Treatment · Pregnancy
Pregnancy Massage at Home in London
A gentle, nurturing massage for mums-to-be, given by a therapist trained in pregnancy massage, in the comfort of your own home. No travelling across London, no climbing on to a high spa bed, just side-lying comfort with plenty of pillows and time for your aching back, hips and legs.
- Therapists with additional pregnancy massage training
- From the second trimester onwards, plus postnatal massage
- From £80 for 60 minutes
What it is
What is pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal or antenatal massage, is a massage adapted to the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. It uses gentle to medium pressure, careful positioning and techniques chosen to ease the common discomforts of carrying a growing baby, such as lower back ache, tight hips, heavy legs and tense shoulders.
The biggest difference from a standard massage is position. From around the middle of pregnancy, lying flat on your back for a long time is generally avoided, because the weight of the uterus can press on major blood vessels and leave some women feeling faint or unwell. Lying on your front is also uncomfortable once your bump grows. So our therapists treat you mainly lying on your side, supported by pillows between your knees, under your bump and behind your back, or semi-reclined with your upper body raised.
Many of our clients say that being treated at home is a relief in itself. You can use your own bed or sofa if you prefer, go to the toilet whenever you need to, and rest straight afterwards.
Who it helps
How pregnancy massage can help
Every pregnancy is different, and massage is not a medical treatment, but our clients most often book pregnancy massage for:
Lower back ache
As your bump grows and your posture changes, the muscles of the lower back work harder. Gentle work here, in a side-lying position, is the most requested part of the treatment.
Hip and pelvic discomfort
Tight glutes and hips are common, and massage around the hips and buttocks can feel very soothing. If you have pelvic girdle pain (PGP), tell us so your therapist can adapt the treatment.
Heavy, tired legs
Many women feel their legs are heavy and achy, especially in the third trimester and in warm weather. Light, upward strokes on the legs are very popular.
Shoulder and neck tension
A changing centre of gravity, a heavier chest and broken sleep often lead to tight shoulders. Gentle work here can ease tension headaches and help you relax.
Sleep and stress
Pregnancy can be a demanding time physically and emotionally. A quiet hour focused on you can help you rest, sleep better and feel more connected to your body.
Sciatica-type discomfort
Some women feel aching or pain running from the buttock down the leg. Gentle massage around the hips may feel easier, but discuss persistent symptoms with your midwife.
Safety first
Is pregnancy massage safe?
Pregnancy massage given by a suitably trained therapist is considered safe for most women with a healthy, low-risk pregnancy. Our approach to safety is careful and consistent:
- From the second trimester: we usually treat clients from around 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Many therapists in the UK choose not to massage during the first trimester as a precaution, and so do we.
- Trained therapists: pregnancy massage is only given by therapists with additional training in prenatal massage.
- Comfortable positioning: side-lying or semi-reclined, with plenty of support, never long periods flat on your back.
- No essential oils: we use a plain, unscented carrier oil, as some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy.
- No deep pressure on the legs: the risk of blood clots is higher in pregnancy, so we use only light strokes on the legs and avoid deep work there.
- A full consultation: your therapist asks about your pregnancy, your midwife’s advice and how you are feeling on the day before starting.
When to speak to your midwife or GP first
Please check with your midwife, obstetrician or GP before booking, and tell us when you book, if you have:
- A high-risk pregnancy, or have been advised to rest
- High blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Placenta praevia, or any vaginal bleeding or fluid loss
- A history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Gestational diabetes that is not well controlled
- Severe headaches, abdominal pain or reduced baby movements
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your maternity unit or midwife straight away rather than booking a massage.
The session
What happens during your pregnancy massage at home
Your therapist arrives with a massage table, extra pillows and bolsters, fresh linen and unscented oil. If climbing on to a table is not comfortable, they can adapt and treat you on your own bed instead.
After a gentle conversation about your pregnancy, how you are sleeping and where you feel discomfort, you settle on your side, propped up with pillows. The therapist usually begins with your back, shoulders and neck, moves to the hips and glutes, then works lightly on the legs and feet before you turn on to the other side. You may also be treated semi-reclined for the arms, shoulders and scalp.
Take your time getting up at the end. Your therapist will stay nearby, offer you a glass of water and leave you to rest.
After birth
Postnatal massage at home
Once your baby has arrived, leaving the house for a treatment can feel almost impossible, which is exactly why a postnatal massage at home makes sense. We generally recommend waiting until you feel physically recovered and, after a caesarean section, until your wound has healed and you have had your postnatal check, usually around six to eight weeks after birth. Your therapist will avoid the abdomen and any tender areas, and focus on the neck, shoulders, upper back and arms that work so hard during feeding and carrying. Your baby can stay in the room with you.
Prices
Pregnancy massage prices
| Session length | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 60 minutes | Our recommended length during pregnancy, with focus on back, hips and legs | £80 |
| 90 minutes | A longer, unhurried full-body treatment with time for both sides and the scalp | £110 |
Pregnancy massage makes a thoughtful gift for a baby shower or from a partner. Ask us about gift vouchers.
Where we visit
Pregnancy massage at home across London
We offer pregnancy and postnatal massage at home throughout London, including Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, Notting Hill, Marylebone, Mayfair, Hampstead, Islington, Clapham, Battersea, Wimbledon and Canary Wharf. If your partner would like a massage at the same time, we can send two therapists for a couples session.
Preparation
Preparing for your pregnancy massage at home
- Tell us how many weeks pregnant you are and any advice from your midwife when you book.
- Have a light snack beforehand, so you do not feel lightheaded lying down.
- Keep extra pillows handy; your therapist brings bolsters, but your own pillows often feel best.
- Go to the toilet just before the treatment starts, and do not hesitate to pause during the massage if you need to.
- Have something loose and comfortable nearby to change into afterwards.
- Choose a warm room, ideally close to a bathroom.
Partners and birth preparation
Some partners like to learn a few simple, safe massage strokes to use at home in late pregnancy. If you would like this, mention it when you book and your therapist can show your partner some gentle techniques for the lower back and shoulders at the end of the session.
FAQs
Pregnancy massage FAQs
When can I start having pregnancy massage?
We usually treat clients from the second trimester, around 12 to 14 weeks, as long as the pregnancy is healthy and low risk. If you are unsure, check with your midwife first.
Can I have a massage in the third trimester?
Yes. Many women find massage most helpful in the third trimester, when back, hip and leg aches are at their worst. We can treat you right up to your due date if you feel well and your midwife has no concerns.
Can I lie on my front?
We do not use the front-lying position during pregnancy. Side-lying with pillows is safer and much more comfortable for you and your baby.
Do you use essential oils?
No. During pregnancy we only use a plain, unscented carrier oil. Please tell us if you have any nut or skin allergies so we bring a suitable oil.
Can the massage start labour?
There is no good evidence that a gentle pregnancy massage starts labour. Our therapists still avoid firm pressure on certain areas, such as the ankles, as a precaution.
Can I book a massage after my baby is born?
Yes, we offer postnatal massage at home. Most mums book from around six to eight weeks after birth, once they feel ready and, after a caesarean, once their wound has healed.
Book a pregnancy massage at home
Let us know how many weeks pregnant you are, your postcode and a preferred time. We will match you with a therapist trained in pregnancy massage.