Growing a baby is beautiful, exhausting, and physically demanding all at once. Your body is changing every week, and with those changes come aches, tension, and discomfort that can be hard to shake. That is exactly why pregnancy massage exists, and why so many expecting mothers in Adelaide make it part of their routine.

At Swiss Wellness in Hyde Park, we have been caring for pregnant guests for over 20 years. Our therapists understand how your body changes through each trimester and how to safely provide relief that makes a real difference to how you feel day to day.

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage (sometimes called prenatal massage) is a gentle, modified massage designed specifically for expecting mothers. It uses careful positioning, lighter pressure, and techniques that avoid any areas or movements that could be unsafe during pregnancy.

At Swiss Wellness, our pregnancy massage is performed in a comfortable side-lying position with pillows and supports placed to keep you and your bump safe and comfortable. Your therapist adjusts everything to suit your body and your stage of pregnancy.

When Can You Start Getting Pregnancy Massage?

We offer pregnancy massage from the second trimester onwards (from around 13 weeks). The first trimester is generally considered a time to be cautious, and most therapists and health professionals recommend waiting until you are past those early weeks before starting massage therapy.

If you are unsure whether massage is right for you at your current stage, we are always happy to chat. You can call us on (08) 8373 3699 and we will give you honest advice.

5 Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

1. Relief from Back Pain and Sciatica

As your baby grows and your centre of gravity shifts forward, your lower back takes on extra load. Many pregnant women experience persistent lower back pain or sciatica (shooting pain down the leg) from the second trimester onwards. Pregnancy massage targets these areas gently but effectively, helping to ease the tension that builds up as your body adapts.

2. Reduced Swelling in Legs and Feet

Swollen ankles and feet are one of the most common pregnancy complaints, especially in the third trimester. Gentle massage techniques help stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and that heavy, uncomfortable feeling in your lower legs.

3. Better Sleep

Finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes harder as your pregnancy progresses. The deep relaxation from a pregnancy massage can help calm your nervous system and make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Many of our pregnant guests tell us they sleep better for several nights after their session.

4. Lower Stress and Anxiety

Pregnancy brings a lot of emotional ups and downs. Hormone changes, physical discomfort, and the anticipation of a new baby can all contribute to feeling stressed or anxious. Massage has been shown to lower cortisol levels and boost serotonin, helping you feel calmer and more grounded.

5. Connection with Your Changing Body

It can be easy to feel disconnected from your body during pregnancy, especially when everything feels different from what you are used to. Taking an hour to be still, to be cared for, and to focus on how your body feels can be a powerful way to reconnect and appreciate what your body is doing.

What to Expect at Swiss Wellness

When you arrive for your pregnancy massage at Swiss Wellness, your therapist will start with a brief consultation. They will ask about your stage of pregnancy, any areas of discomfort, and any medical considerations your doctor or midwife has mentioned.

You will then be helped into a comfortable side-lying position on the treatment table, supported by pillows. Your therapist uses gentle to moderate pressure with natural and organic massage oils from our sister brand, Adelaide Hills Organics. The oils are free from synthetic chemicals, which is especially important during pregnancy when you want to minimise what your body absorbs.

The session focuses on areas that typically carry the most tension during pregnancy:

• Lower back where the extra weight puts strain on your spine
• Hips and glutes which tighten as your pelvis adjusts
• Shoulders and neck from changed posture and the general tension of carrying extra weight
• Legs and feet to help with swelling and fatigue

The treatment lasts a full 60 minutes and you are welcome to take your time getting up afterwards. We never rush you.

How Often Should You Get Pregnancy Massage?

This depends on how you are feeling and what stage you are at. As a general guide:

• Second trimester: Once every 3 to 4 weeks is a great starting point. Your body is adjusting but not yet under maximum load.
• Third trimester: Every 2 weeks can be really beneficial, especially as discomfort increases in the final months. Some guests come weekly in the last 4 to 6 weeks.

Your therapist will recommend a frequency based on what they feel during your session and what you share about your symptoms. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and we will always be honest about what we think will help most.

If you are looking for more guidance on massage frequency in general, our massage frequency guide covers the basics.

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified and experienced therapist. Our team at Swiss Wellness is trained in prenatal massage techniques and understands which areas to avoid, which positions are safe, and how to modify the treatment for each stage of pregnancy.

That said, there are some situations where we would recommend checking with your doctor or midwife before booking:

• High-risk pregnancies
• History of preterm labour
• Pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure
• Placenta previa
• Any complications your healthcare provider has flagged

If in doubt, check with your care team first. We would rather you be safe and informed than worried during your treatment.

A Gift for Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy massage also makes a thoughtful gift. If you know someone who is expecting, a Swiss Wellness gift voucher for a pregnancy massage is one of the most appreciated presents you can give. It is practical, personal, and something they might not buy for themselves.

Pregnancy Massage vs Regular Massage

The main differences are positioning, pressure, and areas of focus. A regular relaxation massage or remedial massage is typically performed face-down and face-up, with varying levels of pressure. Pregnancy massage is performed in a side-lying position with gentler pressure and specific attention to the areas most affected by pregnancy.

After your baby arrives and you have recovered, you can transition back to regular massage. Many of our guests continue their massage routine postpartum as a way to support their recovery and maintain the self-care habit they built during pregnancy.