Prenatal Massage

Alex Parr

Prenatal Massage

The Benefits: Supporting Your Body & Mind Through Pregnancy 


Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, both physically and emotionally. As your body adapts to support new life, you may experience discomforts like back pain, swelling, fatigue, and stress.


While these changes are natural, they can take a toll on your well-being. Prenatal massage is a safe and effective way to relieve these symptoms, providing much-needed relaxation, pain relief, and emotional support throughout pregnancy. If you’re expecting or know someone who is, prenatal massage can be a game-changer. Let’s explore what it is, how it works, and the many benefits it offers for both mom and baby. 


What Is Prenatal Massage? 

Prenatal massage is a specialized form of massage therapy designed for pregnant women. Unlike traditional massage, prenatal massage focuses on addressing the unique physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.


A trained prenatal massage therapist uses techniques that are safe and effective for each stage of pregnancy. Depending on your needs, sessions may involve gentle, flowing strokes to promote relaxation, deeper work to relieve tension in sore muscles, and targeted techniques to reduce swelling and improve circulation. 


One of the key differences in prenatal massage is the positioning. Since lying flat on your back is not recommended in later pregnancy, prenatal massage therapists use specialized pillows and bolsters to ensure comfort and safety. Many massage tables even include a cut-out section to accommodate a growing belly, allowing expectant mothers to lie face-down safely for the first time in months. 


Physical Benefits of Prenatal Massage 

Pregnancy brings about significant changes in the body, including weight gain, shifting posture, increased blood flow, and hormonal fluctuations. These changes often lead to discomforts like back pain, swollen feet, and muscle tension. Prenatal massage provides targeted relief for these common pregnancy symptoms. 


Easing muscle and joint pain is one of the main benefits of prenatal massage. As the belly grows, the center of gravity shifts, putting added strain on the back, hips, and joints. Prenatal massage helps relax these overworked muscles, reducing lower back pain, hip discomfort, and sciatic nerve pain, which are common complaints during pregnancy. 


Swelling and circulation issues are also common concerns during pregnancy. Increased fluid retention can lead to swollen feet, ankles, and hands. Gentle massage techniques help stimulate circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and making movement more comfortable. 


Another major benefit of prenatal massage is improved sleep quality. With hormonal changes and physical discomfort, many pregnant women struggle with insomnia or restless sleep. Prenatal massage promotes deep relaxation, helping the body and mind unwind, leading to better sleep and improved energy levels. 


Prenatal massage can also support labor and delivery preparation. Regular massage throughout pregnancy can help improve flexibility and muscle tone, which may contribute to a smoother labor and delivery experience. Some studies suggest that prenatal massage can even help reduce labor pain and shorten delivery time by preparing the body for childbirth. 


Emotional & Mental Health Benefits 

Pregnancy isn’t just physically demanding, it’s emotionally intense as well. Many expectant mothers experience stress, anxiety, and mood swings as they navigate the challenges of pregnancy and prepare for birth. Prenatal massage provides powerful emotional and mental health benefits. 


One of the biggest advantages is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Massage naturally lowers cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which are hormones responsible for feelings of happiness and relaxation. This shift helps reduce stress and promotes an overall sense of calm and well-being. 


Prenatal massage may also decrease the risk of postpartum depression. Research suggests that women who receive regular prenatal massage may experience lower rates of postpartum depression. By improving mood stability and providing a sense of support and relaxation, massage therapy helps create a positive mental state before birth. 


Prenatal massage also encourages a deeper connection with the baby. It provides a quiet, calming space for expectant mothers to tune in to their bodies and their growing baby. This mindfulness and relaxation help strengthen the bond between mother and child before birth. 


Is Prenatal Massage Safe? 

When performed by a trained professional, prenatal massage is completely safe for most pregnancies. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor before beginning massage therapy, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any medical conditions such as a history of blood clots, placenta previa, pre-eclampsia, severe swelling, or sudden weight gain. 


