You’re pregnant, and as the weeks go by and your pregnancy progresses, you are getting some aches and pains, and this has you seeking a prenatal massage.

You search Google or ask your local mom group for recommendations. Then, you choose a location and book your prenatal massage appointment.

You arrive at your appointment and fill out your intake form but notice it’s not specific to pregnancy.

Here are some questions you should ask before having a prenatal massage:

1. What makes the massage therapist qualified to perform prenatal massage?

2. What additional training have they completed to be certified/qualified to perform prenatal massage?

3. Where did they receive their training?

4. Do I have any contraindications for getting a prenatal massage?

5. How will I be positioned during the prenatal massage?

Choosing an Appropriate Massage Therapist

Prenatal Massage isn’t just a regular massage performed on a pregnant woman. Those who specialize in prenatal massage should possess a deep understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. They are also knowledgeable about the pressure points, areas to avoid, and appropriate pressure to use, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and baby.

So do your due diligence and always seek out a certified massage therapist trained specifically in prenatal massage. I recommend working with an independent therapist so you can ask the therapist directly any questions you may have about their training or practice philosophy.

Also, get the green light from your prenatal healthcare provider to assess any risk specific to you and your pregnancy prior to getting a prenatal massage.

Pregnancy-Specific Intake Forms for Initial Session

In addition to finding a certified prenatal massage therapist, you should be asked to complete a pregnancy-specific intake form before your first appointment.

Completing this form helps the therapist understand where you are in the pregnancy, how it’s progressing, and whether there are any contraindications, a symptom, or medication condition that is a reason for a person not to receive a message.

Some general contraindications to prenatal massage may include:

• Vaginal bleeding

• Pre-term Labor

• Pitting edema

• Placenta previa

• Lack of fetal movement x 8 hours

• Preeclampsia

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications, but a few examples. You must check with your prenatal healthcare provider for specific individual risks, complete pregnancy-specific intakes, and find a prenatal massage therapist who understands this information.

Positioning

During pregnancy, massages require different positioning based on what trimester versus non-pregnancy massages are traditionally performed in prone (face down on your stomach) or supine (lying flat on your back).

The First Trimester

Until the 13th or 14th week of pregnancy, prone (face down on your stomach) and supine (lying flat on your back) positions are ok. Due to breast tenderness, bolstering may be required to decrease pressure on the breast in the prone position.

Side-lying, seated, and semi-reclined are also fine as needed.

The Second and Third Trimesters

During the second trimester, a woman’s body starts to assume a pregnancy shape, with the growth of the abdomen. Prone positioning directly on the treatment table is uncomfortable and not recommended.

And once you are 18-20 weeks pregnant, supine (lying flat on your back) positioning should be voided.

The side-lying position is an effective way to access all parts of the body. It allows the therapist to work on areas such as the hips, shoulders, ribs, arms, and legs. The therapist also strategically places pillows to support the client's legs, hips, and abdomen to provide optimal comfort.

So when you have a prenatal massage by a qualified and trained therapist, they will:

• Have undergone additional training for prenatal massage

• Have a thorough intake form specific to pregnancy, with questions relating to whether you are having a low-risk/high-risk pregnancy and high-risk specific questions to determine if prenatal massage is appropriate.

• Have a thorough initial consultation and follow-up questions before each session for pregnancy conditions and updates.

• Use trimester-appropriate positioning.

By asking a few questions before receiving a prenatal massage, you can ensure the safety and comfort of you and your baby.