Prenatal Support: How Massage Therapy Can Help You and Your Baby Prepare for Birth
Pregnancy is a time of profound change—physically, emotionally, and mentally. As your body grows and adapts to support the baby developing inside of you, it's common to experience new discomforts, shifts in posture, and an ever-evolving relationship with rest and movement. Prenatal massage is a safe, effective, and nurturing way to support both your well-being and your baby’s, especially in the lead-up to birth.
At Same Stars Wellness, we are proud to offer inclusive and compassionate prenatal massage care tailored to each stage of pregnancy. Our experienced team understands that every journey is unique—and that you deserve care that supports your needs, honours your story, and helps you feel more grounded as you prepare for birth.
What Is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is a therapeutic treatment designed specifically for people who are pregnant. It’s carefully adapted to accommodate the physical and physiological changes of pregnancy, with positioning and techniques that prioritize comfort and safety. Using pillows, bolsters, and side-lying positioning when needed, prenatal massage focuses on supporting circulation, releasing tension, and promoting relaxation—without putting stress on your body or your baby.
All of our prenatal massage therapists at Same Stars Wellness are trained and experienced in working with pregnant clients, and many also have advanced education in perinatal care, pelvic health, and trauma-informed approaches.
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Massage therapy offers more than a moment of rest (although that’s often needed, too!). Consistent prenatal massage can have lasting, meaningful effects for both the pregnant body and the growing baby.
1. Relieves Muscular Tension and Pain
As your body adjusts to the changes of pregnancy—shifting weight, softening ligaments, and expanding posture—it’s common to experience pain in the low back, hips, neck, and shoulders. Massage therapy can help:
Ease low back and pelvic pain
Relieve hip and sciatic nerve discomfort
Reduce tension in the upper back and neck
Support better spinal alignment and posture
By releasing tension in the muscles and fascia, massage can help your body move and rest more comfortably as your pregnancy progresses.
2. Supports Circulation and Reduces Swelling
Many pregnant people experience swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles, particularly in the later trimesters. Massage therapy supports the lymphatic and circulatory systems, encouraging the flow of fluids and helping to reduce swelling and the discomfort that can come with it.
Improved circulation also means better oxygen and nutrient delivery to both you and your baby—supporting healthy tissue function and prenatal development.
3. Promotes Rest and Emotional Well-Being
Sleep disruptions, mood shifts, and increased anxiety are all common during pregnancy. Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s “rest and digest” mode—which can calm stress hormones, support better sleep, and help you feel more emotionally regulated.
Prenatal massage offers a safe, quiet space to reconnect with your body, settle your thoughts, and breathe deeply. It’s not unusual for clients to leave feeling more centred, peaceful, and capable of navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy.
4. Prepares the Body for Labour
Prenatal massage in the third trimester can be an excellent tool to help prepare the body for labour. While it doesn't induce birth, massage can:
Help balance the pelvis
Encourage optimal baby positioning
Reduce muscular restrictions that may impact birth mechanics
Support mental readiness by lowering stress and increasing body awareness
At Same Stars Wellness, we work with you to understand your birth preferences and can focus treatments on helping you feel as supported and prepared as possible.
Supporting Physical Well-Being
Inclusive, Personalized Care for Every Pregnancy
Pregnancy care should never be one-size-fits-all. Our team is trained to work with individuals from all walks of life—including first-time parents, experienced parents, LGBTQIA2S+ families, solo parents, and those navigating complex medical or fertility journeys. We provide trauma-aware, body-positive, and affirming care to help you feel safe and seen throughout your pregnancy.
Whether you're dealing with the physical strain of carrying, emotional stress, or simply looking to connect more deeply with your changing body, prenatal massage is a powerful way to nurture yourself during this season of life.
Massage Therapy at Same Stars Wellness
Our skilled massage therapists—including those with advanced perinatal training—are here to offer support every step of the way. We’re honoured to be part of your care team and work collaboratively with other providers like midwives, OBs, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and doulas when requested.
You don’t need to be experiencing pain or a specific issue to benefit from prenatal massage—sometimes, it’s simply about taking time to pause, recharge, and support your body with intention.
Book Your Prenatal Massage
We’d love to support you and baby in these final weeks before birth. To book your prenatal massage, or reach out directly if you’d like help choosing the right therapist for you.
