The answer, calmly

Yes, pre-natal massage is generally safe from the second trimester, which means after 12 weeks. You lie mainly on your side, supported by cushions. The pressure is gentle and suited to the stage of pregnancy you are in.

One rule comes before all the others: talk to your doctor or midwife before you book. Only the people looking after your pregnancy know if now is the right time for you. In a high-risk pregnancy, that conversation is essential.

There is a lot of talk about massage in pregnancy, and not all of it is true. Some ideas are too alarming, others too relaxed. Here we separate myth from fact, calmly and without scare stories. For the benefits and what a session feels like, read our guide to pregnancy massage.

Before you book, a quick conversation

Take the question to your next appointment and say you are thinking of a pre-natal massage at home. Ask whether anything needs extra care in your case. It is a short conversation, and it will put your mind at rest before the day.

If you like, bring the question ready: can I have a pre-natal massage, lying on my side, with gentle pressure? It is easy to answer and takes no one's time. The answer is worth more than any article, this one included.

Sometimes that conversation matters even more. Speak to your doctor or midwife with particular care if:

  • your pregnancy is considered high risk;
  • a complication is being monitored, such as blood pressure, placenta or clotting problems;
  • you have had bleeding, pain or unusual contractions;
  • you have pain, warmth or swelling in one leg only;
  • you have been advised to rest or limit your activity.

If you are given any advice, keep it in mind and tell your therapist at the very start of the session. That way, everything is adjusted to you from the first minute, with no surprises.

Myths about timing

"You can't have a massage when you're pregnant"

Fact: pregnancy on its own does not rule out massage. What changes is how the session is given. A pre-natal massage is designed for you from the start. It has its own position, support cushions and adapted pressure.

It is not a standard massage with less pressure, it is a different session with a different pace. Caution is welcome at this stage, and it makes perfect sense. The best answer to that caution is to speak to your doctor or midwife and choose a session made for pregnancy.

"Any time in pregnancy is fine"

Fact: timing matters, which is why RHEA offers pre-natal massage from the second trimester, after 12 weeks. In the first trimester, the advice is simply to wait. After that, each session follows the stage of pregnancy you are in.

Your body changes from week to week. A position that feels good today may not in a month. That is why your therapist always asks how many weeks pregnant you are. She also asks whether anything has changed since your last appointment.

"It's not advisable in the third trimester"

Fact: many women especially enjoy massage in the third trimester. It is when the back, hips and legs complain the most. Feet and ankles also tend to swell. The session is adjusted to this stage and can help ease these discomforts.

Even so, always listen to the people looking after you throughout your pregnancy. If your doctor or midwife gives new advice, that advice comes first. The booking can always wait a few days.

Myths about position and pressure

"You have to lie on your front"

Fact: pre-natal massage is given mainly with you lying on your side. You rest on cushions made for pregnancy, with no weight on your bump. This position is safe and comfortable at any stage. It still lets your therapist reach your back, hips and legs.

  • Support cushions: your therapist brings them, so you need nothing at home.
  • Adjustments: if a position stops feeling comfortable, just say, because changing sides is part of the session.
  • Pauses: you can ask for a pause at any time, to use the bathroom or change position.

"The firmer, the better"

Fact: in pregnancy, the pressure is gentler, light to moderate, mostly on the lower back, hips and legs. It avoids sensitive areas and specific pressure points. A touch that used to feel good may now feel like too much.

So this is not the time for a deep tissue massage, which can wait until after your baby arrives. For now, the aim is comfort, rest and an hour just for you.

A session, step by step

Your therapist arrives on time with the table, cushions, hot towels and linens. All you need is a quiet space with room for the table. A living room or bedroom works well. If you like soft light, lower the blinds halfway.

Before starting, you talk for a few minutes about how you have been feeling. Your therapist asks how many weeks pregnant you are and what discomforts you feel. She also asks whether your doctor or midwife has given any advice. It is worth mentioning everything, even what seems small.

During the session, you wear comfortable clothing and your body stays covered with professional sheets throughout. The music is low and the pace is slow, with no rush at all. If you feel pain, dizziness, nausea or simple discomfort, say so straight away.

Your therapist will then stop, adjust or end the session, and you never need to explain why. Your comfort always sets the pace. For a first session, 60 minutes is usually plenty, and later you can try 75 or 90 minutes.

At the end, there is no rush at all. Turn slowly and sit for a few moments before you stand. Drink a glass of water, slowly. Then the sofa is waiting, with no traffic and no journey home.

When to wait and call your doctor

Some signs call for immediate contact with your doctor or the health services. Examples include bleeding, strong pain or a severe headache. The same goes for sudden swelling of the face or hands, or a sense that your baby is moving less.

In those cases, the answer is medical care, and the massage can wait. If any symptom worries you after a session, call your doctor or midwife. Massage is a moment of comfort, never a treatment.

Pre-natal massage, at home

RHEA offers pre-natal massage at home from 12 weeks. We are in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, every day from 7am to 10pm. You can also book directly at www.rhea.pt/booking/en.

We bring everything: a professional table, support cushions, hot towels, linens, hypoallergenic oils and ambient music. Sessions of 60, 75 and 90 minutes cost €85, €99 and €115, with travel included. The price you see is the price you pay.

Our therapists are certified, and RHEA assigns the professional available for your area and time. Plans change, and in pregnancy even more so.

You can cancel or reschedule at no cost up to 24 hours before, while inside 24 hours the session is charged. Have a question? Message us on WhatsApp at +351 920 540 239. We reply within minutes.