Massage for Pregnant Women: Is It Advisable?

massage for pregnant women

Pregnancy is a time of great physical, emotional, and mental change for women. Many women experience various symptoms during this time, including back pain, swelling, and stress. Massage therapy can help to alleviate many of these symptoms and promote overall well-being. But is massage therapy safe and advisable for pregnant women?

Massage therapy has been found to be safe and beneficial for many pregnant women. During pregnancy, massage can help to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve muscle and joint pain, improve circulation, and promote better sleep. Additionally, massage therapy can help reduce swelling and improve overall flexibility, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy when mobility can become more challenging.

Massage for Pregnant Women; Working with Professionals

When performed by a trained therapist, massage therapy is considered safe for pregnant women. However, certain precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. For example, therapists should avoid using deep pressure on certain areas, such as the lower back, and should always be mindful of the baby’s position. A deep tissue massage may not be appropriate for a pregnant woman. 

Pregnant women need to inform their massage therapist about their pregnancy and any related medical conditions; this will help the therapist tailor the massage to meet the mother’s specific needs and ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.

In addition to the benefits of massage therapy, several specific techniques can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy. For example, prenatal massage can help to relieve lower back pain and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles. Prenatal massage can also help to improve circulation and mitigate pregnancy-related physical and emotional stress.


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Despite the many benefits of massage for pregnant women, some still question its safety and effectiveness. Some experts argue that massage therapy can be detrimental to the baby or interfere with the natural process of pregnancy. However, these concerns are largely based on anecdotal evidence and have not been supported by scientific research.

Massage therapy can be a safe and effective option for pregnant women who are looking to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of pregnancy. When performed by a trained therapist in the proper environment with proper precautions, massage therapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve muscle and joint pain, improve circulation, and even promote better sleep. 

If you are pregnant and considering massage therapy, it is important to talk to your doctor and discuss your options with a qualified therapist. 


Contact Weymouth Chiro with any questions regarding massage therapy and prenatal massage treatments.