5 of the best pregnancy massages in the UK

Prenatal massages – should you, shouldn’t you? We understand that during pregnancy, everything you do is determined by how safe it will be for your unborn baby. This is why there is so much uncertainty surrounding receiving any prenatal treatments, but take it from us, it is perfectly safe and often encouraged. You can benefit from reduced stress and anxiety, relieved muscle tension and discomfort, and even an improved labour experience – win for you and baby alike. The therapist will often have you lying on your side or back upon a specialised bed or bean bag to ensure limited pressure on the baby. We recommend, of course, that you discuss your intentions with your midwife, as treatments are often not advisable to those with a high-risk pregnancy or certain medical conditions, and to seek out a certified prenatal massage therapist. So if you’re looking to book a relaxing prenatal massage for yourself, or treat your friend to a pampering prenatal treatment, below is our edit of the top 5 places, fit for those worthy mums-to-be.

By Hannah Cowan

• 1 The House of Elemis

  Best for: The most comfortable ‘pregnancy room’ you’ve ever seen

  The industry experts at Elemis have developed two carefully formulated treatments to ease the aches and pains experienced by pregnant women – a unique massage to hydrate and moisturise the expanding skin using nurturing aromatic oils, and a face and body experience combining this massage with a reviving facial to ensure all visible effects of hormonal changes on the skin are addressed. As well as their specially formulated treatments, Elemis are equipped with a luxurious and incredibly comfortable pregnancy treatment suite. The whole room is basically a giant cushioned bean bag for you to lie down in – forget climing onto a massage table or struggling to lie on your side.  We’re talking 5 star in pregnancy comfort here. 

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• 2 Pin Up Beauty

  Best for: A bit of much needed pampering and preening

  Boost your pregnancy glow at Pin Up Beauty. Here, they offer a ‘stress relief package’, which includes a scalp, neck and shoulder massage to relieve the tensions and muscle aches accrued when carrying your new edition, a prescriptive facial tailored to your particular skin's pregnancy woes, and because there's no such thing as too much pampering, your package will end with a CND paraffin pedicure to ensure your feet are kept looking perfectly pampered – even when you struggle to reach them yourself!

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• 3 The Better Wellbeing System at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic

  Best for: An oh so comfortable water filled massage bed

  With their tailored pregnancy hydrotherm massage, The Better Wellbeing System ensure that both motherand baby are comfortable and supported in a face up position upon warm water filled pads; the most calming treatment table we can think of. This is the only massage system in the world that allows the therapist to give a 3 dimensional massage with no need for the client to move or turn over during the treatment – pregnancy bliss! They simply slide their hands between your body and the pads to reach all areas of the body, including those you will be lying on. Using organic aromatherapy oils throughout the massage, will ensure only pure and natural products are used on the skin so as to not harm your unborn baby.

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• 4 Aromatherapy Associates

  Best for: A personalised pregnancy pamper

  Aromatherapy Associates allow you to personalise your prenatal massage by choosing from 3 different oils, specially formulated to be pregnancy friendly and reduce the risk of stretch marks. Following this, you will receive a relaxing scalp and facial massage to relieve any existing stress and deliver a top to toe experience, ensuring you appreciate, if only for a moment, the beauty and joys of pregnancy. Not only do they offer this top class prenatal massage, but also a post pregnancy treatment that will help you on your way to restoring and renewing your skin's quality and appearance. They cater to your physical, mental and most importantly; emotional needs, after your bundle of joy has arrived.

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• 5 The Buddha Beauty Company

  Best for: Vegan and baby friendly beauty products

  The therapists at The Buddha Beauty Company pride themselves on knowing the safest practises for you and your baby whilst receiving one of their specialist pregnancy massages. Lying in a semi-reclined position, you will be safe and comfortable, with slight movement required from side to side in order to reach the back and hips. To make this effortless, body pillows, wedge pillows and extra padding are utilised, ensuring you are continuously supported and any stress is taken off the weight bearing joints. Using their handmade range of award winning and vegan friendly skincare, The Buddha Beauty Co., will have your baby used to only the finest quality in skincare products before even being born!

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