When is the Best Time to Get a Prenatal Massage?

May 15, 2025
David Diehm
Remedial Massage, Women's Health

Step-by-Step Guide to Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings about significant changes in a woman’s body. Along with the joy and anticipation, it also introduces various discomforts and stressors. Prenatal massage emerges as a soothing remedy during this time, providing relief and relaxation to expectant mothers. However, the question arises: When is the best time to get a prenatal massage?

Is It Safe to Get a Prenatal Massage in the First Trimester?

Most healthcare professionals and massage therapists recommend beginning prenatal massage after the first trimester, typically from week 13 onward. The first trimester is considered a more delicate phase of pregnancy, as this is when the risk of miscarriage is highest and the body is still undergoing significant hormonal and structural changes. For this reason, many therapists adopt a cautious approach and delay massage until the second trimester, when the pregnancy is more stable.

However, if your general practitioner, obstetrician, or midwife has assessed your pregnancy and given you the all-clear, it is generally considered safe to proceed with a prenatal massage, even earlier in some cases. Every pregnancy is unique, and a qualified healthcare provider can offer guidance based on your individual medical history, symptoms, and stage of pregnancy.

It’s also essential to ensure your massage is performed by a qualified prenatal massage therapist, who is trained to use safe techniques, avoid pressure points that may trigger uterine contractions, and position you comfortably with appropriate support.

Always communicate openly with both your healthcare provider and your massage therapist to ensure your care is tailored, safe, and supportive throughout your pregnancy journey.

First Trimester: What to Consider

The first trimester is a critical phase of pregnancy, when the embryo transitions into a fetus and major organ systems begin to form. During this delicate period, it’s generally recommended to exercise caution with massage therapy, particularly if the expectant mother is experiencing morning sickness, spotting, or has a history of miscarriage.

That said, once the pregnancy has been confirmed as stable by a healthcare provider, gentle prenatal massage may be considered to help relieve common early pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, fatigue, tension, and emotional stress. The key is to approach massage with care and sensitivity.

It’s essential to communicate openly with your massage therapist about your pregnancy status, and to ensure they are qualified and experienced in prenatal massage techniques. During the first trimester, the focus should be on promoting relaxation, encouraging healthy circulation, and addressing specific concerns — rather than performing deep tissue work or using vigorous pressure.

Ensure your therapist is registered with a professional body such as Massage & Myotherapy Australia or the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT). This helps guarantee they meet industry standards for training, ethics, and ongoing professional development.

Why the Second Trimester Is Ideal for Prenatal Massage

The second trimester is often referred to as the “golden period” of pregnancy. Most early discomforts like morning sickness and fatigue have typically eased, and many expectant mothers experience increased energy and improved mood. Spanning weeks 13 to 27, this stage is widely considered the ideal time for prenatal massage, as the risk of miscarriage has significantly reduced and the baby bump is not yet large enough to restrict positioning or movement.

Prenatal massage during this period offers a range of physical and emotional benefits. It can help relieve muscle tension, ease lower back and hip pain, reduce swelling in the feet and ankles, and improve circulation. As the body continues to adapt to the growing baby, regular massage can provide essential support to overstretched muscles and shifting joints.

Experienced therapists can incorporate a range of gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, making this trimester an optimal window for consistent massage care.

Third Trimester: Navigating the Challenges

As the due date approaches, the third trimester brings a new set of physical and emotional challenges. The baby bump becomes more pronounced, posture shifts further, and the body experiences increased pressure and fatigue. Despite these changes, prenatal massage remains highly beneficial—provided appropriate modifications are made to ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby.

During this stage, the focus of massage shifts toward relieving specific late-pregnancy discomforts, such as:

Lower back and pelvic pain
Swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands
Tightness in the shoulders and hips
General physical fatigue and sleep difficulties

Massage techniques are adapted to suit the needs of the expectant mother. Therapists typically use side-lying positions, supportive pregnancy pillows or bolsters, and gentle, nurturing strokes that promote relaxation without adding strain. The goal is to provide comfort, support circulation, and help prepare the body for labour and delivery.

When performed by an experienced prenatal massage therapist, third trimester massage can be a powerful tool for managing discomfort and nurturing overall well-being in the final stretch of pregnancy.

Considerations for High-Risk Pregnancies

For women with high-risk pregnancies or underlying medical conditions, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider—such as a GP, obstetrician, or midwife—before scheduling a prenatal massage. Conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, bleeding disorders, or a history of premature labour may require additional caution or specific restrictions.

If massage is deemed appropriate, the therapist must be fully informed of the medical context and experienced in working with high-risk pregnancies. Ideally, the therapist should collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure that the massage approach is tailored to the individual’s needs, prioritizing the safety and comfort of both mother and baby.

Clear communication, professional experience, and a cautious, informed approach are key to providing safe and effective care in high-risk pregnancy situations.

Final Thoughts: Trusting Your Instincts

Ultimately, the best time to get a prenatal massage is a personal decision, guided by the expectant mother’s comfort, preferences, and overall well-being. Every pregnancy is unique, and what feels right for one person may differ for another. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body, notice how you’re feeling, and respond to any signs of discomfort or fatigue with care.

Open communication with both your massage therapist and healthcare provider is essential to ensure each session is safe, supportive, and beneficial—no matter which trimester you’re in. While the second trimester is often considered the most ideal time due to increased stability and reduced discomfort, prenatal massage can offer valuable benefits across all stages of pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner and with appropriate precautions.

At our clinic, our trained massage therapists have the added benefit of working alongside an experienced pregnancy chiropractor specialist in Newcastle. This collaboration ensures that if your presentation requires further investigation, your care can be promptly reviewed by a qualified professional with expertise in pregnancy-specific spinal and musculoskeletal health.

With the right support, prenatal massage can become a meaningful part of your self-care routine, helping you feel more comfortable, connected, and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey.