Pregnancy massage

Get relief from pregnancy back, hip and pelvic pain

Your lower back aches by lunchtime, your hips burn after a night on your side, and your ankles are puffier than they used to be. Pregnancy discomfort is common, and it responds well to hands-on treatment.

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Medicare, NDIS, DVA and private health funds accepted.

Therapist performing prenatal massage on pregnant woman's belly

Understanding Pregnancy massage

Pregnancy massage is remedial massage adapted for a pregnant body. Your massage therapist positions you on your side with cushioning support, adjusts pressure, and works on the muscles carrying the extra load.

It is most often used for lower back pain, pelvic and hip discomfort, neck and shoulder tension, leg cramps and general heaviness. Sessions are available through the second and third trimesters, and after your baby arrives.

Who does it affect?

pregnant people at any stage, most commonly from around 16 weeks onwards

How common is it?

most people report back or pelvic pain at some point during pregnancy

What is the recovery like?

many notice relief the same day, and effects vary from person to person

Who should I see for treatment?

your remedial massage therapist, alongside your midwife or GP

What funding options are available?

Medicare, NDIS, DVA and private health funds accepted

What is pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage is hands-on soft tissue treatment delivered in a position that is comfortable and safe while you are pregnant. Your massage therapist changes the position, pressure and areas worked to suit your stage.

Most pregnancy discomfort builds gradually rather than starting with one incident. As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward and your pelvis widens. Muscles in your lower back, hips and shoulders then work harder to keep you upright.

What tends to contribute:

Weight gain through the second and third trimesters, which increases load through the lower back and pelvis
Relaxin and progesterone, hormones that soften ligaments and reduce joint stability
Postural change, including a deeper curve in the lower back and rounded shoulders
Broken sleep and long stretches of side-lying, which stiffen the neck, shoulders and hips

Symptoms of Pregnancy massage

Pregnancy massage is commonly booked for:

Lower back pain that builds through the day

Pelvic girdle pain across the pubic bone or at the back of the pelvis

Hip and glute pain, often worse after a night on one side

Neck, shoulder and upper back tension

Leg cramps and heaviness through the calves

Swelling in the hands, feet and ankles

Your treatment plan comes from a short assessment at the start of your first session, including how far along you are and how your pregnancy is tracking.

Side-lying positioning with support

Pillows under your bump, between your knees and behind your back keep you off your stomach and off your back, so pressure stays away from the major blood vessels

Soft tissue massage

Slow, sustained work through the lower back, glutes, hips and shoulders to reduce muscle tension and ease movement

Trigger point release

Direct pressure on tight bands of muscle that refer pain into the hip, buttock or shoulder blade

Gentle passive stretching

Your massage therapist moves the limb for you, within a safe range, to reduce stiffness without stressing loosened ligaments

Light drainage techniques

Slow strokes towards the lymph nodes to help move fluid out of swollen feet, ankles and hands

Positioning and self-care advice

How to sit, sleep and lift so the relief lasts between sessions

What to expect at your first appointment

Tell us what is going on

How many weeks you are, where the pain sits, how you are sleeping, and anything your midwife or GP has flagged.

A full assessment

Your massage therapist checks posture, movement and the areas causing pain, then confirms the safest position for you.

A clear plan

You get treatment on the day, plus a plan for pressure, position and how often to return.

Review and adjust

Your body changes every few weeks, so each session is adapted to the trimester you are in.

When to book an appointment

Book an assessment if:

Back, hip or pelvic pain has lasted more than two weeks
Pain is interrupting your sleep, your work or your ability to walk comfortably
Heat packs, stretching and rest are no longer taking the edge off
You are unsure whether what you are feeling is normal pregnancy discomfort

Looking after yourself at home

These steps help between sessions and suit most pregnancies.

Weight gain through the second and third trimesters, which increases load through the lower back and pelvis
Relaxin and progesterone, hormones that soften ligaments and reduce joint stability
Postural change, including a deeper curve in the lower back and rounded shoulders
Broken sleep and long stretches of side-lying, which stiffen the neck, shoulders and hips

Meet the team who treat this

Behind every appointment is a team of practitioners who know each other, trust each other and work together for you. Across seven clinics and nine disciplines, our team shares expertise, coordinates treatment plans and celebrates your progress together.

