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Pregnancy Massage in BromleyAdapted for each trimester, side-lying and fully supported

Pregnancy massage is soft tissue treatment adapted for a body that is changing week by week. The pressure, the positioning and the areas we work on all shift as the pregnancy progresses. Most people book because of low back and pelvic ache, tight hips, shoulders that have taken over the work of carrying, swollen legs, or simply because sleep has become difficult and an hour of being properly looked after helps.

At our Bromley clinic this is mostly second and third trimester, and the two commonest complaints by a distance are lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain. Almost everyone arrives having been told to just put up with it. You often do not have to.

How we position you

Lying face down stops being an option early on, and lying flat on your back becomes uncomfortable and is generally avoided from around the middle of pregnancy, because the weight of the uterus can press on a major vein and leave you feeling light-headed.

So the work is done side-lying, supported with pillows under the bump, between the knees and under the upper arm. It is a comfortable, stable position and it gives good access to the back, hips, glutes, shoulders and neck, which is where the problems usually are. Some people prefer to be semi-reclined for the neck and shoulder work, and that is easily arranged. If a position stops feeling right at any point, we change it.

What it helps with

  • Lower back and pelvic girdle pain. The commonest reason people book, and the one where soft tissue work plus a few specific exercises tends to help most.
  • Hip and glute tightness from a changing centre of gravity and a wider stance.
  • Neck, shoulder and upper back ache, which usually gets worse as the bump grows and posture changes.
  • Leg heaviness and mild swelling, where gentle work towards the heart is often comfortable.
  • Sleep and general tension. Not a medical claim, just something most people report.

What we will not claim is that massage treats anything obstetric. It is comfort and movement, not medicine, and where something needs your midwife or GP we will say so.

Is it safe?

For a straightforward, low-risk pregnancy, massage adapted for pregnancy is widely considered safe and is commonly used. We keep the pressure moderate rather than deep, avoid heavy work over the abdomen, and stay conservative around the lower legs.

A few sensible rules we work to:

  • We ask how far along you are, how the pregnancy has been, and whether it is a multiple pregnancy.
  • We avoid deep work on the calves and inner thighs. Pregnancy raises the risk of blood clots, and a swollen, hot, tender calf needs a doctor rather than massage.
  • We keep you off your back from the middle of pregnancy onwards, and change position the moment anything feels off.
  • If you are early in pregnancy, have had complications or bleeding, or are being monitored for anything, we will ask you to check with your midwife or GP before booking. Plenty of people do, and it takes one conversation.
When to speak to your midwife or a doctor first
Massage is not the right call, and some symptoms need urgent attention rather than an appointment. Contact your maternity unit, midwife or GP straight away if you have:

  • Any vaginal bleeding, or fluid leaking.
  • Severe or persistent headache, visual disturbance, swelling of the face or hands, or pain under the ribs, these can be signs of pre-eclampsia.
  • A calf that is swollen, hot, red or tender, or breathlessness and chest pain, a possible clot, which is an emergency.
  • Regular tightenings or cramping before 37 weeks.
  • Reduced or changed movements from the baby.
  • A fever, or feeling generally unwell.

None of that is a reason to worry about massage. It is simply the list worth knowing while pregnant.

What a session is like
Sessions run 30, 45 or 60 minutes. The first one starts with questions: how many weeks, how the pregnancy has gone, what hurts and when, and what you are hoping to get out of it. Then we get you comfortable on your side and work through the areas that need it, checking in on pressure as we go. You will usually leave with one or two simple things to do at home, a position that takes load off the pelvis, or a way of getting in and out of the car that does not set the back off. Many people come every two to four weeks through the third trimester; others come once because something specific has flared.
After the birth
Postnatal soft tissue work is worth thinking about too, particularly for the upper back and neck, which take a battering from feeding and carrying. Most people wait until around six weeks, or until after their postnatal check, and longer after a caesarean. Ask your GP or midwife if you are unsure. When you are ready, ordinary sports massage or deep tissue massage is usually the right fit.
Prices
Pregnancy massage is £45 for 30 minutes, £55 for 45 minutes and £65 for an hour. Our full price list covers everything else we offer.

Book pregnancy massage in Bromley

SMSM Therapy is at Carlton Chambers, 5 Station Road, Bromley BR2 0EY. The way in is the red side gate to the right of the building, a three-minute walk from Shortlands station. We see people from across Bromley, Beckenham, Shortlands, Hayes, West Wickham, Chislehurst, Petts Wood and Orpington.

Call 07896 257328 if you would like to talk it through first. We are happy to answer questions before you commit, or book an appointment online. Directions are on our location page.

Not sure this is the right treatment? Our guide to massage in Bromley compares all five and helps you pick.

Written by Dharam Vyas, sports therapist and clinic director at SMSM Therapy, Bromley.

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