07/24/2026
Kiera Nagle, MA, LMT, CLC we often get asked what type of service is the right one to book when you are pregnant.
And there’s two good answers which depend on your goals for your massage session!
If you have a goal of focusing on reducing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort from activities of daily living while pregnant, you should book a session. In this session, your therapist can provide deeper touch methods like myofascial release, trigger point work, Swedish massage, and mobilizations to help reduce muscle tension and pain and restore mobility.
But, if you have a goal of focusing on reducing swelling and edema of the legs, arms and face, and/or are experiencing any digestive concerns, you should book an session. In this session, your therapist will apply light touch / skin stretch pressure to the face, neck, arms, ribs, and legs to activate the lymph receptors and reduce swelling. We can also include abdominal massage in this session which can help reduce digestive symptoms and pelvic pressure, foster diaphragmatic breathing and positively impact lymph flow. THIS SESSION WILL NOT INCLUDE deeper pressure work to address musculoskeletal pain.
Prenatal massage uses traditional massage modalities like Swedish massage, myofascial release, acupressure and more to address the common discomforts of pregnancy with deeper touch / pressure approaches that can be customized for your preference and comfort. Manual lymphatic drainage or MLD integrates perfectly with prenatal massage as it works towards reducing swelling, particularly of the limbs, which is a common symptom in pregnancy. MLD is a more subtle approach using light touch to stretch the skin, where the lymph receptors are located. It is very relaxing and effective, but it does feel different than “regular” massage. We like to clarify this so that we can meet client expectations with our care.
Have multiple goals ? In this case it is best to book a prenatal massage, and make it a longer session- at least 75 or 90 minutes so that your therapist can address both goals adequately.
Book at link in bio or email [email protected] with questions !
