Friendly & Relaxed Therapists
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Edinburgh City Centre
Benefits Mum & Baby
What is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, is a therapeutic massage tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women. It's designed to address the unique physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, providing relief from some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy and promoting overall well-being.
Harmony Thai Massage and Wellness offers a tailor made pregnancy massage service, which we are always happy to discuss in more detail when you get in touch.
Here are some key points about pregnancy massage:
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Safety: Pregnancy massage is generally considered safe for most pregnant women, especially when performed by a trained and certified prenatal massage therapist. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before getting a prenatal massage, especially if you have any pregnancy-related complications or other health concerns.
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Positioning: During a pregnancy massage, special positioning and supportive cushions are used to ensure comfort and safety for the expectant mother. Typically, the woman will lie on her side, supported by cushions, to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen.
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Techniques: Prenatal massage techniques are adapted to accommodate the physical changes that occur during pregnancy. Gentle pressure is used to help relax muscles, reduce swelling, alleviate back and hip pain, and relieve tension in areas like the neck and shoulders.
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Conditions Treated: Pregnancy massage can help to alleviate symptoms and discomfort associated with:
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Lower back pain
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Sciatica
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Muscle cramps and spasms
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Insomnia
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Edema (swelling)
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Stress and anxiety
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Timing: Prenatal massage can be beneficial at any stage of pregnancy, but many women find it especially helpful during the second and third trimesters as physical discomfort tends to increase.
It's essential to choose a massage therapist who is trained and certified in prenatal massage to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Additionally, always communicate openly with your massage therapist about any discomfort, concerns, or health issues you may have during your pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific medical concerns, consult with your healthcare provider before scheduling a prenatal massage.
What is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, is a therapeutic massage tailored specifically to the needs of pregnant women. It's designed to address the unique physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, providing relief from some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy and promoting overall well-being.
Harmony Thai Massage and Wellness offers a tailor made pregnancy massage service, which we are always happy to discuss in more detail when you get in touch.
Here are some key points about pregnancy massage:
-
Safety: Pregnancy massage is generally considered safe for most pregnant women, especially when performed by a trained and certified prenatal massage therapist. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before getting a prenatal massage, especially if you have any pregnancy-related complications or other health concerns.
-
Positioning: During a pregnancy massage, special positioning and supportive cushions are used to ensure comfort and safety for the expectant mother. Typically, the woman will lie on her side, supported by cushions, to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen.
-
Techniques: Prenatal massage techniques are adapted to accommodate the physical changes that occur during pregnancy. Gentle pressure is used to help relax muscles, reduce swelling, alleviate back and hip pain, and relieve tension in areas like the neck and shoulders.
-
Conditions Treated: Pregnancy massage can help to alleviate symptoms and discomfort associated with:
-
Lower back pain
-
Sciatica
-
Muscle cramps and spasms
-
Headaches
-
Fatigue
-
Insomnia
-
Edema (swelling)
-
Stress and anxiety
-
-
Timing: Prenatal massage can be beneficial at any stage of pregnancy, but many women find it especially helpful during the second and third trimesters as physical discomfort tends to increase.
It's essential to choose a massage therapist who is trained and certified in prenatal massage to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Additionally, always communicate openly with your massage therapist about any discomfort, concerns, or health issues you may have during your pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific medical concerns, consult with your healthcare provider before scheduling a prenatal massage.
Best Pregnancy Massage Technique
The best pregnancy massage technique is generally prenatal massage a gentle, specially adapted form of massage designed to relieve pregnancy related discomfort while keeping both mother and baby safe. It focuses on reducing muscle tension, easing lower back pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation without putting pressure on sensitive areas.
The safest and most recommended method is a side lying position massage (especially after the first trimester), where the pregnant person lies on their side supported by pillows to take pressure off the abdomen and lower back. The therapist uses long, slow strokes and light to moderate pressure, avoiding deep tissue work on the legs (to reduce the risk of blood clots) and steering clear of acupressure points that might stimulate uterine contractions.
Common pregnancy massage techniques include:
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Effleurage – smooth, gliding strokes to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
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Gentle kneading – to release muscle tightness in the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
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Lymphatic drainage – light pressure to help reduce pregnancy-related water retention.
