Pregnancy brings extraordinary changes—physically, emotionally, and energetically. Taking time to rest and receive care isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. Prenatal massage offers a safe, natural way to ease discomfort, improve circulation, and restore balance as your body adapts to each new phase—and continues to support recovery and renewal in the postpartum period.
At The Still Point, our approach combines therapeutic expertise with a deep respect for the rhythm of pregnancy and the body’s remarkable transition afterward. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, supporting comfort, calm, and connection. Whether you’re seeking relief from tension, a deeper sense of balance, or a quiet moment to simply breathe, prenatal and postpartum massage offer gentle restoration for both body and mind.
Five Evidence-Informed Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is far more than a moment of relaxation. It supports the natural physiological and emotional shifts that come with pregnancy, helping you stay balanced from the inside out.
1. Hormonal Balance and Mood Support
Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase serotonin and dopamine—neurotransmitters that elevate mood and support overall well-being. Lower stress means a healthier environment for both you and your baby.
2. Relief from Aches, Swelling, and Tension
As your body adjusts, it’s common to experience back pain, hip discomfort, and/or swelling in the legs and ankles. Prenatal massage encourages circulation, eases muscular tension, and helps manage fluid retention—restoring comfort and mobility.
3. Better Sleep and Deep Relaxation
Gentle touch quiets the nervous system and promotes the kind of deep rest that can be elusive during pregnancy. Regular sessions often lead to improved sleep quality, calmer moods, and a greater sense of resilience.
4. Support for Labor Preparation and Outcomes
Research shows that regular prenatal massage may contribute to shorter labor, less pain, and lower complication rates. By regulating hormones and improving overall well-being, massage can help prepare your body, mind, and spirit for birth.
5. Emotional Connection and Calm
Prenatal massage offers more than physical relief—it provides a quiet moment to connect with your changing body and growing baby. In a space created for peace and care, it becomes an anchor during a time of continual change.
Our Evidence-Informed Approach to Prenatal Massage
At The Still Point, we believe that every stage of pregnancy deserves care. While many spas avoid first-trimester massage out of caution, there is no scientific evidence that properly modified massage causes miscarriage or harm in healthy pregnancies.
Here’s what the research and expert organizations show—and why we confidently include this nurturing service from the very beginning of pregnancy:
No proven risk:
There is no clinical evidence linking first-trimester massage with miscarriage or complications. The American Pregnancy Association and peer-reviewed studies confirm that gentle, well-performed massage is safe throughout pregnancy when appropriate precautions and modifications are taken (see below).Medical caution ≠ scientific concern:
Some hospitals and large wellness chains wait until after 12 weeks of pregnancy—not because of data showing harm, but because most miscarriages occur naturally in the first trimester. Avoiding early-pregnancy massage is therefore a liability precaution, not a medically-supported restriction.Expert consensus supports safety:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that massage can safely help reduce tension and improve circulation during pregnancy. Other medical and wellness organizations echo this—adding that while some therapists choose to wait, there is little to no medical evidence suggesting early massage is unsafe.Training and technique make the difference:
Our licensed massage therapists are prenatal-certified and trained in trimester-specific positioning, pressure, and safety protocols. We use side-lying or semi-reclined positions only, avoid abdominal or deep-leg work, and continually check in for comfort.Collaborative, individualized care:
For healthy pregnancies, we welcome clients in any trimester—with your provider’s approval. For high-risk or medically complex pregnancies, we coordinate closely with your care team to ensure full safety and comfort.Our philosophy:
Pregnancy is a time for care, not fear. Evidence shows that lowering stress hormones and supporting relaxation benefits both parent and baby. Our goal is to provide that calm foundation—right from the start.
What to Expect During Your Prenatal Massage
Your session begins with a conversation—how you’re feeling, what’s changing, and what kind of support your body and mind need. You’ll be positioned comfortably on your side or in a semi-reclined posture with bolsters and pillows to support your hips, back, and belly. Pressure is always gentle to moderate, focusing on comfort, circulation, and release of areas of tension.
We avoid deep pressure on the legs or abdomen and never use hot stones or excessive heat during pregnancy. Throughout the session, your therapist checks in to ensure you feel safe and supported.
How Often Should You Come?
For most clients, we recommend scheduling monthly or biweekly prenatal massages to maintain comfort, balance, and circulation as your body continues to change. Regular sessions help prevent common discomforts, support better sleep, and create a restorative rhythm of care throughout pregnancy.
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your provider agrees, you can begin as early as you wish—even in the first trimester—and continue through each stage with adjustments to meet your body’s needs.
We also encourage continued care after birth. Postpartum massage supports recovery, hormone regulation, and emotional well-being as your body transitions into its new phase.
Many of our clients choose to make this ongoing care simple through The Still Point Promise Program, which offers reduced pricing for regular monthly visits before, during, and after pregnancy—because your well-being deserves consistent support, not occasional relief.
A Gentle Reminder
Every pregnancy is unique. Always consult your prenatal care provider before beginning any new bodywork or wellness practice, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific medical concerns.
At The Still Point, your safety and comfort guide everything we do. Our therapists are trained, certified, and deeply attuned to the needs of pregnancy at every stage.
