Prenatal Massage: What Every Expecting Mother Needs to Know Before Booking

Pregnancy is basically your body's way of saying, "Remember when you thought you knew what tired felt like? Hold my prenatal vitamin." Between the backaches, swollen everything, and the small human doing gymnastics on your bladder, you might be wondering if there's anything safe, effective, and not-involving-more-pillows that can help.

Good news: there is. It's called prenatal massage, and after a decade of helping expecting moms feel human again, I can tell you it's one of those rare things that's both safe and sanity-saving.

Let's Be Real About Pregnancy Discomfort

First, can we all agree to stop pretending pregnancy is just "a little uncomfortable"? If your back feels like someone replaced your spine with a question mark, if your hips are staging a revolt, or if you're so swollen you're considering entering your feet in a science fair, you're not being dramatic. You're being pregnant.

Your body is literally building a person while still trying to do all your regular body stuff. That's like trying to renovate your house while still living in it and hosting dinner parties. Of course things are going to be a little chaotic.

And let’s address the elephant in the room: I’m a guy. What do I know about this? Well, I do understand pain and suffering and how it manifests in all types of bodies. I treat bodies of all genders, shapes, sizes, and states. Your comfort is top priority so if there’s anything you specifically need or are uncomfortable with, open dialogue is important.

Why Prenatal Massage Actually Works

Pregnancy massage isn't just regular massage with a pregnancy pillow thrown in (though proper positioning is definitely important). It's a whole different approach that works with your body's pregnancy logic instead of against it.

Here's what's actually happening when skilled hands meet pregnant body:

Your overtaxed muscles finally get some help. Your back muscles are working overtime to support your changing center of gravity. Your hips are dealing with hormones telling them to loosen up for delivery. Prenatal massage gives these hard-working muscles the support they deserve.

Your circulation gets a gentle boost. All that swelling in your hands and feet? It's partly because your circulatory system is doing 50% more work with the same equipment. Massage helps move things along without putting stress on your already-busy cardiovascular system.

Your nervous system remembers what "chill" feels like. When you're growing a human, your stress response is basically on high alert 24/7. Therapeutic touch helps activate your "rest and digest" mode, which is great for both you and baby.

The Safety Conversation (Because You're Probably Wondering)

Let me put your mind at ease: prenatal massage by a properly trained therapist is not only safe, it's beneficial. But—and this is important—not every massage therapist has the specialized training to work with pregnant bodies.

Here's what proper prenatal massage training includes:

• How to position you comfortably (and yes, you can even lie face-down with the right equipment)

• Which techniques to modify and which areas need special attention

• How pressure and touch change throughout your pregnancy

• When to refer you to your healthcare provider

I've had extensive training in prenatal work because, frankly, pregnant bodies deserve practitioners who actually know what they're doing, not someone winging it with YouTube videos.

What to Actually Expect

Your session starts with us having a real conversation about how you're feeling. Not just physically—pregnancy is a whole-body, whole-mind experience, and good prenatal massage acknowledges that.

The massage itself focuses on the areas that need it most: usually your lower back (because gravity is not your friend right now), your hips (because relaxin hormone is both a blessing and a curse), your legs and feet (because carrying extra weight is hard work), and your neck and shoulders (because stress likes to live there).

Everything is done at a pressure that feels good to you. Some days you'll want deeper work, some days you'll want barely-there gentle touch. Your body knows what it needs, and my job is to listen to it.

The Timing Question

Most prenatal massage happens in the second and third trimesters, when you're past the delicate early weeks but still dealing with all the fun pregnancy side effects. That said, every pregnancy is different, and if your healthcare provider has given you the green light, we can work together throughout your pregnancy journey.

Beyond Just Feeling Better

Here's what many clients don't expect: prenatal massage often helps them feel more connected to their changing body instead of feeling like a stranger in their own skin. There's something powerful about receiving knowledgeable, caring touch during this transformative time.

Plus, learning to relax deeply during massage can actually be good practice for labor. Think of it as homework for one of the most important physical experiences of your life.

The Buddhist Bonus

Because I practice from a place of loving-kindness rather than profit maximization, your prenatal session includes whatever will make you most comfortable—extra cushions, aromatherapy, heat therapy, or just more time if you need it. No upcharges, no sales pitches, just support for you and the little one you're growing.

You're Not Asking for Too Much

Pregnancy is hard enough without having to suffer through unnecessary discomfort. You're not being indulgent by seeking relief—you're taking care of both yourself and your baby by managing stress and pain in a healthy way.

Ready to give your pregnant body the care it deserves? Book your prenatal massage whenever you need it.