Pregnancy is a time of huge physical and emotional change. As the body begins to adapt to a growing belly, extra weight, posture shifts and hormonal changes, many pregnant women experience physical discomfort, muscle tension, leg cramps, reduced sleep and increased stress.
At our Bristol Clifton clinic, we support pregnant clients through every stage of pregnancy with pregnancy massage, prenatal massage, physiotherapy and postnatal care. We also offer a wide range of massage therapy options for pre and post natal women including pregnancy massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage, and gentle wellbeing treatments, all delivered by qualified professionals. Soon, we’ll also be offering group classes for pregnancy pre and post, supporting wellbeing, movement and self care before and after baby arrives.
Pregnancy Massage & Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy and Prenatal massage is tailored to your stage of pregnancy, body changes and individual needs. It focuses on gentle techniques to ease tension, reduce stress, facilitate relaxation and provide relief from common symptoms such as back pain, swollen feet, fluid retention and muscle tension.
A qualified massage therapist will ensure safety by using side lying positioning, support pillows, and avoiding lying flat, especially in the second and third trimesters.
Pregnancy massage can help:
– Improve circulation
– Improve sleep and better sleep quality
– Ease tension and release tension in overworked muscles
– Reduce stress and promote relaxation
– Support posture shifts
Massage Therapy & Massage During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Massage includes a range of gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques rather than deep pressure or deep massage. While deep tissue massage and sports massage are excellent options outside of pregnancy, pregnancy massage uses modified pressure to avoid certain pressure points and certain acupressure points that could trigger contractions.
Pregnant Women
Every pregnancy is unique. While most women can enjoy a pregnancy massage, some pregnant women may need to avoid pregnancy massage altogether if they have specific medical conditions.
These include:
– High risk pregnancy
– Placenta previa
– Deep vein thrombosis or blood clots
– Gestational diabetes
– Varicose veins that are painful or inflamed
In these cases, professional pregnancy massage may still be possible with medical approval and modified techniques.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage pregnancy massage can be particularly beneficial during pregnancy to reduce swelling, fluid retention and discomfort in the legs, ankles and feet. It supports circulation without deep pressure and is ideal for swollen ankles/feet and varicose veins.
Physical Relief
Pregnancy massage provides physical relief from the strain of extra weight, posture changes and muscle fatigue. By improving blood flow and supporting improve circulation, massage can help reduce swelling, ease tension and support overall wellbeing.
Massage Safe
Pregnancy massage safe practices are central to everything we do. Our qualified Massage Therapists understand pregnancy anatomy, safety and how to modify pressure, positioning and techniques throughout each trimester.
When is it safe to get a pregnancy massage trimester by trimester guide
Massage during pregnancy is generally safe for most women when performed by a qualified therapist who understands safety considerations and adapts techniques to each stage of pregnancy.
However, the approach to massage changes throughout the trimester, and certain medical conditions may mean pregnancy massage isn’t safe or that modify treatments are required.
First Trimester
The first trimester is when the body begins to adjust hormonally, and common symptoms include morning sickness, fatigue, headaches and heightened sensitivity. At our clinic, we do not offer pregnancy massage in the first trimester.
Early pregnancy is a particularly sensitive stage, and while massage is generally safe later in pregnancy, many qualified professionals choose to avoid massage during the first trimester as a precaution. Our priority is always to ensure safety, carry out appropriate individual assessment, and follow best-practice safety considerations. For this reason, we begin offering pregnancy massage from the second trimester onwards, once the body has had time to settle into pregnancy changes.
We are, however, always happy to offer advice, physiotherapy guidance, and support around self care and prenatal care during the first trimester.
Second and Third Trimesters
The second trimester is often when many women feel more comfortable receiving a pregnancy massage. As the baby bump becomes more prominent, massage focuses on side lying positions, gentle techniques and supporting the lower back, hips and legs.
In the second or third trimester, massage can:
– Reduce swelling and fluid retention
– Ease leg cramps
– Improve sleep
– Support circulation and blood flow
– Promote relaxation as the due date approaches
Deep pressure and deep massage are avoided, especially around certain pressure points, acupressure points and areas associated with trigger contractions.
Third Trimester
During the third trimester, massage continues to support comfort as the baby arrives closer to the due date. Treatments focus on gentle pressure, relaxation and relief from physical discomfort, while avoiding pressure points that could encourage early labour.
When to Avoid Pregnancy Massage
There are situations where we may avoid pregnancy massage or adapt treatment significantly. These include high risk pregnancy, early labour symptoms, severe swelling, unexplained pain, or a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
A qualified therapist will always carry out a full consultation to ensure safety and determine whether to proceed.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used safely during pregnancy when selected carefully. Certain essential oils are avoided due to their potential effects on the nervous system or circulation. Aromatherapy pregnancy massage uses pregnancy-safe oils only, applied in gentle techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Post Pregnancy Massage and Ongoing Wellbeing
After baby arrives, post pregnancy massage and physiotherapy can support recovery, posture realignment, muscle tension release and self care. Regular massage supports physical relief, better sleep and overall wellbeing as the body adjusts after pregnancy.
Professional, Qualified Care in Bristol Clifton
At our Bristol Clifton clinic, all treatments are delivered by qualified therapists experienced in working with pregnant clients. Whether you’re looking for pregnancy massage, prenatal massage, physiotherapy, or gentle wellbeing treatments, we’re here to support you through every trimester and beyond.
We believe massage is a powerful part of prenatal care, postnatal recovery and long-term wellbeing, helping most women feel supported, relaxed and cared for during one of life’s most important stages.