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 on to:
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:
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists and eligible bodywork practitioners who would like to work safely and confidently with pregnant and postnatal clients.
Students must normally hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
No. This is a specialist CPD course that builds on existing massage skills and Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology knowledge.
Students who do not hold the required qualification may attend for personal development but will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than an accredited practitioner certificate. Anyone unsure about eligibility should send London School of Massage a copy of their qualification before booking.
Students learn how pregnancy affects the body and how to adapt massage safely throughout the different stages of pregnancy and after birth.
Training includes consultation, informed consent, contraindications, safe positioning, bolstering, draping, pressure adaptation and a practical Pregnancy Massage routine. Postnatal considerations, labour-support massage techniques, aftercare and appropriate referral are also covered.
The course covers important contraindications, cautions and red flags including unexplained bleeding, severe or sudden swelling, suspected deep vein thrombosis, pre-eclampsia, high-risk pregnancy, fever, infection and severe or unusual pain.
Students also learn when treatment should be adapted, postponed or referred to an appropriate healthcare professional. The course does not qualify therapists to diagnose or treat pregnancy complications.
There are no formal written or practical examinations.
Students are assessed throughout the day through supervised practice, tutor observation and individual feedback. An accredited CPD certificate is awarded when the tutor is satisfied that the required practical skills and safety standards have been achieved.
No. London School of Massage provides the massage couches, pillows, bolsters and classroom equipment required for practical training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving adapted massage techniques. You do not need to bring a separate model because there is no external practical examination.
Students who are pregnant or have a condition that may affect practical participation should contact London School of Massage before attending.
Yes. Classes are open to all genders and students normally work together in pairs during practical training.
Professional conduct, informed consent, appropriate draping, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout. Students are expected to participate as both therapist and model but all techniques and positioning are adapted appropriately to the individual.
FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
BCMA, IGCT & IICT Accredited Course
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