Prenatal massage at home in Geneva
Prenatal massage from the 4th month of pregnancy (2nd trimester), in side-lying position, by specifically trained therapists. At home in Geneva, table and bolsters brought to you.
Reconnaître Prenatal massage
- Female therapist trained in prenatal protocol
- Side-lying position with adapted bolsters
- 60 or 90 minutes (90 recommended in the 3rd trimester)
- Focus on lower back, hips, drainage of the legs
- Strict contraindication checklist at booking
- Postnatal protocol available from 6 weeks post-partum
What is prenatal massage ?
Prenatal massage helps with the discomfort common to the second and third trimesters : lower-back tension, leg heaviness, sleep disruption. Strict adapted protocol : not a regular massage simply repositioned.
Prenatal massage is its own discipline : the therapist is specifically trained, the positions and bolsters are adapted to your trimester, certain areas (lower abdomen, certain pressure points on the legs) are avoided.
When to start
From the 4th month (start of the 2nd trimester), when the placenta is fully established and the risk of miscarriage is lower. Some specialists also serve from the 12th-14th week with medical clearance from your gynaecologist. We follow the conservative timing : 4th month onwards.
Position
Side-lying, with bolsters supporting the bump, the upper knee, and the head. We do NOT use a pregnancy table with a hole for the bump : the side-lying position is safer and more comfortable for the deeper layers of pregnancy.
What we work on
- Lower-back tension (the main complaint of the 2nd and 3rd trimester).
- Sacrum and hips, where the body weight increasingly loads.
- Shoulders and trapezius, often tight from the change in posture.
- Leg and calf drainage (water retention is common from the 6th month).
- Hands and forearms, often tense from compensation.
What we avoid
- Lower abdomen and direct work on the belly.
- Certain pressure points on the ankles and lower legs (traditionally considered uterine-stimulating).
- Deep work on the lumbar spine.
- Very firm pressure on the back of the legs.
Postnatal
From 6 weeks after delivery (or 8 weeks after a caesarean section with medical clearance), postnatal massage is also available. Drainage of residual water retention, work on the upper back and shoulders (often loaded by breastfeeding), gentle abdominal massage if you’ve cleared diastasis.
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A typical session at home in Geneva, step by step.
1. Pregnancy check-in
Trimester, current week, any complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, placental issues), medical clearance status, recent ultrasound results if you want to share.
2. Position setup
Side-lying on the table, bolsters supporting the bump, upper knee, head and arm. The therapist may adjust position halfway through to work the other side.
3. Lower-back and sacrum work (20 min)
The most demanded area in 2nd and 3rd trimester. Gentle but firm pressure to release the lumbar compensation muscles.
4. Hip and gluteal release
The pelvis is gradually changing shape ; the muscles around the hip joints get tight. Slow circular work to release.
5. Leg drainage (15 min)
Light upward strokes from foot to thigh to mobilise water retention. Particularly effective after week 28.
6. Closing on shoulders and head
Often the most enjoyable part : shoulders, neck, scalp. The session ends here so you can roll over and stand up slowly.
Quand consulter en urgence
Si la douleur s’accompagne de fièvre inexpliquée, de perte de force brutale dans un membre, de fourmillements progressifs, de troubles urinaires ou sphinctériens, ou après un traumatisme violent, consultez votre médecin traitant ou les urgences immédiatement.
In-home massage is indicated for the conditions communes : elle vient en complément, jamais en remplacement, d’un avis médical en cas de signes d’alerte.
Questions fréquentes
When can I start prenatal massage ?
From the 4th month (start of the 2nd trimester) in our standard protocol. If you have a healthy pregnancy and your gynaecologist or midwife approves, some specialists work from week 12-14. We follow the conservative timing.
Is there any risk to the baby ?
No, when performed by a trained therapist with the right protocol. The side-lying position protects the bump, the avoided areas are documented in prenatal-massage training, and the pressure is moderate throughout. We exclusively use therapists trained in prenatal.
I have gestational diabetes / hypertension. Can I still have it ?
Mention it at booking. Most situations are compatible with a careful prenatal protocol, but gestational hypertension requires lighter pressure and avoidance of certain areas. We may ask you to confirm with your gynaecologist.
Can I have it the morning of induction or scheduled C-section ?
Not in our protocol. The 48-72h immediately before a planned delivery is not the right time for a massage. The pre-delivery sessions we do are spaced 2-3 weeks before.
Postnatal : when can I start again ?
6 weeks post-vaginal-delivery, 8 weeks post-caesarean (with medical clearance). Earlier if you’ve had a complication-free delivery and your body feels ready, but standard timing is 6 weeks.
Can my partner be present during the session ?
Yes. Many of our prenatal clients have their partner in the room or in an adjacent space. The therapist works around it without issue. Some couples even book a couples session in the postnatal phase.
Female therapist guaranteed for prenatal ?
Yes. Our prenatal protocol uses exclusively female therapists trained specifically in pregnancy work. This isn’t a rule we’d flex for a male therapist availability : the prenatal slot is dedicated.
Sources & references
- physiosuisse : Fédération suisse des masseur
- OFSP : Office fédéral de la santé publique
- Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) : recommandations
Les informations de cet article ne remplacent pas une consultation médicale. Pour toute situation clinique individuelle, consultez votre médecin ou un masseur diplômé.
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