Massage Therapy During Pregnancy

Overview

A family member or friend could give you a massage. Or you could get a professional massage. In either case, there are things you can do to help make sure that the massage is safe.

• If you get a professional massage, tell your massage therapist that you are pregnant.
• Be sure that your massage therapist has special training in pregnancy massage.
• Use a safe body position during massage.

  As your pregnancy progresses, the best positions are sitting on a chair or stool or lying on your side. (The left side is best later in pregnancy.)

  • After your third month of pregnancy (or much earlier if you are carrying twins or more), avoid lying on your belly.
  • After your fourth month of pregnancy, avoid lying on your back.
• Avoid massage of your belly.

  Firm massage of the pregnant belly could cause serious pregnancy problems.

• Talk to your doctor before using aromatherapy oils.

  Some essential oils may be unsafe during pregnancy.