Can You Get a Massage While Pregnant?
Yes — massage is safe and helpful in pregnancy when done by a therapist trained in prenatal massage; many avoid deep work in the first trimester.
The full answer
A pregnancy (prenatal) massage can ease back and leg pain and stress, and it's considered safe when carried out by a qualified therapist who knows how to position and treat pregnant clients. From the second trimester you'll usually be positioned on your side or well supported rather than flat on your stomach or back. Many therapists avoid massage in the first trimester, or keep it very gentle, mainly as a precaution. Prenatal massage uses light to medium pressure rather than deep-tissue work, and therapists take extra care with the legs, because deep pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Tell your therapist that you're pregnant and how far along you are, choose someone experienced in prenatal work, and skip any spa heat treatments — hot tubs, saunas — that might be bundled in.
How to get a massage safely
- Choose a therapist qualified in prenatal massage
- From the 2nd trimester, be positioned on your side or supported, not flat
- Tell them you're pregnant; skip bundled hot tub/sauna treatments
When to avoid: Check first if you have a high-risk pregnancy, blood-clot risk, or bleeding; avoid deep abdominal pressure.
Massage by trimester
| Stage | What changes |
|---|---|
| First trimester | Massage is generally considered fine, though many providers and therapists suggest waiting until after the first trimester as a precaution, since miscarriage is most common in these weeks. |
| Second trimester | Often the most comfortable time for it, and prenatal massage is widely available. A therapist trained in pregnancy will know the positioning and pressure adjustments. |
| Third trimester | Still fine with a suitably trained therapist. Lying flat on your back for long periods is usually avoided this late, so side-lying or supported positions are standard. |
Common questions about massage in pregnancy
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
Generally yes, with a therapist experienced in pregnancy. Many providers and therapists suggest waiting until after the first trimester as a precaution. If you have pregnancy complications, check with your provider first.
Are there areas that get avoided?
Some therapists avoid deep pressure at certain points on the ankles and wrists, based on traditional practice rather than strong evidence. Deep abdominal work is avoided. A prenatal-trained therapist will handle this without you needing to direct it.
What position will I be in?
Usually side-lying with pillows, or seated and supported. Lying face-down needs a special table with a cut-out for the bump, and lying flat on your back for long periods is generally avoided later in pregnancy.
How getting a massage fits your own pregnancy is worth a quick check with your midwife or provider. The general rules on overheating, falls and exercise are in our pregnancy safety guide, and you can track your pregnancy with the How Far Along Am I? calculator and the week-by-week guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you get a massage while pregnant?
- Yes — massage is safe and helpful in pregnancy when done by a therapist trained in prenatal massage; many avoid deep work in the first trimester. A pregnancy (prenatal) massage can ease back and leg pain and stress, and it's considered safe when carried out by a qualified therapist who knows how to position and treat pregnant clients. From the second trimester you'll usually be positioned on your side or well supported rather than flat on your stomach or back. Many therapists avoid massage in the first trimester, or keep it very gentle, mainly as a precaution. Prenatal massage uses light to medium pressure rather than deep-tissue work, and therapists take extra care with the legs, because deep pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Tell your therapist that you're pregnant and how far along you are, choose someone experienced in prenatal work, and skip any spa heat treatments — hot tubs, saunas — that might be bundled in.
- Why is getting a massage considered safe in pregnancy?
- A pregnancy (prenatal) massage can ease back and leg pain and stress, and it's considered safe when carried out by a qualified therapist who knows how to position and treat pregnant clients. From the second trimester you'll usually be positioned on your side or well supported rather than flat on your stomach or back. Many therapists avoid massage in the first trimester, or keep it very gentle, mainly as a precaution. Prenatal massage uses light to medium pressure rather than deep-tissue work, and therapists take extra care with the legs, because deep pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Tell your therapist that you're pregnant and how far along you are, choose someone experienced in prenatal work, and skip any spa heat treatments — hot tubs, saunas — that might be bundled in.
- When should I avoid getting a massage during pregnancy?
- Check first if you have a high-risk pregnancy, blood-clot risk, or bleeding; avoid deep abdominal pressure.
Sources
This answer was checked against the following public guidance. Advice can differ between countries; your midwife, doctor or pharmacist can apply it to you.