Pregnancy is wonderful, but it asks a lot of your body. As your bump grows and everything shifts and stretches, aches and tension often come with it. Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal massage, is a gentle, caring way to find some comfort. But the first question most people have is a good one: is it actually safe? Here’s an honest guide.
Worth knowing: Reviews of prenatal massage have reported reductions in back and leg pain and improvements in mood among pregnant women who received regular massage, which lines up with what people commonly tell us they feel.
For most people with a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, gentle massage with a suitably trained practitioner is generally considered safe and can be really helpful. The key words there are trained and gentle. Pregnancy massage is adapted to keep you and your baby comfortable and secure, with careful positioning and appropriate techniques.
That said, the single most important step is to check with your doctor or midwife first, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk or you’ve had any complications. Some situations call for extra caution or a green light from your medical team, and we’d always want that in place before we begin.
One reason to see someone trained is positioning. As pregnancy progresses, lying flat on your back for long periods isn’t ideal, and lying face-down obviously isn’t an option with a bump. Pregnancy massage typically uses comfortable side-lying with plenty of supportive pillows, so you’re well supported and at ease the whole time.
Pregnancy taking a toll on your back and shoulders? Book a comfortable, caring pregnancy massage with our Melbourne team. Check with your midwife first.
Please speak with your doctor or midwife before booking if you have a high-risk pregnancy, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, a history of clots, or any bleeding or complications. And seek medical care straight away for warning signs like vaginal bleeding, severe or sudden swelling, reduced baby movements, or a sudden headache with vision changes. Your safety and your baby’s always come first.
The takeaway
For most healthy pregnancies, gentle pregnancy massage with a trained practitioner is a safe, soothing way to ease the aches, tension and stress that come with these months, with research pointing to real benefits for back pain and mood. Just check with your midwife or doctor first, and let us take care of the rest.
Pregnancy massage is a gentle approach designed to support comfort and relaxation while your body adapts to the physical changes of pregnancy.
For most people with a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, gentle massage may be suitable. Always check with your doctor or midwife first, particularly if your pregnancy is high-risk or involves complications.
Pregnancy massage is adapted to your changing body. Side-lying positioning with supportive pillows can help keep you comfortable throughout your treatment.
Pregnancy massage may help ease common muscular discomfort such as lower back and hip tension, aching shoulders, neck tightness and tired legs.
Taking time to relax can be valuable during pregnancy. Massage may help reduce muscle tension and support relaxation, mood and overall comfort.
Isabella provides pregnancy massage at MyoFitness with techniques and positioning adapted to your stage of pregnancy, symptoms and comfort on the day.
Our North Melbourne (154 Peel St) and Yarraville (231 Hyde St) Surrey Hills at 296A Canterbury Road clinics are easy to reach from across the area, including:
MyoFitness also operates clinics in North Melbourne at 154 Peel Street and Surrey Hills at 296A Canterbury Road. All three clinics offer Watson Headache® Approach assessment and treatment for migraine.
Three well-established clinics across North Melbourne, Yarraville, and Surrey Hills, each delivering the same standard of clinical care.
A clinical team spanning remedial massage, myotherapy, physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and psychology under one roof.
Recognised for clinical outcomes, patient experience, and professional standards across the allied health industry.
Every session begins with a clinical assessment. Treatment is directed at the actual cause of your pain, not just the location where you feel it.
