Journal
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
4 minute read. Written by the team at Back in Health, Kelowna.
In short
For most healthy pregnancies, massage from a registered massage therapist is safe in every trimester. The therapist changes positioning and pressure rather than the idea of massage itself: from mid-pregnancy you lie on your side with pillows, not flat on your back or front. Check with your midwife or doctor first if your pregnancy is high risk.
What changes, and why
As the pregnancy progresses, lying flat on your back can press on a major vein and leave you lightheaded, and lying face down stops being comfortable or practical. So most prenatal massage is done side-lying, with pillows supporting your belly, back and knees. Pressure is adjusted rather than avoided; firm work is often welcome on the low back and hips.
The common reasons people come in are low back and pelvic discomfort, hip pain at night, upper back and neck strain as posture changes, and swelling in the feet and legs.
Is the first trimester off limits?
No. Some clinics decline first-trimester clients out of caution, but massage from a trained therapist is not known to cause problems in early pregnancy. What matters is that your therapist knows you are pregnant and how you are feeling that day.
When to speak to your midwife or doctor first
Check before booking if you have pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, placental complications, bleeding, or any pregnancy your care team considers high risk. We are happy to work alongside their advice, and we will say so if massage is not the right call right now.
Key points
- Safe for most healthy pregnancies, in every trimester
- Side-lying with pillows from mid-pregnancy
- Helps low back, pelvic, hip and neck discomfort
- High-risk pregnancy: check with your midwife or doctor first
General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If something is getting worse, or you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to a clinician.