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Scalp and neck massage – for stress relief and tension headaches.
When performed by a trained prenatal massage therapist, this technique can relieve aches, improve sleep, lower anxiety, and create a calming environment for both mother and baby.
Difference Between Prenatal and Postnatal Massage
The main difference between prenatal and postnatal massage lies in timing, goals, and techniques, they are both tailored to the mother’s needs, but the body’s condition and priorities are very different before and after birth.
1. Timing
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Prenatal massage – Given during pregnancy (usually after the first trimester) to support the mother’s changing body and relieve pregnancy-related discomforts.
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Postnatal massage – Given after childbirth (from days after birth to several months postpartum, depending on recovery and birth type) to aid healing, restore muscle tone, and provide relaxation.
2. Main Goals
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Prenatal massage focuses on:
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Reducing pregnancy-related aches (back, hips, legs).
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Managing swelling and improving circulation.
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Promoting relaxation for both mother and baby.
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Avoiding any techniques or positions that could stress the uterus or reduce blood flow.
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Postnatal massage focuses on:
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Relieving tension from labour and delivery.
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Helping abdominal muscles and posture recover.
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Improving blood flow to aid healing.
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Addressing sore shoulders, neck, and arms from feeding and carrying the baby.
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Supporting emotional well being and reducing stress.
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3. Techniques & Positions
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Prenatal massage – Uses side lying or semi reclined positions with supportive pillows, light to moderate pressure, and avoids deep abdominal work or certain acupressure points.
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Postnatal massage – Can be done lying face down (once comfortable), side-lying, or reclined; may include deeper pressure, abdominal massage (if safe), and myofascial release to restore muscle balance.
4. Cautions
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Prenatal: Extra care to avoid positions or pressure that could affect uterine blood flow or trigger contractions.
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Postnatal: Avoid deep abdominal massage immediately after birth, especially after C-section, until fully healed and medically cleared.
Prenatal Massage Edinburgh
Trimester by Trimester Pregnancy Massage Safety Guide
Here’s a trimester-by-trimester pregnancy massage safety guide so you can see what’s generally considered safe at each stage, along with precautions:
First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 13)
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Approach: Many therapists avoid full body massage in the first trimester due to the higher risk of miscarriage during this period, even though gentle massage is generally considered safe if no complications exist.
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If given: Use only light, relaxing techniques (e.g., gentle effleurage) to reduce stress, focusing on areas like the neck, shoulders, hands, and feet (with caution).
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Avoid: Deep tissue massage, abdominal massage, and any acupressure points known to stimulate uterine contractions (e.g., around ankles and wrists).
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Position: Reclined or side lying, never flat on the back for long periods.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14 to 27)
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Approach: Massage is generally considered safe with modifications for comfort and circulation.
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Benefits: Helps relieve back pain, leg cramps, and swelling, and improves sleep.
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Position: Side lying supported with pillows or a special pregnancy massage table with a belly cut-out (if comfortable).
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Techniques:
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Gentle kneading for muscles in the back and hips.
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Light lymphatic drainage strokes for swelling in legs and feet.
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Neck and shoulder massage to relieve tension headaches.
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Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)
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Approach: Massage can be very beneficial for managing pelvic pressure, backaches, and swelling, but sessions may need to be shorter (30 to 45 minutes) for comfort.
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Position: Always side lying or semi reclined, lying flat on the back can restrict blood flow.
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Benefits: Promotes relaxation before labour, improves mood, and eases discomfort in the lower body.
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Cautions: Avoid heavy pressure on legs (to reduce clot risk) and continue avoiding triggering acupressure points.
General Pregnancy Massage Safety Tips
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Always use a qualified prenatal massage therapist.
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Avoid essential oils unless approved for pregnancy (some are not safe).
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Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or experience cramping.
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Drink plenty of water after the massage.
Edinburgh City Centre Salon
Our salon is ideally located in Edinburgh City Centre, just off Holyrood Road, near Waverley Train Station and the Royal Mile. For people driving from inside and near Edinburgh, the salon has on street parking outside, a multi storey NCP car park nearby.