Additionally, some massage clinics do not offer first-trimester massage, but at Maternal Massage, we believe support is essential at every stage of pregnancy. Our experienced therapists are trained to provide safe and effective care from the very beginning of pregnancy through postpartum recovery. 


Healing After Birth 

The benefits of massage don’t stop after delivery. Postpartum massage is a fantastic way to support the body’s healing process and ease the transition into motherhood. 


Postpartum massage helps reduce muscle soreness and tension from labor and delivery. It also helps regulate hormones, which can reduce postpartum depression and mood swings. Massage supports breastfeeding by increasing prolactin levels, improves circulation to help with C-section recovery, and provides emotional support during the postpartum period. 


New mothers can start receiving postpartum massage as early as five days after delivery, depending on their comfort and healing progress. 


How Often Should You Get a Prenatal Massage? 

The frequency of prenatal massage depends on your needs and comfort level. In the first trimester, once a month or as needed can help with nausea, stress, or early discomfort. In the second trimester, every two to four weeks can help address growing body aches and tension. In the third trimester, weekly or biweekly sessions provide maximum relief and labor preparation. Regular massage is recommended to help manage discomfort and support overall wellness throughout pregnancy. 


Experience the Benefits of Prenatal Massage at Maternal Massage 

At Maternal Massage, we specialize in providing safe, effective, and customized prenatal and postpartum massage. Our trained therapists use specialized techniques and positioning to ensure your comfort and safety at every stage of pregnancy. 


Whether you’re looking for pain relief, relaxation, or emotional support, prenatal massage is one of the best ways to care for yourself and your baby. Experience the benefits of prenatal massage today. Your body will thank you.

Doulas of Utah
By This blog post was written by Kylee Alejandre, founder and CEO of Doulas of Utah, for our friends at Maternal Massage and Skin. January 14, 2026
Postpartum recovery in the U.S. has long been treated as an afterthought, something parents are expected to “figure out” once they’re home with a newborn. At Doulas of Utah , we believe postpartum care should be proactive, accessible, and deeply supportive. That belief is exactly how we’re revolutionizing postpartum recovery in Utah. Rethinking Traditional Postpartum Care Traditionally, postpartum care has focused almost exclusively on a single follow-up appointment at six weeks postpartum. But healing, adjustment, and emotional well-being don’t wait six weeks, and neither should support. Doulas of Utah takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach to postpartum recovery by meeting families where they are, starting immediately after birth. In-Home Support That Meets Real-Life Needs Our professionally trained postpartum doulas provide practical, in-home support that bridges the gap between medical care and real life. That includes overnight newborn care so parents can rest, feeding support without judgment, emotional check-ins, light household help, and education that empowers parents to feel confident instead of overwhelmed. Recovery isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, mental, and relational, and our care reflects that reality. Postpartum recovery shouldn’t be something parents survive. It should be something they’re supported through. Flexible, Inclusive Postpartum Support We’re also changing postpartum recovery by making support more flexible and inclusive. Families can choose daytime support, overnight care, short-term help, or extended contracts depending on their needs. We support first-time parents, growing families, high-risk postpartum situations, and parents navigating anxiety, depression, or trauma, all with the same level of respect and individualized care. Preparing Families Before Baby Arrives Another way we’re revolutionizing postpartum care in Utah is through education and preparation. Our team helps parents plan for postpartum before the baby arrives, setting realistic expectations and building support systems early. When parents know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to ask for help, recovery becomes smoother and far less isolating. Raising the Standard for Postpartum Doulas Finally, we’re raising the standard for postpartum care by investing in our doulas. Our team is professionally trained, evidence-based, and supported behind the scenes so they can show up fully for families. When doulas are supported, parents receive better care, plain and simple. Postpartum recovery shouldn’t be something parents survive. It should be something they’re supported through. At Doulas of Utah, we’re proud to be revolutionizing postpartum recovery in Utah, one family, one night of sleep, and one supported parent at a time.
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By Maternal Massage May 19, 2025
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