Pregnancy Massage Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Pregnancy Massage Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Enrollment Note

Sign up on this page only if you want to take this Pregnancy Massage Myths course on its own. If you are enrolling in the Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist package, do not sign up here this course is already included in that package. Please use the Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist package enrollment link instead.

Additional Discount Options: If you are interested in taking several courses at a discounted tuition, you can create your own customized discount. Receive a discount of 8%-15% (depending on tuition value) when you enroll in any three or more courses at the same time. Please note that package specials are non-changeable and non-refundable.

Demystifying Pregnancy Massage: Separating Fact from Fiction

As a massage therapist, you've likely encountered clients or even colleagues who have concerns about the safety of massage during pregnancy. From avoiding the first trimester altogether to skipping deep tissue techniques or avoiding areas like the abdomen, feet, or low back, the myths surrounding pregnancy massage are numerous and often unfounded.

This course is designed to empower you with evidence-based knowledge to confidently address these concerns, dispel myths, and provide safe, effective care for your pregnant clients.

Pregnancy is a time of immense physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, and massage can be a powerful tool to alleviate discomfort, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. However, widespread misconceptions about what is or isn't safe during pregnancy can create unnecessary fear both for therapists and clients. This course will equip you with the facts, rooted in published medical research, to navigate these challenges with professionalism and confidence.

What You'll Learn

This course examines the most common myths about pregnancy massage, providing clear, scientifically supported answers to questions such as:

• Is massage during the first trimester safe?
• Can deep tissue massage, hot stones, or toxin release harm a pregnant client?
• Should abdominal massage always be avoided?
• Do reflexology or acupressure techniques on the feet and ankles trigger preterm labor or miscarriage?
• Are the legs, low back, and shoulders off-limits?

You'll learn to identify legitimate safety concerns and distinguish them from outdated myths. Beyond debunking misconceptions, this course also addresses the top five concerns cited by pregnant clients themselves, helping you build trust and provide an exceptional experience tailored to their unique needs.

Why This Course Matters

Pregnancy massage can offer immense benefits, but misinformation can prevent therapists from fully serving this population. By understanding the truth about the risks and rewards of pregnancy massage, you'll be equipped to:

• Build trust with pregnant clients by confidently addressing their questions and concerns.
• Enhance your professional reputation as a knowledgeable, evidence-based practitioner.
• Expand your client base by offering safe, science-backed massage services to pregnant clients.

This course goes beyond theory it provides practical tools you can integrate into your practice immediately. Whether you're new to working with pregnant clients or seeking to update your knowledge, this course will position you as a trusted expert in this rewarding field.

Course Details

Approvals & State Acceptance

The Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by the NCBTMB (Provider #280672-00) as a continuing education Approved Provider, and is also approved by Florida (#MCE-326) and New York (#0019). Our courses are also valid for AMTA, ABMP, and most individual states. Some states limit how many hours can be completed online or by home study. Please refer to our State Guidelines section for specific information about your state. Laws can and do change, and your state will hold you responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you.

CE Broker Reporting

The Institute of Somatic Therapy will automatically report your hours to CE Broker in applicable states only if you have provided your license number in your online account with us. You can verify your license information by logging into our website and reviewing your account information. If your license number is not shown, please select "Edit" to add it. We generally report to CE Broker two to three times per week.

Once the course appears in your CE Broker account, you will have an opportunity to rate it. If you were happy with the course, we would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes to share that with others. If you were not satisfied, please share specific ways in which you feel we can improve.

Student Feedback

"I thoroughly enjoyed this first course and am absolutely shocked and amazed by everything that I've learned so far. I can't wait to dive into the next ones!"
- Emily Forrester, LMT, Taylors, SC

Course Description

There are many ideas in circulation regarding pregnancy massage and its safety. Many spas and massage establishments refuse to perform prenatal massage during the first trimester. Some refuse to perform any deep tissue massage, while others avoid all abdominal massage at any stage of pregnancy. Depending on whom you ask, certain therapists avoid massage to the feet and ankles, legs, abdomen, low back, and shoulders essentially the entire body.

Common concerns include: Can reflexology cause a miscarriage in the first trimester? Can massage cause preterm labor in the second or third trimester? Does bodywork increase morning sickness? These are the kinds of rumors and myths examined in this course.

Which of these ideas are based in fact, and which should be dismissed as disproven myths? As a massage therapist, are you contributing to the spread of false information, either through word or action? This course examines the facts and fiction surrounding each of these concerns, drawing exclusively from published medical research. It is imperative that massage professionals present a unified, cohesive message rooted in fact regarding the benefits and risks of pregnancy massage.

Learner Objectives

Upon completion, you will be able to list common concerns about pregnancy massage and provide scientifically supported data to determine whether each is a genuine safety concern or an inaccurate myth. Topics covered include:

• First trimester massage
• Morning sickness
• Abdominal massage
• Deep tissue massage, stone massage, and the release of toxins
• Massage to the feet and ankles (reflexology and acupressure)
• Massage to the legs
• Massage to the low back
• Massage to the shoulders
• Five areas of concern cited by pregnant women when receiving massage

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course designed for?
This course is for licensed massage therapists who want to expand their knowledge of pregnancy massage, dispel common myths, and provide safe, effective care for pregnant clients at all stages.

Do I need prior experience with pregnancy massage to take this course?
No prior experience is necessary. The course provides a thorough introduction to the topic, making it suitable for therapists at all levels.

Is massage during the first trimester really safe?
This is one of the key myths addressed in the course. You will learn what the research says about first-trimester massage and how to make informed decisions based on science, not fear.

How will this course benefit my practice?
By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to address myths and concerns, attract more pregnant clients, and enhance your reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable therapist.

Can I use what I learn immediately?
Yes. The course is designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge you can integrate into your practice right away, allowing you to confidently offer pregnancy massage to your clients.

To contact the Institute of Somatic Therapy about this or any other massage therapy CEU course, please use the Contact link above.