Prenatal Massage Therapy in Peterborough: Safety, Positioning & Real Benefits
Growing a human is hard work.
If sleep is elusive, your low back feels tight, or your hips and feet are protesting every step, prenatal massage can help you feel like yourself again.
Below is a clear guide to prenatal massage in Peterborough: when it helps, how we keep it safe, and what to expect with our registered massage therapists at Flow Spa.
When Prenatal Massage Helps
Pregnancy changes posture, circulation, and sleep all at once.
Targeted massage treatment can ease:
Sleep struggles: Calms the nervous system so you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Low-back & hip pain: Relieves tension around the SI joints, glutes, and hip rotators that work overtime as your centre of gravity shifts.
Neck/shoulder tightness: Counteracts the “text neck” slump and new postural loads to reduce headache.
Sciatica-type discomfort: Gentle work around the glutes and piriformis can reduce referral pain down the leg.
Swelling (edema): Light, rhythmic strokes support healthy fluid return in feet and ankles.
Hand/wrist aches: Eases pregnancy-related carpal tunnel symptoms and forearm tightness.
General stress: Lowers stress chemistry so you feel more grounded day to day.
Bottom line: Used consistently, prenatal massage supports mobility, sleep quality, and mood, without heavily depending on medications.
Safety First: Trimester Guidelines & Positioning
Your safety and comfort lead every decision we make.
Trimester notes
First trimester (0–12 weeks): Massage can be appropriate with a professional RMT. If you’re brand-new to bodywork or have any complications, check with your care provider first.
Second trimester (13–27 weeks): Typically this the sweet spot—most people feel best getting massage done here.
Third trimester (28+ weeks): Massage can help with sleep, swelling, and labour prep comfort. We adjust positioning frequently, so you stay fully supported .
Positioning that protects you and your baby
Our RMTs are trained to understand the specific needs of prenatal massage and find the best positioning for you:
Side-lying with bolsters. You’ll have a supportive pillow under the belly, another between the knees/ankles, and one hugging your upper body to keep the spine neutral.
Semi-reclined (30–45°) is used for head, neck, and shoulder work.
Avoiding flat-on-your-back after mid-second trimester to prevent vena cava compression (that heavy, “lightheaded” feeling).
Pressure is always within your comfort—no deep compressions over the abdomen and no prolonged, painful pressure anywhere.
You are in control. If you need a bathroom break, a sip of water, or a position change at any point, just say the word.
What Your RMT Needs to Know (So We Can Personalize Safely)
Sharing a few details up front helps your therapist tailor the session:
How far along you are and your expected due date.
Any pregnancy details your provider has flagged (e.g., high blood pressure, placenta previa, reduced fetal movement, gestational diabetes).
Areas you want help with and aches and pains to focus on (low back? hips? feet? neck?).
Pressure preferences (light, moderate, firm—but always comfortable).
Positions that feel best or off-limits (e.g., can’t lie on your left side for long).
Medications, allergies, or past injuries/surgeries.
Please tell us right away if you’ve had any of the following—your RMT will adjust the plan and may recommend provider clearance first:
Unexplained bleeding, severe swelling with headache/visual changes, fever, vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, sudden calf pain (possible DVT), preeclampsia, or signs of preterm labour.
How Often Should You Book?
Every pregnancy is different, but these rhythms work well for most:
First trimester: Every 3–4 weeks if you’re managing nausea, tension, or stress.
Second trimester: Every 2–4 weeks to stay ahead of hip and low-back tightness as posture shifts.
Third trimester: Every 1–2 weeks for sleep, swelling, and comfort as your baby grows; weekly in the final month can be especially helpful.
Think of it as maintenance, not emergency care. Small, consistent sessions tend to beat the occasional “fix-me” appointment.
Float + Prenatal Massage: A Safe, Soothing Combo
Pairing a float with prenatal massage can be the most comfortable hour (or two) of your week. Floating gives you a rare, weightless break from gravity so tissues unwind before (or after) hands-on work. At Flow Spa, our float cabins hold ~10 inches of water with ~1,000 lbs of Epsom salt, and the water/air are kept at skin-neutral temperature—so you don’t overheat the way you might in a hot tub. That calm, neutral environment lets your nervous system shift into “rest-and-digest,” which pairs beautifully with therapeutic massage.
