Quick answer: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says yes, you can get a massage while pregnant, and calls it “a good way to relax and improve circulation.” ACOG recommends lying on your side rather than facedown. Before you book, talk with your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider, tell your massage therapist you are pregnant, and know which symptoms mean you should call your provider instead.
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
ACOG’s answer to the question Can I get a massage while pregnant? starts with a simple “Yes.” It goes on to say massage “is a good way to relax and improve circulation.”
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of NIH, says in its overview of massage therapy that “The risk of harmful effects from massage therapy appears to be low.” NCCIH also notes there have been rare reports of serious side effects, and that you should not use massage therapy to put off seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
Every pregnancy is different. That is why the first step is a conversation with the person managing your prenatal care.
What should you ask your obstetric provider first?
Your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider knows your history and how your pregnancy is going. Some questions to bring to your next visit:
- Is there any reason I should avoid massage right now?
- Are there any areas of my body, or any positions, I should avoid?
- Is there anything about my pregnancy my massage therapist should know?
- Which symptoms should make me call you instead of booking a massage?
If your provider has concerns, follow that advice. NCCIH says that if you are unsure whether massage is appropriate, “discuss your concerns with your health care provider.”
What should you ask your massage therapist?
ACOG says to tell your massage therapist that you are pregnant if you are not showing yet. It also says “Many health spas offer special prenatal massages done by therapists who are trained to work on pregnant women.”
When you call to book, it is reasonable to ask:
- Do you offer prenatal massage?
- Will I lie on my side, and what pillows or supports do you use?
- How do you adjust pressure during pregnancy?
- What should I tell you before the session starts?
- Can I stop or change position at any time if I am uncomfortable?
| Question | Who to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is massage okay for me right now? | Your ob-gyn or obstetric care provider | Your provider knows your pregnancy and history |
| Which positions should I use? | Your provider and your therapist | ACOG recommends lying on your side |
| Do you offer prenatal massage? | The massage office | ACOG notes some therapists are trained to work on pregnant women |
| What should I report before the session? | Your therapist | ACOG says to tell your therapist you are pregnant |
| What symptoms mean I should call you? | Your ob-gyn or obstetric care provider | Some back pain can signal a complication |
What position works for a pregnancy massage?
ACOG says “The best position for a massage while you’re pregnant is lying on your side, rather than facedown.” It also notes that some massage tables have a cut-out for the belly, which lets you lie facedown comfortably.
Speak up during the session if anything feels off. You can always change position or stop.
When is back pain during pregnancy a reason to call your provider?
Back pain is common in pregnancy, and ACOG’s back pain during pregnancy FAQ explains why: the growing uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches and weakens the abdominal muscles. But ACOG also says back pain “can be a symptom of preterm labor” and can be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
ACOG says:
- If you have severe back pain, or the pain goes on for more than two weeks, call your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider.
- Contact your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider if, in addition to back pain, you have a fever, feel burning during urination, or have vaginal bleeding.
When to get emergency care: If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or think you may be in labor, call your obstetric provider or labor and delivery unit right away, or call 911. A massage appointment is not the place to sort out these symptoms.
ACOG also suggests everyday steps for back pain, like supportive shoes, paying attention to how you sit, sleep and lift, and using heat or cold safely. For general back pain outside of pregnancy, see low back pain: when to get it checked.
What about chiropractic care during pregnancy?
NCCIH’s page on spinal manipulation says pregnant people should discuss the risks and benefits with their health care provider. The same advice applies to any new hands-on care while you are pregnant. You can learn more about chiropractic adjustments at Aguilera Health & Wellness Center and bring questions to your provider.
How does Aguilera Health & Wellness Center offer prenatal massage?
Aguilera Health & Wellness Center in Bakersfield offers prenatal massage alongside general massage therapy. When you book, let the office know you are pregnant and share anything your obstetric provider has told you. Massage is meant to help you relax and feel more comfortable. It is not a treatment for pregnancy complications and does not replace prenatal care.
You can read more about the practice on the about page or see the full list of services. Spanish is spoken at the office.
Thinking about a prenatal massage?
Once your obstetric provider has given you the go-ahead, call Aguilera Health & Wellness Center at (661) 833-1111 or use the contact page to ask questions or set up a visit.
