Prenatal Massage in Pregnancy: Is It Safe, Which Position and When to Avoid It

FM

Medically reviewed by

Dr Fatimah Mustafah

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

• M.D (UKM)
• M.O&G (Universiti Malaya)
• MMC 27460
• NSR 134372

Written by

Roseville Spa Team

Women therapists at Roseville Muslimah Spa, Bangi Gateway

Updated 30 October 2026 21 references

Disclosure: Dr Fatimah is one of Roseville’s owners.

Is prenatal massage safe? What the research says

Many pregnant women want a massage for an aching back or tired legs. The NHS even lists “have a massage or a warm bath” among ways to ease back pain in pregnancy.

A systematic review of 10 randomised trials (1,198 pregnant women, 2016) found massage and other hands-on methods eased back and pelvic pain compared with usual care, but not compared with a sham (pretend) technique. Only 3 trials reported on safety.

Another review (2020) of 8 studies found massage may ease anxiety and low mood, but none of the trials had a low risk of bias.

The Ministry of Health (KKM) guideline on Malay massage (2018) lists pregnancy among conditions needing caution, and discourages massage for pregnant women at the traditional medicine units of government health facilities, to avoid the risk of miscarriage.

First, second and third trimester

First trimester. In the 2016 review, the average stage of pregnancy was 21 to 30 weeks, so early data is scarce. Bleeding is the main symptom of miscarriage (NHS): if you have any, skip massage and call your doctor. Waiting until the second trimester is the cautious choice.

Second trimester. Many studies were done around this stage; lying on your side with pillows usually feels better.

Third trimester and 37 to 39 weeks. After 28 weeks, sleeping on your back can raise the risk of stillbirth (NHS). Back pain at this stage can signal early labour (NHS), so get it checked first. If contractions come every 5 minutes or more often, stop and call the hospital (NHS).

Can prenatal massage induce labour?

We found no good-quality study showing that gentle massage starts labour, and a Cochrane review (2017) of 22 trials found no clear benefit from third-trimester acupressure on “labour points”. But an NHS hospital leaflet says some essential oils may help labour start, so avoid them unless advised.

Who should check with a doctor first?

Get medical advice before any massage if you have:

• vaginal bleeding or a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia) (NHS);
• high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, now or before (NHS);
• a previous preterm birth or a preterm risk;
• a past blood clot or varicose veins, or take blood thinners (NHS);
• pain and swelling in one leg;
• a high fever, or a wound or rash where you want massage.

KKM asks massage practitioners to take care with these too. Ask at your antenatal check-up.

How do you lie during a prenatal massage?

A prenatal massage is adapted for pregnancy: lighter pressure, bump support and some areas avoided. The NHS suggests lying on your side with pillows under your bump and between your knees; that sleep advice works on a massage bed too.

Later in pregnancy, avoid lying flat on your back for more than a few minutes; it can make you dizzy and is not good for your baby (NHS). There is no standard session length: stop or change position if you feel dizzy, sick or too warm.

Back, waist, legs and feet: what to watch for

Sources: NHS on back pain, swelling, pre-eclampsia and DVT; NCCIH; KKM.

Massage oil in pregnancy: what to avoid

KKM lists oil allergy, bruising and soreness as possible side effects. An NHS hospital leaflet adds that not all essential oils are safe in pregnancy: never apply them undiluted or on broken skin, and check with an aromatherapy-trained midwife first.

• Use a plain oil without essential oils, unless your doctor agrees.
• Try a little on your arm first if your skin reacts easily.
• Tell the therapist about allergies; keep oil off wounds and rashes.

Saunas and hot baths

Pregnant women are advised to avoid heat stress: a core temperature of 39°C or more is linked to risks for the baby (systematic review, 2019). Short sauna sessions in small studies stayed below that, but spas vary, so ask your doctor first.

Massage to turn a breech baby: please don’t

Some traditional practices massage the tummy to turn a breech baby. If a tukang urut (traditional masseuse) offers this, politely decline.

Turning a breech baby from outside, called external cephalic version (ECV), is done by a doctor or midwife trained in it, in a hospital that can do an emergency caesarean, with the baby’s heart rate monitored (RCOG). About 1 in 200 women need an emergency caesarean straight after. The NHS says ECV is usually offered at 36 weeks.

Prenatal massage in Bangi: Roseville Muslimah Spa

Looking for prenatal massage in Bangi? Roseville Muslimah Spa at Plaza Bangi Perdana, Bangi Gateway, is open to all women, with female therapists and a private, enclosed space. Our spa menu includes prenatal and postnatal massage, adapted to your stage, for comfort and rest rather than medical problems.

Planning your confinement too? While at the spa, book a free villa visit at our Muslim-friendly confinement centre, or get a Free Confinement Plan from your due date. See also when to book a confinement centre and gift ideas for your wife.

After the birth, needs change, especially after a C-section: see our postnatal massage guide.

Warning signs: stop and call the hospital

Stop and call your doctor or hospital straight away if you notice any of these signs (NHS: bleeding, tummy pain, waters, baby movements, pre-eclampsia, DVT):

For baby movements, call even in the middle of the night (NHS). Roseville is not a clinic or hospital and does not assess health.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor. Roseville is a confinement care centre and women’s spa, not a clinic or hospital. Spa sessions, including prenatal massage, are for comfort, with no promise of health results. For any health concern for you or your baby, please see a doctor or registered health facility.