Why the combo works
Gravity off, guard down: Buoyancy reduces load on the spine, hips, and SI joints. Muscles soften, making prenatal massage feel gentler and more effective.
Deeper relaxation, better sleep: Floating quickly nudges the nervous system toward parasympathetic mode (dopamine/endorphins up, stress chemistry down). Massage then locks in that calm.
A unique connection moment: Many expectant parents say the quiet helps them tune in—and some even notice they can hear baby’s heartbeat in the tank’s stillness.
Safe floating positions during pregnancy
Use what feels best that day; we’ll walk you through options:
Belly-down with a pool noodle under the chest/chin to keep your face dry—wonderful for taking pressure off the back.
Belly-down with elbows supported, hands under the chin (adds a gentle spinal traction).
Back-floating with or without a noodle under the low back for support.
All are common, comfortable positions our clients use; we’ll set you up with extra noodles and floaty supports and check in before you start your float.
Curious about details? See our full guide: The Benefits of Floating During Pregnancy (positions, tips, and FAQs).
Safety notes
Our float water is kept around skin-neutral ~95°F—comfortable and not “hot tub hot.” That’s one reason floating is a pregnancy-friendly option, even though hot tubs should be avoided.
Adjusting your position to relieve the weight of the baby is great for third-trimester back pain. As always, if you’re in the third trimester or have any concerns, check with your care provider first.
How to pair sessions
Float → Prenatal Massage: 60-minute float to melt tension, then a 60-minute prenatal massage to target low back/hips, feet/ankles, and neck/shoulders. Great when you’re extra tight or swollen.
Prenatal Massage → Float (most popular): Start with hands-on work, then float to extend the relaxation and give joints a longer gravity break—especially nice in the third trimester.
How often? Keep your existing massage cadence, and layer floats in as needed: every 2–4 weeks in second trimester; weekly or every other week in the final month for sleep and swelling support. Adjust to comfort and your provider’s guidance.
Ready to try the combo? Book a Float + RMT back-to-back, add your trimester and pressure preferences in the notes, and we’ll handle the rest.
What a Prenatal Session at Flow Spa Feels Like
Warm welcome & check-in: We review your goals and health updates so your RMT can focus where it matters most.
Thoughtful setup: Side-lying pillows and bolsters are adjusted to you. Comfort is non-negotiable.
Pressure you can trust: We work within a safe, soothing range—firm where helpful, never painful or risky.
Slow, targeted work: Expect focused care for hips/low back, glutes, feet/ankles, neck/shoulders—plus gentle lymphatic strokes if swelling is a concern.
Meet Your RMT Team
All Flow Spa therapists are CMTO-Registered Massage Therapists with training in prenatal care. You’re in skilled, evidence-informed hands.
What to look for in your RMT at Flow Spa:
Registration in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
Experience supporting low-back/hip pain, sciatica-type symptoms, swelling, and sleep issues during pregnancy
A clear consent process and pressure check-ins throughout your session
Quick FAQ
Is prenatal massage safe in the first trimester?
It can be, when performed by a trained RMT and tailored to you. If you have any complications or you’re new to bodywork, check with your provider first.
Can I lie face-down?
We don’t use face-down “belly-hole” cushions. Side-lying with bolsters keeps you and your baby safest and tends to feel best.
How deep is “too deep”?
Deep, painful pressure is never the goal in pregnancy. We use therapeutic, comfortable pressure and avoid the abdomen and any techniques that don’t serve your safety.
Ready to Feel Better?
You don’t have to power through pregnancy discomfort. If you’re searching for prenatal massage therapy in Peterborough, Flow Spa’s RMTs are here to help you sleep better, move more easily, and enjoy this season more.
Next steps:
Book your massage online.
Add a note with your trimester, goals, and pressure preference when you fill out your health history form.
Arrive a few minutes early so we can fine-tune your positioning and get you perfectly comfy.
If you have specific medical questions, please consult your OB or midwife first—we’re happy to coordinate your care plan.