs. Lying face down is not suitable during pregnancy; after the second trimester, lying on your back for long periods is also not recommended, because the growing uterus can press on the body's main vein.
Yes; this is not a formality but a safety requirement. Massage may be inadvisable in a high-risk pregnancy and in cases of pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, threatened premature labour, placental problems and bleeding. Your doctor should make the decision knowing your situation.
Hot stone massage, the hammam, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and deep tissue massage are not recommended during pregnancy; high temperatures and deep pressure pose a risk. In aromatherapy, many essential oils are also inadvisable. The abdomen is not massaged and no deep pressure is applied to the legs.
It is often reported to relieve lower back and hip tension caused by the growing bump changing your posture. However, if the pain is severe, came on suddenly or is accompanied by a feeling of contractions, see your doctor immediately instead of having a massage.
Mild swelling in both legs that increases towards the end of the day is common during pregnancy. However, if there is swelling, redness, warmth or pain in one leg only, do not have a massage and see a doctor immediately; these can be signs of a blood clot, and massage is dangerous in this situation.
Usually not, or only a few oils considered safe in pregnancy are added in a very low proportion. As many essential oils are considered unsuitable during pregnancy, unscented or very lightly scented plant-based carrier oils are preferred in pregnancy massage. Since sensitivity to smells can increase in pregnancy, you can ask for an unscented oil; if you have a nut allergy, mention it in advance so that almond oil is not used.
You can have a massage once you have had your postnatal check-up and your doctor has given approval; the timing varies according to the type of birth and your recovery. After a caesarean, the abdomen is not worked on until the incision has fully healed, and lying face down may be uncomfortable. In the weeks following birth the risk of blood clots stays high for a while; if you have swelling or pain in one leg only, do not have a massage and see a doctor.
A pregnancy massage done in the right position and with light pressure is not expected to bring on labour. Even so, as a precaution, pressure is not applied to certain points on the inner ankle and around the heel, and the abdomen is not worked on. If regular contractions, bleeding or leaking fluid occur during or after the session, stop the massage and contact your doctor immediately.
from₺1,250 · ≈ €23
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