What is pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal or maternity massage, uses adapted massage techniques and supported positioning. The aim is comfort and relaxation, with attention to areas agreed with you, such as the shoulders or back.
It is provided alongside your usual maternity care. The approach, pressure and positioning are selected with your pregnancy and any relevant medical advice in mind.
How can pregnancy massage help?
Time for relaxation
A calm session can give you space to rest and feel more settled. Some small studies suggest that massage may help with stress and discomfort during pregnancy.
Easing muscle aches
Massage may be an option for easing some pregnancy-related back discomfort. Persistent or significant pain needs assessment so that the right care can be arranged.
Comfortable, supported positioning
We help you settle into a comfortable, supported position, such as lying on your side. We avoid prolonged lying flat on your back in later pregnancy. Please tell us immediately if you feel dizzy, breathless, sick or otherwise unwell. We will stop treatment, assess how you are feeling and help you access medical advice if needed.
Who might consider pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage may be suitable during an uncomplicated pregnancy after your therapist has reviewed your medical history, current symptoms and any advice from your maternity team.
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, or symptoms need investigation, advice from your midwife or maternity team should guide whether and how treatment proceeds.
What does treatment feel like?
The pressure is adapted to remain comfortable, and we avoid deep pressure over your abdomen. You can request changes to your position, how you are covered or the areas being treated. We do not expect you to lie in a position that feels uncomfortable.
What happens at your appointment?
We begin by discussing your pregnancy, current wellbeing and priorities. We agree a comfortable position and the areas to treat, confirm you are happy to proceed and review how you feel throughout. Please tell us about any allergies, including sesame allergy, or sensitivity to fragrances before we apply any products.
If your symptoms suggest that you need a physiotherapy or maternity assessment, we will explain the next step.
When should I postpone massage and seek medical advice?
Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you have vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking from your vagina, abdominal pain that concerns you, a severe headache, changes in your vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet. If your baby is moving less than usual, has stopped moving or their usual movement pattern changes, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. A painful, swollen leg also needs urgent assessment; chest pain or sudden breathlessness warrants a call to 999.
How often should I book?
Appointments are planned around your preferences, response and any changes in your pregnancy. We reassess suitability when your health or symptoms change. There is no fixed course that every pregnant woman needs.
Book a pregnancy massage at PhysioB
Contact PhysioB in Ealing, London, and tell us your stage of pregnancy and what you would like help with. We will discuss suitability and help you arrange the appropriate appointment.
