Is Prenatal Massage Safe During the First Trimester? Here’s What the Science Actually Says.
Prenatal massage is an absolutely incredible resource for moms with many benefits, including pain relief, reduced swelling, muscle tension and headache relief, better sleep, reduced cortisol and anxiety, and increased serotonin and dopamine. Some studies have even shown that moms who receive massage during pregnancy have shorter labors and a reduced need for pain medication. We highly recommend seeking out a Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist throughout your pregnancy - you deserve it!
But let’s talk about massage during the first trimester.
The first trimester is hard. So many moms are doing well just to leave the house during the first trimester; nevermind how many are carrying the mental load of their households, full time jobs, and childcare for older children. In the midst of nausea, heartburn, discomfort, SI pain, and more, these moms want nothing more than a nice, relaxing massage. Sounds great, right?
But when they call the spa, they’re told that massage during the first trimester isn’t safe, and they’ll have to wait. #firstworldproblems, but also…that’s more than a little devastating, isn’t it?
Marilyn Glinka, owner of Arches Bodywork, is certified to work with moms through all three trimesters, and into the season of postpartum. How is that?
To put it bluntly, prenatal massage during the first trimester doesn’t necessarily cause miscarriage - the sad fact is that most miscarriages occur during the first trimester (about 80% before 12 weeks). Many massage therapists, clinics, and spas don’t feel comfortable running the risk of being blamed for a miscarriage, just in case a client were to miscarry after receiving a massage. It is safer for the clinic from a liability standpoint.
There are additional reasons why clinics or spas don’t feel comfortable working with first-trimester clients, including:
Pressure point concerns: Some acupressure points can stimulate uterine contractions, which should be avoided during early pregnancy
Circulatory changes / Hormonal sensitivity: The first trimester is a sensitive time of fetal development, and vigorous massage can increase circulation too much, or potentially shift hormone levels
Nausea and sensitivity: The first trimester is characteristically filled with morning sickness, nausea, dizziness, and smell aversions - lying on a table in a closed room filled with the smell of essential oils can be too much for many first trimester clients
Blood clot risk: Pregnancy increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and massage can dislodge clots in the legs
All of these are reasonable concerns, and we encourage moms to check with their medical provider before booking a massage during their first trimester - for many, it’s just not worth the risk, and that’s completely valid.
If, after discussing it with your doctor, you would like to book a first trimester massage, make sure to seek out a Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist (if you’re in the Belmont / Gastonia / McAdenville / Charlotte area, Arches Bodywork is our favorite!). A Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist will have additional training and bodywork practice with pregnant bodies, and will be trained to exercise caution where needed, and offer additional resources or options for moms dealing with smell aversions or nausea. Keep in mind that many providers, including Arches Bodywork, will request that you receive the okay from your doctor before booking your massage.
There are a few select circumstances where moms will be advised to avoid first-trimester massage entirely:
If you are carrying multiple babies
If you have a history of miscarriage
If you are considered high risk by your healthcare provider