Prenatal massage is gentle, hands-on care adapted to pregnancy, done with you lying on your side and well supported by pillows rather than flat on your back or belly. For most healthy pregnancies it is a comfortable option, but if your pregnancy is high risk or you have certain symptoms, check with your OB or midwife before you book.
Pregnancy changes how you sleep, stand, walk and carry yourself. Many expecting parents in Charlottesville and Albemarle come to us with sore lower backs, tight hips and tired legs. Here is what a session with us looks like and how to know if it is a good fit right now.
What is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage is massage tailored to the changes of pregnancy. The goals are usually comfort, relaxation and easing the aches that come with a shifting center of gravity.
The techniques themselves are familiar: slow strokes, gentle kneading and focused work on the low back, hips, shoulders and neck. What changes is positioning, pressure and the attention we pay to how you are feeling throughout.
It is one of the many options we offer for massage therapy in Charlottesville. You can find more detail on our prenatal massage page.
How will I be positioned on the table?
Most of the session happens with you lying on your side. We use pillows and bolsters between your knees, under your top arm and behind your back so your hips and shoulders can relax.
Later in pregnancy, lying flat on your back for long stretches can feel uncomfortable or lightheaded for some people. Mayo Clinic's guidance on back pain during pregnancy also recommends side sleeping with a pillow between the knees, which is the same idea we use on the table.
If we do any work with you more upright, we will prop you in a semi-reclined position. We do not have you lie face down on your belly. You can change position whenever you want, and short breaks to use the restroom are completely normal.
What does a prenatal massage feel like?
Most people describe it as calm and soothing. Pressure is usually light to moderate, and we adjust based on what feels good to you that day.
Common focus areas include:
- The low back and the muscles around the pelvis
- Hips and the outside of the thighs
- Shoulders, neck and upper back, which often tighten from changing posture and sleep
- Feet and calves, with gentle, careful work
We avoid deep, sustained pressure on the legs and keep belly work very light or skip it, depending on your preference. If anything feels off, tell us and we will change it right away.
Is prenatal massage safe?
For most healthy pregnancies, gentle massage from a trained therapist is considered low risk. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that massage appears to have few serious risks when done by a trained practitioner, and that people who are pregnant should talk with their health care provider first.
The main reason for care with the legs is blood clots. Pregnancy raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. That is why we keep leg work gentle and why any new calf pain or swelling needs a call to your provider, not a massage.
I want to be clear that massage is a comfort measure. It does not treat pregnancy complications, and we never make claims about it changing the course of labor.
When should I check with my OB or midwife first?
Asking your provider is always a good idea, and many clients simply mention it at their next prenatal visit. Please check before booking if any of these apply:
- Your pregnancy has been labeled high risk
- You have high blood pressure or have been told you have preeclampsia
- You have had vaginal bleeding, a placenta concern or a history of preterm labor
- You have a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
- You have new swelling, warmth or pain in one leg
- You have severe headaches, vision changes or sudden swelling of the face or hands
Some of those symptoms need prompt medical attention on their own. If you notice them, contact your provider first and we can reschedule anytime.
Can I get prenatal massage in the first trimester?
Many people do, especially to ease fatigue and tension. Some prefer to wait until the second trimester, when energy often returns and nausea fades.
Either choice is fine. If you are unsure, talk with your OB or midwife, and let us know how far along you are when you book so we can plan the session.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
A few simple steps make the visit more comfortable.
- Tell us how many weeks along you are and anything your provider has mentioned.
- Eat a light snack beforehand and bring water.
- Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to change out of.
- Use the restroom right before the session starts.
We are on Rio Road East with free parking on site, so you will not have a long walk from the car.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a note from my doctor or midwife?
We do not require one for an uncomplicated pregnancy. If your pregnancy is high risk or you have any of the conditions listed above, please get the go-ahead from your provider before your first visit.
How long should a prenatal session be?
Sixty minutes works well for most people. Some prefer 90 minutes later in pregnancy because position changes and restroom breaks take a little more time.
Can I keep coming after the baby arrives?
Yes. Many clients return after birth once their provider says they are ready. We adjust positioning and focus areas for postpartum needs, like shoulders and upper back that work hard during feeding and carrying.
When you are ready, book your prenatal massage online or call us at 434-465-2905 with any questions. We are glad to help you feel a little more at home in your body during this season.
