Stretching the boundaries: How to massage pregnant clients safely & effectively

Massage has great potential benefits for an expectant mother and her growing baby. But therapists need to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge in order to massage pregnant clients safely, respectfully and effectively.


In her article "Stretching the boundaries" in IFPA's aromatherapy journal, aromatherapist, reflexologist and specialist in pregnancy massage Katie Whitehouse outlines the physical problems faced by pregnant women and explains the key tools therapists need to feel confident and safe working with pregnant clients.

Here is an excerpt of her article:

"Of paramount importance is that we work safely, with respect for the mother and growing baby, and within the boundaries of our own training"

Generally therapists are nervous about doing something wrong - even if they are not quite sure what that wrong thing could be. My experience and research has shown me that the key tools we need to feel confident and safe working and advising pregnant women are:

- A thorough understanding of all the relevant anatomical changes in a woman's body at each stage of pregnancy and postpartum (after the birth)

- Complete confidence in adapting our bodywork skills in order to work safely, respectfully and effectively and to ensure that the client is comfortable

1) Positioning

An important consideration is going to be how best to position your client so that they are comfortable: as the abdomen gets bigger and bigger they are not going to be able to lie prone. My position of choice is side lying, using plenty of pillows to support the body. This position is suitable for all three trimesters of a normal pregnancy.

2) Implications for a massage sessions

We cannot and should not give deep abdominal massage in pregnancy. But massaging reflex areas such as foot reflexes or the ileotibial band, which can link to the digestive system, can be very effective.

Always carry out a postural observation at the beginning of each session with a pregnant client. Also check for new areas of muscular tension or pain to ensure that you have a clear picture of how each mother's body is changing and adapting as pregnancy progresses.

3) Connection

It is so important to remember that we are massaging not just one but two people here so acknowledging and connecting with them both is key. I tend to do this right at the beginning of a session, once the client is comfortable, with what I call a "hello hold" with one hand gently on the mother's abdomen, connecting with the baby, and the other on the mother's lower back. This is a lovely way to finish as well, with a "good-bye hold".

To read the full article or learn more about pregnancy massage, please visit our extensive library at APA. Diploma and Certificate students can borrow books and journals free of charge!