Prenatal massage can ease back pain, hip tightness and swollen feet, but expecting moms often ask: are there areas a therapist should avoid? A therapist trained in prenatal massage adjusts both where and how they work. Here’s what that looks like.
Areas That Need Extra Care
The abdomen
Deep pressure on the belly is avoided during pregnancy. Some moms enjoy very light touch or none at all here; it’s your choice. Most of the work focuses on the back, hips, shoulders and neck.
The legs, especially the inner thighs and calves
Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots. For that reason, trained therapists avoid deep pressure on the legs, particularly the inner thighs and calves, and use lighter strokes instead. Tell your therapist and your provider right away if one leg is suddenly swollen, red, warm or painful.
Certain pressure points
Some traditions suggest avoiding firm, sustained pressure on specific points, such as the area between the thumb and index finger and points around the ankle. While research on this is limited, many prenatal therapists take a cautious approach and avoid deep, sustained pressure on these spots.
Positioning Matters as Much as Technique
- Side-lying with pillows is the most common position, supporting your belly, back and knees.
- Lying flat on your back for long periods is usually avoided later in pregnancy, because it can put pressure on a major blood vessel and leave you feeling lightheaded.
- Lying face down isn’t used as your belly grows, even with special cushions, unless your provider approves.
What a Trained Prenatal Therapist Focuses On
- Low back and sacrum
- Hips and glutes
- Shoulders, upper back and neck
- Gentle work on arms, hands and feet for comfort
At Focused Care, prenatal massage is offered by licensed therapists including Claudia Ay, who specializes in prenatal and therapeutic massage.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Are you trained in prenatal massage?
- What positioning and pillows do you use?
- How do you adjust for my trimester?
- What should I tell you about my pregnancy before we start?
And always check with your OB or midwife first, especially with a high-risk pregnancy. Our prenatal massage safety guide covers more.
Related Reading
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, recent injury or surgery, or you are pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before booking a massage.
Book Your Session at Focused Care
Focused Care Therapeutic Massage is located at 274A Granite Run Dr, Lancaster, PA 17601. Learn more about our prenatal massage, book online, or call or text (717) 725-9670.
