Specialty Pregnancy Massage Requirements

Because a pregnant woman's body is different from a typical body (due to the hormones, loosened joints, stretched ligaments, and sensitive points), massage therapists should be trained specifically in prenatal massage before they attempt it. This is especially true when working on women near the end of their pregnancies, since the manipulation of certain points can stimulate pelvic muscles and bring on uterine contractions. Practitioners should also avoid the use of scented candles, oils, and lotions, since many pregnant women can react negatively to strong smells.

There are no license requirements for practicing prenatal massage; however, many schools offer pregnancy massage as part of their curriculum or as a continuing education option. Certification in prenatal massage is available through many of these educational facilities, but it is not a nationally-recognized title.

Prenatal Massage Restrictions

Women with certain conditions should not use massage for any reason during their pregnancy. These reasons include: a high-risk pregnancy or pregnancy with multiples, hypertension, preeclampsia, or a history of pre-term labor. Because there are additional risks associated with pregnancy, massage therapists interested in working with pregnant patients should require written consent from a woman's doctor before they start any massage regimen.

Although prenatal massage is typically considered safe at any point during a pregnancy, many massage therapists will not offer their services during the first trimester. Most of this precaution comes from the higher risk of miscarriage during the first three months of pregnancy; in order to avoid a potential lawsuit in the event of a miscarriage, most massage therapists find it safer to simply refuse their services for women in this state.

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