Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage at Physio Clinic Suchánek is a specialised gentle massage adapted for the unique physical demands of the second and third trimesters. Techniques and positioning are modified to accommodate the growing abdomen and the increased joint laxity, circulatory changes, and postural adaptation that pregnancy produces. The session addresses the most common discomforts of pregnancy — lower back pain, pelvic girdle tension, leg heaviness, and swollen ankles — using adapted Swedish massage techniques that are safe for mother and baby when contraindications are observed.

Pregnancy changes the body's biomechanics, circulatory dynamics, and hormonal environment in ways that accumulate into genuine musculoskeletal discomfort for most expectant mothers. The growing uterus shifts the centre of gravity forward, increasing lumbar lordosis and loading the sacroiliac joints; the hormone relaxin loosens ligamentous support throughout the pelvis; increased blood volume raises peripheral oedema; and the progressive restriction of comfortable sleeping positions contributes to thoracic and cervical tension. Pregnancy massage at Suchánek addresses these changes with an adapted approach: the client is positioned on their side using a pregnancy bolster system (not face-down after the first trimester), or semi-reclined depending on comfort at the stage of pregnancy. Techniques focus on gentle effleurage along the back and legs, specific decompression of the lower lumbar region, sacral offloading, calf and ankle drainage to reduce peripheral swelling, and shoulder and neck work to address the forward head posture that commonly develops as the belly grows. Abdominal work — a gentle surface-level effleurage acknowledging the baby — is included only with explicit consent and is always superficial; no deep abdominal pressure is applied. The therapist at Suchánek is trained in pregnancy massage contraindication recognition: the session will not proceed if the client presents with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (unilateral leg swelling with heat and tenderness), hypertensive headaches, or signs of pre-eclampsia. Clients with high-risk pregnancies (placenta previa, preterm labour risk, pre-eclampsia diagnosis, or recent miscarriage) should obtain obstetric clearance before booking. Benefits associated with pregnancy massage include reductions in lower back and pelvic pain, improvements in sleep quality, reduction in peripheral oedema, and lowered levels of perceived stress and anxiety — all of which have positive downstream effects on the pregnancy experience. Contraindications: first trimester (avoid entirely), high-risk pregnancy without obstetric clearance, active nausea/morning sickness, hypertension, uncontrolled gestational diabetes, fever or active infection, signs of DVT. Preparation: bring a comfortable pillow if you have specific positioning preferences. Wear comfortable two-piece clothing for easy draping access.