Traditional massage

Prenatal massage

นวดคนท้อง

A relaxation massage adapted to pregnancy: side-lying or seated, moderate pressure, no work on the belly and extra care with the legs and essential oils.

IntensityModerate

A session

Often 20 min in research; up to about 70 min

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Prenatal massage is not a separate tradition with a single founder or date. It is relaxation massage adapted to the needs and risks of pregnancy, mainly through positioning, pressure and the areas that are avoided.

Research on it is relatively recent. A 2021 systematic review identified 12 randomised controlled trials, many from a small number of research teams, in which women generally began massage from around the 12th week of pregnancy. Some trials used massage given by a trained partner rather than a professional.

The principle

The idea is to offer the comfort of massage while respecting the changes of pregnancy. The woman lies on her side or sits, rather than on her stomach or for long periods on her back; pressure is moderate and pleasant rather than deep; the abdomen is not massaged; and the legs receive only gentle strokes, because pregnancy raises the risk of blood clots.

In healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, the 2021 review found that relaxation massage was associated with lower stress, less back and leg pain, and lower anxiety and depression scores, with only minor, temporary side effects such as tiredness. Most trials excluded women with complications, so these findings apply to low-risk pregnancies.

What people come for

To relax and take time for oneself during pregnancy
To ease back and leg discomfort, as reported in studies
To lower feelings of stress or low mood
To rest comfortably in a supported position
To involve a partner, who can learn simple techniques

How it works on the body

Prenatal massage uses moderate pressure in a side-lying or seated position, with pillows to support the belly and knees.

A session, step by step

01
Check with your carer
If your pregnancy has any complication, get the agreement of your obstetrician or midwife first.
02
Health questions
The therapist asks about your pregnancy week, any complications, leg swelling or pain, and medication.
03
Positioning
You lie on your side with pillows, or sit supported; you should not lie on your stomach or stay long on your back.
04
Gentle, moderate massage
The therapist uses pleasant, non-painful pressure, avoiding the belly and deep work on the legs.
05
Oils with care
Plain or very diluted oils are used; concentrated essential oils are avoided.
06
Afterwards
Some women feel tired after a session; rest and get up slowly.

Precautions

Complicated or high-risk pregnancy: only after consultation with your obstetrician or midwife.
Blood clots: leg massage with an unrecognised deep-vein thrombosis can be life-threatening. Do not have your legs massaged if a leg is swollen, painful, red or warm; see a doctor.
No deep-tissue massage, no massage on the abdomen and no lying on the stomach during pregnancy.
Essential oils: their safety in pregnancy has not been clearly demonstrated. Avoid concentrated oils; trials used only low dilutions such as 2% lavender.
Some traditions, such as shiatsu, avoid certain pressure points in the first trimester. Ayurvedic Shirodhara is listed as contraindicated in pregnancy.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

In Thailand, any massage offered as a business, including prenatal massage, falls under the Health Establishment Act B.E. 2559 (2016), in force since 27 September 2016 and administered by the Department of Health Service Support of the Ministry of Public Health. Spa and health-massage establishments must be licensed and service providers registered after a recognised course. We found no separate Thai certification for prenatal massage, so it is worth asking whether the therapist has specific pregnancy training and can work side-lying.

Frequently asked questions

From which week can I have a prenatal massage?

Trials included women from about the 12th week, and the 2021 review gives no trimester-specific rules for healthy pregnancies. Ask your midwife or doctor, especially in the first trimester.

Can I lie on my stomach or my back?

Not on your stomach, and not for long on your back. Lying on your side or sitting is recommended.

Can massage trigger labour?

Some practitioners worry about certain pressure points, but the 2021 review found no scientific support for this; some traditions still avoid those points.

Are essential oils safe in pregnancy?

Their safety is not clearly established. Avoid concentrated oils and prefer plain or very diluted oil, after checking with your carer.

Also in Traditional massage

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