How Often Should You Get a Prenatal Massage? A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
Pregnancy changes everything your body, your sleep, your stress levels, and even your posture. As these changes unfold, many expectant mothers turn to prenatal massage not only for relaxation, but also for real relief.
But one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How often should I get a prenatal massage?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all it depends on your body, your stage of pregnancy, and how you’re feeling week by week. This trimester-by-trimester guide will help you understand the ideal frequency and benefits of prenatal massage throughout your pregnancy journey.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–13): Focus on Stress Relief and Emotional Balance
Recommended Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks
In early pregnancy, your body is going through intense hormonal shifts — often before your bump even shows. Nausea, fatigue, mood swings, and anxiety can make this trimester emotionally draining.
Massage goals in this stage:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Promote emotional well-being
- Encourage better sleep
- Ease early muscle tension and mental fatigue
Note: Some women prefer to wait until after week 12 to begin massage. While light-touch massage is safe during the first trimester, always consult with your doctor or midwife especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.
Second Trimester (Weeks 14–27): Targeting Muscle Pain and Postural Changes
Recommended Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks (or more if needed)
This is the trimester where most moms begin to feel more energetic and stable. It’s also the time when the baby bump starts to grow, shifting your posture and creating more pressure on the lower back, hips, and legs.
Massage goals in this stage:
- Relieve lower back and hip pain
- Address sciatic nerve pressure
- Improve circulation to reduce swelling
- Support better sleep and relaxation
- Ease shoulder and neck tension from posture changes
Many moms find that scheduling regular massage during this stage helps prevent chronic pain later in pregnancy.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–Birth): Labor Prep and Comfort Support
Recommended Frequency: Weekly or every 10–14 days
As the baby grows and your due date nears, your body will feel heavier, less mobile, and possibly more uncomfortable. This is when consistent massage can really make a difference — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Massage goals in this stage:
- Ease pelvic tension and back pain
- Reduce swelling in the feet and legs
- Improve sleep and reduce fatigue
- Support flexibility for labor preparation
- Promote relaxation and oxytocin release to help the body prepare naturally for childbirth
Pro Tip: Many women schedule a massage in the final week before labor to help the body and mind enter labor feeling relaxed and prepared.
What If You’re Experiencing Discomfort Sooner?
If you’re dealing with persistent pain, insomnia, or swelling earlier than expected, don’t wait. Prenatal massage is flexible it can be adjusted to suit your needs at any stage, as long as it’s performed by a trained therapist who understands pregnancy-safe techniques.
At Real Thai Massage in Lethbridge, we take the time to get to know where you’re at physically and emotionally and then tailor your massage session to give you maximum comfort and relief.
Summary Table: Massage Frequency by Trimester
| Trimester | Recommended Frequency | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| First (Weeks 1–13) | Every 3–4 weeks | Stress, sleep, anxiety |
| Second (Weeks 14–27) | Every 2–3 weeks | Back pain, swelling, posture support |
| Third (Weeks 28–Birth) | Weekly or biweekly | Labor prep, fatigue, full-body relief |
Create Your Personalized Prenatal Massage Plan
Every pregnancy is unique. What works for one mom may not work for another — and that’s okay. The key is to listen to your body and get the support you need to feel your best.
At Real Thai Massage, we’re here to help you build a custom massage schedule that grows with you from trimester one to delivery. Whether you’re new to massage or a returning client, you’ll receive professional, compassionate care that’s rooted in safety, comfort, and total well-being.