Pregnancy is one of life's most transformative experiences, but the physical demands on the body can be significant. As your center of gravity shifts, hormones fluctuate, and your body adapts to support new life, aches and discomfort are common. Prenatal massage offers a safe, nurturing way to address these challenges while supporting your overall well-being.
At Oregon Massage & Spa, our therapists are specially trained in prenatal bodywork and have helped expecting mothers throughout the Newberg community and Willamette Valley find comfort and relief during every stage of pregnancy. Here is what the research says and what you should know before booking.
Research-Backed Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Studies published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology and other peer-reviewed publications have found that regular prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle and joint pain, and improve labor outcomes. The evidence is consistent: massage therapy during pregnancy is both safe and beneficial when performed by a trained therapist.
Specific benefits include relief from lower back pain, which affects the majority of pregnant women, reduced swelling in the legs and ankles through improved circulation, better sleep quality, decreased sciatic nerve pain, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Many clients also report a stronger sense of connection with their changing body and the baby.
Beyond the physical, prenatal massage provides something that is hard to quantify but deeply important: an hour of focused care during a time when so much attention is directed at preparing for the baby. Taking time for your own well-being is not a luxury; it is a meaningful investment in your health and your ability to handle the demands of pregnancy and early motherhood.
When to Get Prenatal Massage and Safety Considerations
Most healthcare providers recommend waiting until after the first trimester to begin prenatal massage, as the risk of miscarriage is highest during this period and certain pressure points are best avoided. From the second trimester onward, prenatal massage is widely considered safe for healthy pregnancies.
There are some situations where prenatal massage may not be appropriate. If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, placenta previa, or are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN or midwife before scheduling. Our therapists will also ask about your medical history and any pregnancy complications during your intake to ensure your session is safe.
During your session, you will be positioned on your side with supportive pillows to ensure comfort and proper alignment. Our therapists avoid specific acupressure points associated with uterine stimulation and use gentle to moderate pressure throughout. Communication is key; we encourage you to speak up about your comfort level at any time.
What to Expect at Oregon Massage & Spa
When you arrive for your prenatal massage, your therapist will begin with a thorough conversation about your pregnancy, how you are feeling, and any specific areas of discomfort. This helps them tailor the session to exactly what your body needs that day.
Our prenatal sessions focus on the areas most commonly affected by pregnancy: the lower back, hips, legs, neck, and shoulders. Your therapist adjusts their techniques as your pregnancy progresses, adapting to the unique demands of each trimester. Many of our clients begin in the second trimester and continue with regular sessions through delivery — partners often join later for a couples session.
Ready to experience the benefits of prenatal massage? Call Oregon Massage & Spa at (503) 538-0100 or learn more about our prenatal massage service . We look forward to supporting you on this journey.