Pregnancy puts new load on your back, hips, and legs, and the aches that follow are common. Prenatal massage is bodywork adapted for that: positioning, pressure, and areas of focus are all adjusted for pregnancy. Most providers consider it safe during a healthy pregnancy, but check with yours first, especially in the first trimester or if your pregnancy is high-risk.
What Makes It Different
Prenatal massage borrows from standard massage but adapts the setup for a pregnant body:
- Positioning: you're worked on your side with bolsters and pillows, not face-down on your belly.
- Adjusted pressure: certain areas are worked lightly or left alone, and your comfort sets the pace.
When to Book It
Prenatal massage is most common in the second and third trimesters, once positioning gets uncomfortable. A few notes:
- Clear it with your provider: especially in the first trimester or with any complications.
- Side-lying, not face-down: we position you safely with bolsters throughout.
- Tell us what's changed: your due date, how you're feeling, any new symptoms.
- It's complementary care: it doesn't replace your prenatal medical care.