Quick answer

Pregnancy massage is a tailored full-body massage designed specifically for expectant mothers. It uses side-lying positioning with bolster cushions, gentler pressure than a regular remedial massage, and avoids deep work on certain pressure points. At Swiss Wellness in Hyde Park we offer it from the start of your second trimester through to full-term.

Our most-booked option is the Expectant Mother package, $395 for two hours including the massage, a Stress Relief Facial and a foot ritual. A standalone 60-minute pregnancy massage is also available.

The benefits, in order of how often clients raise them

1. Lower back relief. Pregnancy shifts your centre of gravity forward as the baby grows, which puts most of the load on your lumbar spine and SI joints. A trained pregnancy therapist works the lower back, gluteals and hip flexors to take that pressure off.
2. Reduced swelling in legs and ankles. Lymphatic-drainage strokes during pregnancy massage help move retained fluid back into circulation. Many of our clients book specifically for this in the third trimester.
3. Better sleep. Hormonal changes plus the physical discomfort of late pregnancy disrupt sleep. A relaxation-focused pregnancy massage downregulates the nervous system and reliably improves the next two or three nights of sleep.
4. Stress and anxiety reduction. Pregnancy raises cortisol. Massage lowers it. The effect is small per session but cumulative across regular bookings.
5. Headache and shoulder relief. Forward head posture and the weight of growing breasts pull the upper back forward. We work the upper trapezius and neck to relieve tension headaches that are very common in second and third trimester.

Is pregnancy massage safe?

Yes, with appropriate training and timing. Three things to know:

• First trimester: most reputable Adelaide day spas (including us) do not offer massage in the first trimester. Risk is generally low but the precaution is universal.
• Second and third trimester: safe with a pregnancy-trained therapist using appropriate positioning and pressure. Side-lying with bolster cushions is the standard.
• High-risk pregnancies: if you have placenta previa, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or have been advised against massage by your obstetrician, we will need a clearance note before booking.

Our pregnancy-trained therapists check for these factors at booking. If you are unsure, call us on (08) 8373 3699 and we will talk through it.

What to expect on the day

1. Arrive 10 minutes early. Quick consultation about how you are feeling that day, any specific concerns, your stage of pregnancy.
2. You change into a robe. Disposable underwear is provided. We use draping protocols throughout.
3. You lie on your side with cushions. Two bolster cushions support the bump and the upper leg. We never have you face-down on a regular massage table.
4. Treatment runs 60 or 90 minutes. The therapist works back, hips, shoulders, neck, scalp, hands and feet. Belly massage is gentle and only if you are comfortable with it.
5. You finish with herbal tea in the lounge. Take your time. Most clients feel calmer and lighter immediately after.

How often to book during pregnancy

The most-rebooked pattern from our regulars:

• Second trimester: once a month for general wellbeing.
• Third trimester: every two weeks, especially the last 6 to 8 weeks, for swelling, sleep and lower-back relief.
• Postnatal: 4 to 6 weeks after delivery (vaginal birth) or after your medical clearance (caesarean). Postnatal massage is its own focus, not the same as pregnancy massage.

If you want a single treatment as a gift or a one-off, the Expectant Mother package is the most considered choice.

What to wear, what to bring

• Wear whatever is comfortable to arrive in. We provide robe, slippers, disposable underwear and all towels.
• Eat a light meal beforehand. Massage on an empty stomach in late pregnancy can cause lightheadedness.
• Stay hydrated before and after.
• Bring your maternity card or any relevant medical notes if you have a complex pregnancy.
• Bring nothing else. Phones can be locked away in our lounge.

Choosing a pregnancy massage therapist in Adelaide

A few questions worth asking before you book anywhere:

• "Are your therapists pregnancy-specifically trained, or are they massage therapists who also do pregnancy work?" The first is what you want.
• "Do you use side-lying positioning with cushions, or face-down on a table?" Side-lying is the safer answer.
• "What products do you use?" Cheap synthetic-fragrance oils can trigger nausea in pregnancy. Natural and organic oils such as Adelaide Hills Organics are kinder.
• "What is your cancellation policy if I am not feeling well on the day?" Pregnancy is unpredictable. Look for spas that waive late-cancellation fees if you are unwell.

Swiss Wellness Day Spa in Hyde Park has offered pregnancy massage since 2005. Our therapists are all pregnancy-trained, we use side-lying positioning with bolster cushions, and we use Adelaide Hills Organics natural and organic skincare throughout. Book the Expectant Mother package or call (08) 8373 3699 if you want to talk it through first.