Nobody books prenatal massage because they want vague spa language. They want to know whether the room setup makes sense, whether the therapist actually has experience with pregnant clients, and whether they will be comfortable for the full hour. So let us answer all of that directly.
When to start (and when to wait)
Most clients start prenatal massage at 13 weeks — once they are in their second trimester. We can see clients in the first trimester with their OB's OK, but most people prefer to wait until the early symptoms settle.
Past 36 weeks, we keep the session gentle and focused on hips, low back, and feet. Plenty of clients come in the week of their due date — the goal at that point is sleep, swelling, and getting one more comfortable hour before delivery.
How the table is actually set up
- Side-lying position with bolsters under the bump, between the knees, and behind the back
- No belly-down pillows or "pregnancy holes" — those are not what we use
- Pressure adjusted lower than a standard deep tissue, especially around the legs
- You can switch sides whenever you need to — just say so
- The room temperature stays warm because pregnancy makes warmth feel different
What to mention when you book
- How many weeks you are (we adjust the session based on the trimester)
- Anything your OB or midwife flagged — bedrest, blood pressure, twins
- Where you actually hurt right now (low back, hips, sciatic, calves)
- If you have had any spotting or symptoms in the last week
- If swelling is the main thing — we will spend more time on legs and feet
What to expect at the session
You will fill out a short intake the first time. The therapist will ask how you are feeling that day, not just how the pregnancy is going overall — those two answers can be very different. We will get you positioned, check in once you are settled, and then mostly let you rest.
Bring a water bottle. The bathroom is two steps away if you need it mid-session, which is normal — we will not rush you back to the table.
Postpartum: when you can come back
After a vaginal birth, most clients come back at 4–6 weeks once cleared by their provider. After a C-section, plan on 8 weeks minimum, and we will keep the abdominal area off-limits until your scar is fully healed. Tell us how you are sleeping — that is usually the biggest tell for what your body needs.