Pregnancy Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Contraindications and Risk Assessment

Identifies absolute and relative contraindications specific to prenatal massage. Equips students to screen clients and make safe referral decisions.

Lesson 2 • Professional and Ethical Standards

Defines scope of practice, informed consent, and confidentiality obligations for prenatal massage practitioners. Grounds students in professional accountability.

Lesson 3 • Client Intake and Health History

Teaches structured intake processes including health history forms and verbal screening. Connects assessment data directly to session planning.

Lesson 1 • Therapist Body Mechanics and Ergonomics

Teaches proper stance, leverage, and movement patterns to protect the therapist during prenatal sessions. Sustainable body mechanics prevent practitioner injury over a career.

Lesson 2 • Professional Draping Techniques

Establishes draping standards that ensure modesty, warmth, and unrestricted access to treatment areas. Reinforces professional boundaries and client trust.

Lesson 3 • Side-Lying Positioning Principles

Introduces the lateral recumbent position as the primary safe posture for prenatal massage. Students learn pillow placement and body mechanics to support client comfort.

Lesson 1 • Effleurage Strokes for Prenatal Work

Applies long gliding strokes adapted for lateral positioning and increased skin sensitivity. Establishes circulatory flow and client relaxation as session foundations.

Lesson 2 • Petrissage and Kneading Adaptations

Modifies kneading techniques for hormonally softened tissue and altered muscle tone. Students learn appropriate depth and hand positioning for safe tissue mobilization.

Lesson 3 • Integrating Strokes into a Full Session

Combines individual strokes into a cohesive 60-minute prenatal session structure. Students practice sequencing, transitions, and time management.

Lesson 4 • Friction and Myofascial Techniques

Introduces targeted friction for common prenatal tension sites including the sacrum and thoracic spine. Connects localized work to broader postural relief goals.

Lesson 1 • First Trimester Considerations

Addresses heightened risk, nausea, fatigue, and emotional sensitivity in early pregnancy. Students apply conservative protocols and enhanced communication skills.

Lesson 2 • Third Trimester Adaptations

Addresses late-pregnancy positioning challenges, increased edema, and preparation for labor. Students modify all techniques for maximum fetal and maternal safety.

Lesson 3 • Building Individualized Treatment Plans

Teaches goal-setting, outcome tracking, and session customization based on intake data. Connects assessment findings to specific technique and positioning choices.

Lesson 1 • Sciatic Pain and Piriformis Syndrome

Targets the piriformis and surrounding hip rotators to relieve sciatic nerve compression. Students apply positional and manual techniques specific to lateral positioning.

Lesson 2 • Headaches, Neck, and Shoulder Tension

Addresses tension headaches and upper-body tightness driven by postural and hormonal changes. Students apply cervical, suboccipital, and shoulder techniques safely.

Lesson 3 • Edema Management Techniques

Introduces manual lymphatic drainage principles adapted for prenatal edema in the legs and hands. Students distinguish normal from pathological swelling requiring referral.

Lesson 4 • Leg Cramps and Restless Leg Relief

Covers neuromuscular causes of nocturnal leg cramps and restless leg sensations in pregnancy. Students apply calf and foot techniques and provide evidence-based home care.

Lesson 1 • Foundations of Acupressure for Pregnancy

Introduces meridian theory and point location relevant to prenatal care. Students understand the energetic rationale for point selection and contraindication.

Lesson 2 • Hand Reflexology for Prenatal Clients

Extends reflexology practice to the hands as an accessible alternative to foot work. Students apply hand maps and techniques suitable for edematous or sensitive feet.

Lesson 3 • Therapeutic Acupressure Points for Discomfort

Applies specific points for nausea, back pain, headaches, and anxiety relief during pregnancy. Students practice point stimulation with appropriate pressure and intent.

Lesson 1 • Pain Management Techniques During Labor

Covers counter-pressure, sacral massage, and effleurage for contraction pain relief. Students practice techniques timed to contraction patterns for maximum effectiveness.

Lesson 2 • Role of the Massage Therapist in Labor

Defines the therapist's scope and collaborative role within the birth team. Students understand boundaries, communication protocols, and consent during labor.

Lesson 3 • Positioning Support During Labor

Teaches hands-on support for upright, kneeling, and side-lying labor positions. Students assist position changes that promote fetal descent and maternal comfort.

Lesson 1 • Postpartum Physiological Changes

Covers uterine involution, hormonal shifts, and musculoskeletal recovery in the weeks after birth. Provides the physiological basis for postpartum technique selection.

Lesson 2 • Emotional Wellbeing and Postpartum Support

Recognizes postpartum mood disorders and the therapist's supportive role within professional boundaries. Students apply trauma-informed touch and appropriate referral skills.

Lesson 3 • Cesarean Recovery Considerations

Addresses scar tissue management, restricted movement, and extended healing timelines after cesarean birth. Students apply scar mobilization techniques after full wound closure.