The Pregnancy Massage Every Expectant Mother Deserves
- Megan Clements
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
(But Most Don't Know About)
If you're pregnant and dealing with back pain, swollen ankles, sleepless nights, and constant discomfort, you're not alone.
And you don't have to just "put up with it" until birth.
There's a safe, effective way to ease pregnancy discomfort, reduce stress, and feel like yourself again even as your body transforms.
It's called pregnancy massage. And it might be the self care you've been missing.
Why Pregnancy Is Beautiful (But Brutally Hard On Your Body)
Growing a human being is miraculous. It's also physically exhausting.
As your baby develops, your body goes through dramatic changes:
Your center of gravity shifts forward, straining your lower back
Extra weight stresses your hips, knees, and feet
Hormones loosen ligaments, causing joint instability
Fluid retention creates swelling in hands, feet, and ankles
Your ribcage expands, causing upper back and shoulder tension
Sleep becomes difficult as you struggle to find comfortable positions
Stress and anxiety build as you prepare for motherhood
And most pregnant women are told: "This is just part of pregnancy. Deal with it."
But what if there was a better way?
What Pregnancy Massage Actually Does
Pregnancy massage (also called prenatal massage) is specialised bodywork designed specifically for expectant mothers.
Unlike regular massage, it uses:
Safe positioning (usually side-lying with supportive cushions)
Gentle techniques appropriate for each trimester
Targeted pressure on pregnancy-safe areas
Specialised training in maternal anatomy and contraindications
The benefits go far beyond relaxation:
Physical Relief
✓ Reduces lower back and hip pain
✓ Eases sciatic nerve pressure
✓ Decreases swelling in hands, feet, and ankles
✓ Relieves leg cramps and restless legs
✓ Improves sleep quality
✓ Reduces headaches and neck tension
✓ Eases round ligament pain
Emotional Wellbeing
✓ Reduces stress hormones (cortisol)
✓ Increases feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine)
✓ Decreases anxiety and depression symptoms
✓ Creates space for bonding with your baby
✓ Provides much-needed "me time"
Labor & Birth Benefits
✓ May shorten labor duration
✓ Reduces need for pain medication
✓ Improves overall birth experience
✓ Prepares muscles for delivery
Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?
Yes when performed by a properly trained therapist.
At TAP CLINICS, our pregnancy massage specialists have advanced training in prenatal bodywork and understand:
Which techniques are safe for each trimester
Contraindications and warning signs
Proper positioning to protect you and baby
Areas to avoid and pressure points that could trigger contractions
When to refer to your midwife or doctor
Most women can safely receive pregnancy massage from the second trimester onwards. If you're high-risk or have specific medical conditions, we'll coordinate with your healthcare provider.
What To Expect During Your Pregnancy Massage
Before Your Appointment
We'll discuss:
How far along you are
Any pregnancy complications
Areas of discomfort
Your comfort preferences
Any questions or concerns
During Your Session
You'll be positioned comfortably on your side with supportive pillows and cushions. You're fully draped with sheets, and only the area being worked on is exposed.
Your therapist uses gentle, flowing strokes combined with focused work on problem areas like:
Lower back and sacrum
Hips and glutes
Legs and feet (to reduce swelling)
Shoulders and neck
Arms and hands
The pressure is firm enough to be effective but gentle enough to be safe. You should feel relaxed, not uncomfortable.
After Your Appointment
Most women feel:
Significantly less pain and tension
More mobile and comfortable
Deeply relaxed
Better able to sleep
Emotionally lighter
The effects typically last several days to a week, which is why many expectant mothers book regular appointments throughout pregnancy.
Common Questions About Pregnancy Massage
When can I start getting pregnancy massage?
Most therapists (including ours) recommend waiting until the second trimester (after 12-14 weeks) when the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly.
How often should I come?
Many women come:
Monthly in the second trimester
Bi-weekly in the third trimester
Weekly in the final month before birth
Listen to your body and adjust as needed.
What if I can't lie on my stomach?
You won't need to! Pregnancy massage is performed side-lying with supportive cushions. It's completely comfortable.
Are there times I shouldn't get massage?
Avoid massage if you have:
Pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure
Risk of preterm labor
Placenta previa
Recent bleeding
Severe swelling, pain, or headache (could indicate blood clot)
Always check with your midwife or doctor if you're unsure.
Will it hurt the baby?
No. The baby is safely cushioned in amniotic fluid. Many babies become more active during massage as mum relaxes!
Real Stories From Real Mums
"I was in agony with sciatica by 28 weeks. Couldn't walk without limping. After my first pregnancy massage, the relief was incredible. I went every two weeks until birth and it made my third trimester bearable."— Sarah, Warwick
"The swelling in my feet was so bad I couldn't wear shoes. One session and the fluid drained significantly. I wish I'd started sooner!"— Emma, Stratford-upon-Avon
"More than the physical relief, it was the only hour a week that was just for ME. No work, no to-do lists, just relaxation and connection with my baby. It kept me sane."— Rachel, Leamington Spa
"My midwife actually recommended TAP CLINICS when I complained about back pain. Best referral ever. I had massage every week in my final month and I'm convinced it helped me have a straightforward labor."— Claire, Kenilworth
How Pregnancy Massage Fits Into Your Birth Preparation
Think of pregnancy massage as part of your holistic birth plan, alongside:
Prenatal yoga
Hypnobirthing classes
Nutrition and supplements
Midwife appointments
Birth partner preparation
Your body is doing incredible work growing your baby. It deserves support.
Regular massage helps you:
Stay comfortable and mobile throughout pregnancy
Reduce stress and anxiety about birth
Connect with your changing body
Practice relaxation techniques useful during labor
Prevent chronic pain from developing
Enjoy your pregnancy instead of just enduring it
Pregnancy Massage at TAP CLINICS
Specialist-Trained Therapists: Our team has advanced certification in pregnancy massage and prenatal bodywork.
Safe, Comfortable Environment: Specialist cushions and positioning ensure you and baby are safe and comfortable.
Two Convenient Locations: Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon clinics with easy parking.
Flexible SchedulingOpen 7 days a week, 8am-9pm because babies don't care about office hours.
1,600+ Five-Star Reviews: Trusted by expectant mothers across Warwickshire.
Coordination With Your Care Team: We're happy to communicate with your midwife or consultant if needed.
You Deserve To Feel Good During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is hard enough without adding unnecessary pain and discomfort.
You don't get a medal for suffering through back pain, swollen ankles, and sleepless nights.
You deserve support. You deserve relief. You deserve to enjoy this precious time.
Pregnancy massage isn't a luxury it's self-care that benefits both you and your baby.
Book Your Pregnancy Massage Today
Warwick Clinic:4-6 The Holloway, Warwick CV34 4SJTel: 07788 285535
Stratford-upon-Avon Clinic:Unit 3, Avon House, 4 Mulberry St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37
6RS
Tel: 07788 285535
Online Booking: https://www.tapclinics.co.uk/bookonline
Open 7 Days a Week: 8am-9pm
