How Can Remedial Massage Therapy Help with Pregnancy Pain and Symptoms? | Momentum Health & Chiro Townsville
By Jess Johns, Massage Therapist
Pregnancy is a magical, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming journey. As your baby grows, your body undergoes significant changes to support new life — and with that comes physical and emotional challenges. From back pain to fatigue, headaches to swelling, pregnancy symptoms can be tough to manage.
The good news? Pregnancy massage is a safe and effective way to ease discomfort, reduce stress, and support your body through all three trimesters. At Momentum Health & Chiro Townsville, our remedial massage therapist Jess is specially trained in pregnancy massage and provides safe, supportive care throughout your journey.
Let’s explore how massage can help you in each stage of pregnancy.
How Massage Can Help
Pregnancy massage in the first trimester may:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve sleep and relaxation
Ease muscular tension and body aches
Support circulation and energy levels
Promote a gentle “mum and bub connection”
Important: Because there are some contraindications in early pregnancy (such as high blood pressure, bleeding, or unusual pain), it’s essential to see a trained therapist. Jess has completed additional pregnancy massage qualifications, including first-trimester care, to ensure both you and your baby are safe.
First Trimester: Adjusting to Big Changes
In the first trimester, your body is working hard to adjust to hormonal changes and early baby growth. This stage often brings:
Breast tenderness and sensitivity
Fatigue from hormonal shifts
Lower abdominal or back discomfort
Headaches and body aches
Nausea and emotional changes
How Massage Can Help
Massage therapy during the second trimester is performed in a side-lying position for comfort and safety. Treatments may:
Relieve back, hip, and pelvic tension
Reduce swelling and cramping in legs
Ease rib and thoracic discomfort
Support posture and breathing
Provide relaxation and stress relief
Gentle techniques are tailored to your needs, ensuring you leave feeling lighter and more comfortable.
Second Trimester: Finding Relief as Baby Grows
By the second trimester, nausea often eases and energy levels return. However, as your baby grows, new symptoms may appear, such as:
Round ligament pain
Lower back pain due to ligament laxity
Hip and pelvic discomfort
Swelling in legs and feet
Carpal tunnel symptoms (tingling/numbness in hands)
Rib or thoracic pain from rib flare
Restless legs and muscle cramps
How Massage Can Help
Third trimester massage focuses on comfort, relaxation, and preparing your body for birth. Side-lying treatments may:
Relieve lower back, pelvic, and rib discomfort
Improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety
Ease swelling and muscle cramps
Support posture as baby gets into position
Encourage relaxation before labour
Massage at this stage is also a beautiful way to continue nurturing your connection with your baby.
Third Trimester: Preparing for Birth
The final stretch! By now, your baby is rapidly growing, and you may notice:
Shortness of breath (as your diaphragm shifts upwards)
Insomnia and fatigue
Frequent urination
Muscle cramps or restless legs
Braxton Hicks contractions
Lower back pain or pubic bone pain (SPD)
Swelling in feet and ankles
Headaches due to hormone changes or lack of sleep
When Massage Is Not Recommended
Your safety is our priority. Pregnancy massage should be avoided if you are experiencing:
Vaginal bleeding
High blood pressure or preeclampsia
Severe or unusual abdominal/pelvic pain
Unexplained headaches or changes in frequency/intensity
Shortness of breath
Decreased baby movements
If any of these occur, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider before seeking massage.
At Momentum Health & Chiro Townsville, Jess provides specialised pregnancy massage care throughout all three trimesters. Every treatment is tailored to your stage of pregnancy, your symptoms, and your comfort.
Whether you’re dealing with back pain, swelling, or just need time to relax and connect with your baby, remedial pregnancy massage can support you every step of the way.