Meet the full team

All Services

Aimee Fuller

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Alicia Whiticker

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Amanda Banks

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Amanda Duggan

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Amy Meekings

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Anita Beerapu

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Benjamin Tucker

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Blake Cossar

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Bronte Tupper

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Chris Farrugia

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Corrina Aitken

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

David Logue

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Dean Gresser

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Emma Nassif

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Esha Sharma

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Fatima Hussaini

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Felicity Spencer-Davey

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Frankie Raikadroka

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Hannah Norrie

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Heather Edwards

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Isaac Vella

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Jarrah Nesbitt

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Jonathan Lopez

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Justin Hanna

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kasey Collins

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Katrina Gauci

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kennedy Touet

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kristy Edwards

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Kyle Perry

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Lorna Nicastri

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Maja Bosic

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Marxy Koronel

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Matt Barton

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Michael Todd

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Mr Jeffery Jenkins FACPS

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Nathan Cavanagh

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Patrick Celeban

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Praise Khin

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Sarah Bonnici

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Shannon Smith

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Siobhan Kelly

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Taleisha Bozzi

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Trystan Singh

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Uty Kotwal

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Yoni Hochberg

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

Zak Lloyd

Healthcare Support Officer

Available at Blaxland

EPC, DVA, NDIS and WorkCover welcome

Nearly half of our appointments are funded through Medicare, DVA, NDIS or WorkCover. We manage the paperwork so you can focus on your health.

NDIS

We support eligible NDIS participants across podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics and psychology, depending on your plan and goals. Eligibility and funding are set by your plan.

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Medicare

Medicare may rebate podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and dietetics sessions when your GP refers you under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, and psychology sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan. The number of sessions is set by your plan.

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DVA

Gold and White card holders can access DVA-funded care across our services with a valid referral.

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WorkCover

If you have been injured at work, we accept WorkCover referrals for physiotherapy, exercise physiology and psychology, and manage the paperwork with your insurer, with a clear return-to-work plan.

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Seven clinics across three regions

Find a clinic near you. Each location is staffed by local practitioners who know your community.

Penrith

Western Sydney

Our largest centre, with our full range of services under one roof.

510/536 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

Ropes Crossing

Western Sydney

Podiatry, at Ropes Crossing Village.

1B/2 Central Pl, Ropes Crossing NSW 2760

Blaxland

Blue Mountains

Podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and group classes.

10 Layton Ave, Blaxland NSW 2774

Springwood

Blue Mountains

Podiatry, dietetics and a boutique footwear store.

20 Ferguson Rd, Springwood NSW 2777

Katoomba

Blue Mountains

Podiatry, physiotherapy and dietetics, in a restored 1914 cottage.

69 Megalong St, Katoomba NSW 2780

Ryde

North Shore

Podiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics and exercise physiology, with a footwear store and gait analysis.

819 Victoria Road, Cnr Shepherd Street, Ryde NSW 2112

Lindfield

North Shore

Podiatry, with mobile podiatry across the North Shore and Northern Beaches.

2/324 Pacific Highway, Lindfield NSW 2070

view all locations

Ready to take the pressure off your back and hips?

Book a pregnancy massage with a qualified remedial massage therapist at a time that suits you.

Book Now Call Us On 1300 123 674

Frequently asked questions

Is pregnancy massage safe in the first trimester?

Many clinics wait until after 12 weeks before offering pregnancy massage, and we follow that approach. It is a precaution rather than evidence of harm, since the first trimester carries the highest background risk of complications regardless of treatment. If you are under 12 weeks and uncomfortable, talk to your midwife or GP first, then call us to discuss timing.

How will I lie on the table during a pregnancy massage?

You will lie on your side, supported with pillows under your bump, between your knees and behind your back. This keeps you off your stomach and avoids lying flat on your back, which can compress a major vein and leave you light-headed. Some work may be done seated or semi-reclined. You can change position at any point.

Can pregnancy massage bring on labour?

There is no good evidence that massage triggers labour in a healthy pregnancy. Certain acupressure points are traditionally avoided during pregnancy, and your massage therapist will work around them as a precaution. If you are past your due date and hoping to encourage labour, that is a conversation for your midwife or obstetrician rather than a massage booking.

Do I need approval from my midwife or GP first?

Most people do not. Clearance is worth getting if you have a high-risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, a history of blood clots, placenta praevia, or if you are carrying multiples. Bring any advice you have been given to your appointment so your massage therapist can work within it.

Can I have massage after my baby is born?

Yes. Post-natal massage is commonly booked from around six weeks after a vaginal birth, or once your caesarean wound has healed and you have been cleared at your postnatal check. Common reasons include upper back and neck tension from feeding positions, shoulder pain from carrying, and general recovery. Babies are welcome at the clinic. [CONFIRM: babies welcome in treatment rooms]

What should I tell my massage therapist before we start?

Tell us how many weeks you are, whether this pregnancy has had any complications, any medication you are taking, and where the pain sits. Also mention nausea, reflux, dizziness when lying down, varicose veins, or areas that feel sensitive. This shapes your position, the pressure used and the areas we avoid.