Face-Down Prenatal Massage
Face-Down Prenatal Massage is Safe, Comfortable, and Exactly What You Need
Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation. As your body changes to support your growing baby, discomfort and tension can become part of the daily routine. That’s where prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage or maternity massage, comes in. At Maternal Massage in the Salt Lake Valley, we’re redefining the experience of pregnancy bodywork with one major difference: we let you lie face down. Safely. Comfortably. At any stage of pregnancy (even up to 40 weeks).
Why Face-Down Pregnancy Massage Matters
If you've ever had a traditional prenatal massage, chances are it was done while lying on your side. While side-lying massage is an option we do offer (and it's great when needed), many clients find it less relaxing, less effective, and less like a “real massage.” It can feel awkward, hard to fully relax into, and make it difficult to work into areas like the lower back, hips, and glutes—the exact spots that need relief the most during pregnancy.
At Maternal Massage, we do things differently. Our specialized orthopedic body cushions allow you to safely lie face down throughout your pregnancy. These cushions are carefully designed to support your belly, breasts, and hips at every stage—from the first trimester all the way to full term.
The Technology Behind the Comfort
Our orthopedic bolstering system isn’t your average spa setup. These are high-quality, adjustable cushions made specifically for prenatal massage. They take the pressure off your abdomen and chest while giving your therapist better access to work deep into the muscles of your back, hips, and shoulders. These bolsters also help ease strain on round ligaments, which can be a major source of discomfort during pregnancy.
Not only is lying face down possible—it’s often preferred. Many clients tell us it’s the most relaxed they’ve felt in weeks. Being able to lie comfortably on your stomach again (even if it’s just for an hour) can be an incredible emotional and physical relief.
A Better Prenatal Massage Experience
What sets Maternal Massage apart from other clinics offering prenatal or maternity massage? A few important things:
1. Extensive Prenatal Training
Every therapist on our team has had extensive, advanced training in prenatal massage. This isn’t a side offering—it’s what we specialize in. We understand the nuances of pregnancy and how to adapt each massage based on your stage of pregnancy, physical discomforts, and personal preferences.
2. We Don't Treat You Like You're Fragile
We know that many pregnant clients want more than a feather-light touch. Unless medically contraindicated, we can work deeper to relieve tension—especially in areas like the lower back, hips, glutes, and shoulders, which tend to bear the brunt of pregnancy’s postural changes.
3. Custom Massage, Every Time
No two pregnancies are alike, and neither are our massages. Each session is tailored to your body’s unique needs that day. Whether you're battling sciatic pain, rib discomfort, hip tightness, or just need to deeply relax, we’ll adjust the session to support you.
4. Cooler Room Temperatures
Pregnancy naturally raises your internal temperature, and lying in a hot room can be uncomfortable or even unsafe. That’s why we keep our treatment rooms cooler than most spas—so you can stay comfortable throughout your session.
5. Options for Every Preference
Want to stay face down the whole session? Great. Prefer a side-lying or semi-reclined position? We can do that too. Want to be on your back for part of the massage? Our wedge pillows make it possible to lie back safely and comfortably.
Is It Safe to Get a Massage While Pregnant?
Absolutely. When performed by a trained professional using proper techniques and bolstering (like we do at Maternal Massage), prenatal massage is not only safe—it can be one of the best things you do for yourself during pregnancy.
Massage can help:
- Reduce swelling and fluid retention
- Ease lower back pain and hip discomfort
- Improve sleep
- Calm the nervous system
- Decrease anxiety and depression
- Relieve headaches and muscle tension
- Improve circulation and digestion
And yes—you can get massage at any point in your pregnancy, even in the first trimester or at 40 weeks, as long as you're under the care of your provider and feeling well.
You Deserve This
Pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s also demanding. Whether this is your first or fourth baby, your body is doing hard work, and it deserves care that goes beyond the basics. At Maternal Massage, we provide professional, intuitive, and effective pregnancy massage, with an experience that actually feels like a massage. Not a compromise.
If you’re in the Salt Lake Valley and looking for a prenatal massage that lets you lie face down and truly unwind, you’ve found your spot. Our therapists are warm, knowledgeable, and skilled in helping you feel your best at every step of your journey into motherhood.
Book your session today and experience what real pregnancy relief feels like.
