If you’re wondering when you can book a prenatal massage with me, my answer is after 12 weeks. If your pregnancy is high risk, I’ll also need clearance from your OB/GYN before we book. Those are the starting points; the appointment itself depends on what you need and what feels comfortable.
Why I ask you to wait until after 12 weeks
After 12 weeks is my practice policy for prenatal massage. It isn’t a guarantee that massage is appropriate for every pregnancy, and it doesn’t replace advice from your own care team.
Cleveland Clinic’s guide to prenatal massage says most pregnancy providers usually recommend waiting until 12 weeks or later. Your doctor or midwife may advise you to wait longer or avoid massage. Follow their advice even if you’ve passed my 12-week threshold.
If your pregnancy is high risk
If you’re considered high risk, I ask for clearance from your OB/GYN before I book you. I’d rather have that conversation first than guess. Cleveland Clinic’s guide also tells readers to check with their pregnancy provider before booking, and notes that conditions such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure may change their advice.
If you’re unsure whether that applies to you, ask your pregnancy care provider before booking. You don’t have to work it out on your own.
What I ask before your first prenatal session
Before we start, I ask how far along you are, whether you’ve been pregnant before, what massage experience you’ve had, and whether your care team has given you any restrictions. Most of my prenatal clients come in for pregnancy-related low back, sciatic, hip or neck pain, or swelling (edema). Those answers help me plan the session around you.
Comfort comes first. I’ve used a supportive side-lying pillow kit with prenatal clients for more than ten years, and I use a semi-reclined position for some work. If a position doesn’t feel right, we change it. Medical decisions stay with your doctor.
A few things I can’t do
Massage can’t diagnose pelvic pain or tell you why something hurts. If you’re dealing with hip pain, my post on hip pain in pregnancy and where massage fits covers when to call your care team. For a wider look at local support during and after pregnancy, see this guide to prenatal and new-parent support in Newport Beach.
Ready to book?
You can read more about prenatal massage at OC Massage Therapy, and my FAQ covers rates, tipping and cancellations. When you’re past 12 weeks and have your OB/GYN’s clearance if you’re high risk, text or call me. Tell me how far along you are and what’s bothering you most, and I’ll take it from there.
