Massage During Pregnancy: What to Know

Pregnancy changes the body quickly. Your centre of gravity moves forward, your lower back works harder to keep you upright, and pregnancy hormones loosen the ligaments around your pelvis so it can prepare for birth. Add broken sleep and a growing bump, and it is no surprise that many people start to feel it in the lower back, hips, neck and shoulders.

Massage from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is one of the most common ways people look for relief during pregnancy. Here is what it involves, how it can help, and when it is worth checking with your midwife or doctor first.

What makes prenatal massage different

Prenatal massage is massage therapy adapted for pregnancy. The difference is not a special technique so much as careful adjustments: how you are positioned, how much pressure is used, and which areas are worked on. Your RMT asks how far along you are and how you are feeling, then plans the session around that.

How it can help

Many people find prenatal massage helps with:

• Tension and aching in the lower back and hips as the bump grows
• Tight neck and shoulders, often from sleeping in new positions
• Tired, heavy-feeling legs
• General relaxation, which can make it easier to rest and sleep

It is a way to ease discomfort, not a treatment for pregnancy complications. If something feels wrong rather than simply achy, your midwife or doctor is the right first call.

How you will be positioned

As pregnancy progresses, lying flat on your back for long periods can become uncomfortable and can press on a large blood vessel that returns blood to the heart. Lying face down is also impractical. So most prenatal massage is done with you lying on your side, supported by pillows under your head, between your knees and under your bump. Your RMT will help you find a position that is comfortable, and you can ask to change it at any time.

Check with your midwife or doctor first if…

Massage is generally well tolerated in pregnancy, but it is sensible to get the go-ahead from your midwife or doctor first if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any of the following:

• Bleeding, or a history of preterm labour
• High blood pressure or preeclampsia
• A history of blood clots
• Any condition your care provider has asked you to be careful with

And some symptoms are a reason to contact your care provider promptly rather than book a massage: pain, warmth or swelling in one calf, sudden swelling of the face or hands, a severe headache, or changes in your vision.

What to expect at DECA

Your first visit starts with a few questions about your pregnancy, your health and where you are uncomfortable. From there your RMT will explain what they plan to do. Tell them as you go if the pressure is too much or a position stops being comfortable — the session is adjusted around you, not the other way round.

Caitlyn Bodor, one of our Registered Massage Therapists, has experience with prenatal massage. Many extended health plans cover massage from an RMT, and we offer direct billing, so it is worth checking your plan before you book. You can read more about our massage therapy and meet the team on our About page.

After your baby arrives

Your body keeps changing after birth too. Massage can help with the new aches of feeding and carrying a baby, and pelvic floor physiotherapy supports recovery after pregnancy and birth. If you are not sure which would help most, ask us — we are happy to point you in the right direction.