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:
Pregnancy Massage, also known as Prenatal Massage, is a specialist form of massage adapted for the changing body during pregnancy. It uses safe positioning, gentle pressure and appropriate techniques to support relaxation, comfort and wellbeing.
Postnatal Massage is massage adapted for the period after birth. It may help support relaxation, muscular comfort and recovery from postural strain, while taking account of birth type, fatigue, breastfeeding posture, abdominal recovery and emotional wellbeing.
This course is suitable for qualified massage therapists, sports massage therapists and bodywork practitioners who want to work safely and confidently with pregnant and postnatal clients.
No. This is a CPD course for qualified therapists. Students must hold a recognised Level 3 Massage qualification or equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
Learners must hold an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Massage or equivalent. Students without this qualification may attend but will only receive a Certificate of Attendance.
You will learn pregnancy-related anatomy and physiology, trimester-specific adaptations, contraindications, safe positioning, draping, consultation, informed consent, pressure modification, postnatal considerations and a full pregnancy massage routine.
First trimester massage requires caution. Therapists should follow their training, insurance guidance and professional judgement. Where there are complications, previous pregnancy loss, bleeding, pain or medical concerns, treatment should be deferred or medical approval sought.
Clients should be advised to seek guidance from their GP, doctor, midwife or consultant before receiving Pregnancy or Postnatal Massage, particularly where there are medical concerns, pregnancy complications or uncertainty about suitability.
Pregnancy Massage is commonly performed in side-lying, seated, semi-reclined or supported left-tilt positions. Prolonged flat supine positioning is usually avoided in later pregnancy for comfort and safety.
Treatment is adapted to the client. Deep pressure, especially on the legs, is usually avoided due to DVT risk. The abdomen is treated only where appropriate, with consent, gentle pressure and suitable training. Areas of pain, swelling, varicose veins or medical concern should be avoided or referred.
The course covers contraindications and cautions including pre-eclampsia, unexplained bleeding, severe swelling, DVT risk, placenta praevia, high-risk pregnancy, gestational diabetes, fever, infection, severe pain and when GP, midwife or consultant approval may be needed.
Yes. The course includes postnatal considerations such as caesarean birth, epidural tenderness, breastfeeding posture, abdominal recovery, diastasis recti awareness, scar tissue, fatigue and emotional wellbeing.
No. This course does not qualify therapists to diagnose or treat pregnancy complications. It teaches safe massage adaptations for pregnant and postnatal clients within professional massage scope. Medical concerns should be referred to a GP, midwife or consultant.
No. There are no formal written or practical exams. Students are assessed through in-class observation, supervised practice and tutor feedback. A CPD certificate is issued when the required competencies have been met.
Yes. The course is accredited by FHT, CMA, BCMA, IGCT and IICT and provides 7 CPD points. Students should check with their insurance provider before offering Pregnancy Massage professionally.
Qualified therapists may integrate Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage into their existing practice after completing the course, subject to appropriate insurance, professional scope of practice and safe clinical judgement.
Yes. London School of Massage advises pregnant and postnatal clients to ask their GP, doctor, midwife or consultant before receiving Pregnancy Massage, especially if they have a high-risk pregnancy, medical complications, pain, bleeding, severe swelling, previous pregnancy concerns or any uncertainty about whether massage is suitable.
London School of Massage has been delivering professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994. The course is taught by experienced lecturers who understand safe pregnancy massage, professional boundaries, contraindications and hands-on clinical application.
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