Massages During Pregnancy: Special Guidelines for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy is a time of change and growth, both physically and emotionally. Amid the joy and anticipation, however, certain discomforts can arise that affect a woman’s well-being. One of the most common complaints experienced by pregnant women is back pain, about 50 percent of all women are affected by it. 

During pregnancy, massages can help relieve these discomforts, but there are specific guidelines you should definitely be aware of to ensure a safe treatment for both you and your baby: From the right technique to the ideal position for you—we’ll explain everything in this article.

Recommended Reading: In our article “From Head to Toe—Here’s How Massages Can Help,” we also discuss the many benefits of massage for you. 

 

Why Special Rules Apply During Massage While Pregnant

As is well known, the female body undergoes profound changes during pregnancy, such as increased sensitivity, which means that the skin and the senses are often more reactive and the body perceives touch more intensely. Blood circulation and hormonal balance also change. These factors require a specialized approach to massage. While certain techniques are beneficial for non-pregnant individuals, they can pose risks to pregnant women and their babies. 

For example, strong pressure on certain areas of the body can impair blood flow or even trigger contractions. The loosening of joints and soft tissues due to hormonal changes also increases the risk of injury if massage techniques are too intense or performed incorrectly. Therefore, it is extremely important that the treatment takes these physiological and anatomical changes into account to ensure the safety and well-being of the mother and the unborn child.

 

What types of massages and techniques are allowed during pregnancy?

When we talk about massage during pregnancy, we’re entering a realm that’s as unique and individual as every pregnancy itself. It’s not just about finding relaxation, but also about the safety and well-being of both mother and child. That’s why some techniques are beneficial, while others should be avoided during this sensitive phase.

Appropriate Massage Techniques for Pregnancy

Gentle stroking and light pressure are perfectly fine. The following techniques can therefore be used in prenatal massage:

#1 Swedish massage: This gentle form of massage is ideal for pregnant women, as it promotes relaxation while relieving muscle tension and pain. The techniques include gentle kneading, long stroking motions, and rhythmic tapping, all of which aim to reduce stress and promote blood circulation.

#2 The Prenatal Yoga Massage: This technique combines gentle yoga poses and massage. Special emphasis is placed on breathing and gentle stretching to relieve tension and promote a sense of physical well-being. No pressure is applied to the abdomen.

#3 The Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle form of massage designed to promote lymphatic circulation and reduce fluid retention during pregnancy. This technique is particularly beneficial for pregnant women who struggle with swelling in their legs and feet.

These techniques are gentle enough to promote relaxation without posing any risks. They help improve blood circulation, relieve tension, and enhance overall well-being. They not only promote mental relaxation but can also alleviate common ailments such as back or leg pain.

Positioning and Procedure for Prenatal Massage

However, an effective massage is not just about the right technique. A comfortable and, above all, safe position—especially during pregnancy—is also one of the most important factors in the treatment’s success. 

A side-lying position supported by cushioning systems promotes the well-being of both the baby and the mother. These special positioning techniques allow you to fully enjoy the massage, while at the same time focusing on both mental relaxation and the release of tension. 

The side-lying position is particularly helpful in reducing pressure on the large blood vessels—especially the vena cava and the aorta, which are located at the back of the abdomen—that can become compressed when lying on your back. This also optimizes blood circulation for the baby. In addition, unlike the supine position, this position allows for better access to massage the lower back, which is often under particular strain during pregnancy. 

In addition to the side-lying position, there are also special massage tables or pillows that allow pregnant women to lie comfortably on their stomachs without putting pressure on their bellies. These tables or pillows have cutouts or are shaped to gently cradle and support the baby bump while the expectant mother lies relaxed. This arrangement allows access to the back without compromising the safety of the mother and child. This makes it possible to perform targeted back massages, which can provide relief, especially for back pain during pregnancy.

The use of additional, specially shaped pillows gently supports your abdomen while you relax in the side position. This prevents any pressure on your abdomen, allowing the massage to take effect safely.

Our tip: Before you visit a massage or physical therapy practice, call the facility and ask whether the therapists have experience with prenatal massage. Not every practice is equipped to meet your specific needs during this time. But here, it’s important ensure that only trained staff using the appropriate equipment perform the massage, so that you receive the best possible treatment for you.

Massages During Pregnancy: The Things to Avoid 

While gentle techniques may have beneficial effects for pregnant women, intense kneading and pressure techniques, deep tissue massages, or techniques that target pressure points should be avoided during pregnancy. The reason for this is that the joints and ligaments loosen under the influence of relaxin.  Relaxin is a hormone released during pregnancy that loosens the ligaments and joints. On the one hand, this prepares the body for childbirth, but at the same time, it increases the risk of injury. In addition, intense massages carry the risk of impairing blood flow to the baby or triggering labor prematurely.

Tailored and Mindful: The Right Time for a Massage During Pregnancy

The massage should always be tailored to your individual needs and current stage of pregnancy. Open communication with your therapist is essential to ensure that the massage is an enjoyable and safe experience.

But it’s not just the massage technique that has its own set of rules; the stage of pregnancy is also a key factor in determining whether massages are appropriate. As soothing as massages may be, there are certain stages of pregnancy when you should avoid them. The general guideline for the appropriate time to receive prenatal massages is between the fourth and seventh months. 

During the first three months, massages are often discouraged to minimize risks such as premature labor. This recommendation is based on the precautionary principle, even though there is no scientific evidence of negative effects from massages during early pregnancy. 

Starting in the second trimester, massages can provide valuable support to help you cope with the physical changes in a relaxed way and with minimal discomfort.

 

Good to Know – Financing Prenatal Massages

Although prenatal massages are safe in most cases and contribute significantly to mental and physical well-being, the question of how to pay for them often arises. The good news is that prenatal massages don’t always have to be paid for out of pocket. Since they are recognized as part of therapeutic treatment, a massage can certainly be performed and prescribed by a physical therapist on a doctor’s orders. 

So if you’re suffering from painful muscle tension, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. It’s definitely worth looking into this option and seeing if you can get the costs reimbursed. However, check with your health insurance provider in advance to find out to what extent such therapeutic massages are covered as part of prenatal care, to avoid unexpected expenses.

Enjoy Soothing Relaxation Mindfully

Massages during pregnancy are a valuable benefit for expectant mothers. Prenatal massages are more than just a source of relaxation; they are a targeted strategy for alleviating discomforts that affect about 50 percent of all pregnant women. Choosing the right techniques and paying special attention to safe positioning make it possible to enjoy this special time in life with greater comfort and well-being. 

The option to receive massages from a physical therapist on a doctor’s recommendation offers valuable support and can ease the financial burden by potentially having the costs covered by your health insurance. If you use massages wisely during your pregnancy, you can enrich this special time with extra care and mindfulness.