The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
The London School of Massage offers professional massage training and complementary therapy courses.
Contact us to learn more about our courses, events, and industry news.
Elevate your practice with our accredited Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage Course, designed for qualified therapists seeking specialist pregnancy massage training. You’ll learn gentle, safe and effective adaptations to relieve common discomforts of pregnancy while supporting relaxation and a more comfortable labour experience. The programme builds on core Anatomy & Physiology and holistic massage foundations to deepen knowledge and confidence.
To enrol on this Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage course, learners must hold an OFQUAL-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage (or equivalent) that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please email us a copy of your qualifications for advice.
Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage is a specialist, hands-on training course for qualified massage therapists who want to work safely and confidently with pregnant and postnatal clients. This pregnancy massage course teaches students how to adapt massage techniques, positioning, pressure and draping to support comfort, relaxation and wellbeing throughout pregnancy and after birth.
The course combines theory with practical application, covering the physiological and emotional changes of pregnancy, trimester-specific considerations, contraindications, safe positioning and a full pregnancy massage routine. Students will also explore how massage may support labour comfort and postnatal recovery.
The principles, scope and benefits of Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
How pregnancy affects the musculoskeletal, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary and skin systems
Common pregnancy discomforts, including lower back pain, sciatic pain, swelling, fatigue, insomnia, headaches and muscular tension
How massage may support relaxation, circulation, lymphatic drainage, emotional wellbeing and preparation for labour
How to adapt treatment safely for the first, second and third trimester
Contraindications, cautions and high-risk pregnancy considerations
When GP, midwife or consultant approval may be required before treatment
Awareness of complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta praevia, SPD, diastasis recti, oedema and DVT
How to assess for circulatory concerns, swelling and signs that massage should be avoided
How to use safe pregnancy massage positioning, including side-lying, seated and supported left-tilt positions
Why prolonged supine positioning should be avoided during later pregnancy
How to apply safe draping, supportive pressure and appropriate treatment adaptations
How to perform a full pregnancy massage routine for the legs, feet, gluteals, back, neck, shoulders, arms, head and abdomen where appropriate
How massage may be used during labour to support comfort, breathing, relaxation and pain management
Simple labour massage techniques, including sacral circles, buttock kneading, palm press and spinal strokes
How to approach postnatal massage safely and support recovery after birth
Postnatal considerations including caesarean birth, epidural tenderness, breastfeeding posture, scar tissue, abdominal recovery and emotional wellbeing
The importance of informed consent, communication, aftercare, professional boundaries, insurance and client safety
Important note: Pregnancy Massage requires careful positioning, gentle pressure and clear communication at all times. Student and client modesty, dignity and comfort will always be preserved during training, with appropriate draping and professional guidance throughout. This Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage course gives therapists the specialist knowledge and practical confidence to support pregnant and postnatal clients safely, professionally and compassionately within their massage practice.
There are no formal exams for this Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage course.
In-class assessment and instructor feedback - ongoing evaluation of practical skills with real-time feedback to support learning and development. A CPD Certificate will be given if the instructor believes the required competencies have been met.
Having trained thousands of students, London School of Massage has many success stories, and our students have gone onto:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients using Pregnancy and Postnatal massage techniques
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Pregnancy Massage (also called Prenatal Massage) is a specialist, gentle massage designed specifically for the changing body during pregnancy. A trained therapist adapts positioning (often side-lying or supported) and techniques to promote relaxation, ease muscular tension and support overall wellbeing, while prioritising safety for both parent and baby.
To practise Pregnancy Massage professionally in the UK, you typically need:
Most people with an uncomplicated (low-risk) pregnancy can usually enjoy a pregnancy massage, especially when delivered by a properly trained therapist. Evidence-based guidance recommends relaxing massage in pregnancy, but advises speaking to a doctor or midwife first if the pregnancy is more complicated.
Pregnancy massage may be unsuitable, or needs medical sign-off, f there are complications such as placenta praevia/bleeding, pre-eclampsia, thromboembolic/clotting disorders, or other significant medical concerns.
London School of Massage advises clients to obtain medical approval from their GP or midwife beforehand where appropriate.
A qualified pregnancy massage therapist will modify treatment and typically avoid:
Diploma in Aromatherapy Level 3 (RQF)
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