Pregnancy massage: From when, what to watch for, and what it does

“You shouldn’t get a massage during pregnancy”, this misconception persists stubbornly, but is wrong in that blanket form. A professionally performed pregnancy massage is possible in all trimesters and brings noticeable relief for many pregnancy-related complaints. What you need to know so treatment is safe and beneficial.

Why the myth “no massage during pregnancy” is wrong

The blanket warning partly comes from a time when pregnancy massages were less standardised and little distinction was made between wellness and professional massage. Today, the international view is: A professional, pregnancy-adapted massage is safe and recommended, provided no contraindications exist.

What pregnancy massage can deliver

Physically: – Relieve back pain and sciatic complaints (very common in 2nd and 3rd trimester) – Reduce heavy legs and water retention – Release tension in neck, shoulders, and lower back – Improve circulation and lymph flow – Promote sleep

Emotionally and hormonally: – Lower cortisol levels, reduce stress – Stimulate serotonin and oxytocin release (wellbeing) – Strengthen body awareness, important in a phase of significant physical change

Trimester guide

1st trimester (weeks 1 to 12)

Possible, but with restraint. Miscarriage risk is highest in the first 12 weeks, which is why many practices are cautious. According to current knowledge, a professionally performed, gentle massage does not increase the risk, but is often started only after week 12, also to avoid being associated with a spontaneous miscarriage that might wrongly be attributed to the massage.

With a high-risk pregnancy or previous miscarriages: consult the gynaecologist before beginning treatment.

2nd trimester (weeks 13 to 27)

Optimal period. Many early-pregnancy complaints (nausea, exhaustion) subside, while back and muscle complaints begin from growing baby weight. Massages during this phase are often experienced as particularly beneficial.

3rd trimester (week 28 to birth)

Highly recommended, here massage often brings the most noticeable relief. Special aspects:

• Side-lying position: from about week 20, no longer lying flat on the back (vena cava syndrome)
• No labour-inducing acupressure points: certain points (SP6, LI4, BL32, BL60) are deliberately avoided, they can trigger uterine contractions
• Include stomach gently or avoid entirely, depending on preference and phase
• Towards the end: relaxation as preparation for birth

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications (no massage): – Premature labour or preterm contractions – Vaginal bleeding – Diagnosed thrombosis or suspected thrombosis – Preeclampsia – Placenta praevia (placenta in front of the cervix) – HELLP syndrome – High fever or acute infections

Relative contraindications (medical consultation first): – High-risk pregnancy with doctor-ordered rest – Gestational diabetes with complications – Pregnancy-induced hypertension – Previous miscarriages (especially in the 1st trimester) – Multiple pregnancies with complications

Which techniques are suitable

A good pregnancy massage combines, depending on need:

• Gentle, flowing strokes for relaxation
• Lymphatic drainage elements for water retention
• Targeted release of tense muscle areas (neck, back, hips)
• Acupressure on pregnancy-safe points for complaints like nausea (PC6), tension, or sleep issues (HT7)

Not appropriate during pregnancy: – Very deep, hard deep tissue massage – Strong stretching techniques – Massage of the aforementioned labour-inducing points – Essential oils with labour-inducing effects (sage, rosemary, certain citrus oils in high doses)

What’s different at Praxis Anzhelika Wyss

Anzhelika Wyss works integratively, meaning: a pregnancy massage combines classical massage techniques with lymphatic drainage and acupressure elements, individually adapted to the respective pregnancy phase. The treatment takes place in side-lying position (from week 20), with special pillows for comfort.

The practice explicitly takes time for history, existing complaints, pre-existing conditions, medications, past pregnancies are discussed before a treatment begins.

After birth: What then?

Earliest 6 weeks after a natural birth, 8 weeks after caesarean (each with medical clearance), classical massages can resume. icoone® microstimulation for the recovery of abdominal skin and scar tissue also becomes an option.

Pricing

Massage 60 min.: CHF 140 Massage 90 min.: CHF 190

To pregnancy massage · Book appointment · WhatsApp consultation

Also of interest: icoone® scar treatment after birth

Sources

• Field T. Pregnancy and labor massage therapy. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol 2010;5(2):177-181.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, guidelines for complementary therapies in pregnancy.

Individual results may vary. This content does not replace medical advice. For pregnancy complaints, always consult the gynaecologist or midwife first.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a massage in the 1st trimester?

A professional, gentle massage is generally possible in the 1st trimester, but many practices are cautious, also to avoid being associated with a spontaneous miscarriage that might wrongly be attributed to the massage. With a high-risk pregnancy, consult a doctor before starting treatment.

Which acupressure points should be avoided during pregnancy?

Particularly SP6, LI4, BL32, BL60, and GB21 are considered labour-inducing. These points are deliberately avoided in pregnancy massage.

How long does a pregnancy massage last?

60 or 90 minutes. From the 2nd trimester, the 90-minute variant is usually recommended so there’s enough time for positioning, history, and comprehensive treatment.

### Read more Skin tightening after pregnancy → · Scars after caesarean → · Which massage suits you? →

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