By the third trimester, a lot of expecting mums in Inverness are dealing with the same two complaints: feet that don't fit into their usual shoes by the end of the day, and a lower back that aches after standing at the kitchen counter for ten minutes. If that sounds familiar, you're not overreacting, and …
By the third trimester, a lot of expecting mums in Inverness are dealing with the same two complaints: feet that don’t fit into their usual shoes by the end of the day, and a lower back that aches after standing at the kitchen counter for ten minutes. If that sounds familiar, you’re not overreacting, and you’re not alone. Both are genuinely common pregnancy symptoms, and there’s a lot you can do about them, including one option that often gets overlooked: pregnancy massage.
This guide walks through why swelling and back pain happen in the first place, how a properly adapted massage can help with both, and what a safe pregnancy massage actually looks like at Cholly’s Thai Massage & Therapy in Inverness.
Table of Contents
Why Do Feet Swell and Back Pain Happen During Pregnancy?
Swelling in the feet and ankles, known medically as oedema, is caused by your body holding onto more fluid than usual during pregnancy, combined with your growing womb putting extra pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvis and legs. That pressure slows down circulation in your lower body, so fluid tends to pool in your feet and ankles, especially by the end of the day or after standing for long stretches.
Back pain has a different but related cause. As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward, which changes your posture and puts extra strain on your lower back. On top of that, pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments around your joints to prepare your body for labour, which can leave your lower back and pelvis feeling less supported than usual.
Neither of these symptoms means something has gone wrong. They’re simply your body adjusting to the physical demands of growing a baby, but that doesn’t make them any less uncomfortable day to day.
How Pregnancy Massage Helps with Swollen Feet
Gentle, rhythmic massage strokes on the legs and feet help encourage circulation and support the movement of fluid that’s built up in your lower limbs. Rather than working deeply into the muscle, a pregnancy-safe foot and leg massage uses lighter, sweeping pressure directed toward the heart, which is the same general principle behind reducing fluid retention that’s commonly recommended for pregnancy swelling.
Many mums also notice that the simple act of sitting or lying down with their feet elevated during a treatment, something that’s naturally built into a pregnancy massage session, helps on its own, and the massage on top of that elevation tends to leave feet feeling noticeably lighter afterwards.
How Pregnancy Massage Helps with Back Pain
For back pain, pregnancy massage works on two levels. Physically, targeted, gentle pressure along the lower back and hips can help ease the muscle tension that builds up from carrying extra weight and compensating for your shifted posture. Many women also carry additional tension in the shoulders and upper back without realising it, simply from adjusting how they sit, stand, and move throughout the day, and a full-body pregnancy massage addresses that too, not just the lower back.
There’s also a relaxation element that shouldn’t be underestimated. Pain and muscle tension often feed into each other: the more tense you are, the more the pain seems to intensify, and vice versa. A slower, calming massage session helps break that cycle, even if just temporarily, giving your body a chance to properly rest.
Is Pregnancy Massage Safe? When Can You Start?
Pregnancy massage is generally considered safe for most pregnancies, but the standard, widely recommended approach is to wait until after the first trimester. At Cholly’s, pregnancy massage is available from the second trimester, after 12 weeks, once the higher-risk early stage of pregnancy has passed.
It’s always worth mentioning your pregnancy to your GP or midwife, particularly if you’re considered higher risk, before booking any massage treatment. A therapist trained in pregnancy massage will also adjust positioning and pressure to keep both you and your baby comfortable and safe throughout the session, typically avoiding lying flat on your back for extended periods and steering clear of deep pressure on certain areas.
What to Expect During Your Pregnancy Massage at Cholly's
Your session starts the same warm way every treatment does at Cholly’s: a comfortable robe, a hot drink, and a few minutes to settle in before anything begins. From there, Cholly adjusts your positioning for comfort and safety throughout the pregnancy, using supportive cushioning so you’re never lying flat on your back or stomach.
The Pregnancy Massage treatment is available in 60 or 90-minute sessions and focuses on relieving back pain, reducing swelling, and improving circulation, all at a gentle, pregnancy-safe pressure. If your feet in particular are bothering you, it’s also worth asking about combining this with a dedicated foot massage on a future visit, since focused foot work can bring extra relief between full pregnancy massage sessions.
Simple Relief Tips to Try Between Sessions
A single massage session helps, but a few small daily habits can support that relief in between visits:
- Prop your feet up above heart level for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day
- Take short, gentle walks or do ankle circles to keep circulation moving
- Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long stretches
- Sleep on your left side where possible, which can ease pressure on major blood vessels
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes rather than anything tight or restrictive
- Stay well hydrated, which sounds counterintuitive but genuinely helps reduce fluid retention
When to See a Doctor Instead
Mild, gradual swelling and everyday pregnancy back pain are common and usually nothing to worry about, but certain symptoms need a doctor’s attention rather than a massage. According to NHS guidance, you should contact your midwife or GP promptly if swelling comes on suddenly or severely, affects your face or hands, or is accompanied by a headache, vision changes, or pain just below your ribs, as these can be signs of pre-eclampsia. Swelling in one leg only, particularly if it’s red, hot, or painful, should also be checked urgently, as it can occasionally indicate a blood clot.
For more detail on either symptom, the NHS pages on back pain in pregnancy and swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy are a reliable starting point, and it’s always worth discussing any new or worsening symptoms with your midwife directly.
Why Book Pregnancy Massage at Cholly's in Inverness
Cholly Saidoung has over a decade of experience as a Thai massage therapist, including specialist training in pregnancy massage, and has spent that time learning how to adapt traditional techniques safely for expecting mums. Based at 5 Market Brae Steps in the centre of Inverness, the studio offers a calm, unhurried space to relax, something that becomes even more valuable in the later stages of pregnancy.
If you’re local to Inverness and dealing with swollen feet, back pain, or simply the general tiredness that comes with pregnancy, booking a pregnancy massage online takes a couple of minutes, or you can get in touch through the contact page with any questions about safety or suitability before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pregnancy massage safe?
Yes, pregnancy massage is generally safe when carried out by a therapist trained in prenatal techniques, using adapted positioning and gentle pressure. It’s best to mention any pregnancy complications to your GP or midwife first, particularly if you’re considered higher risk.
From what month can I start pregnancy massage?
Most practitioners, including Cholly’s, recommend waiting until after the first trimester, so pregnancy massage is offered from the second trimester, after 12 weeks.
Can massage really help with swollen feet during pregnancy?
Gentle massage strokes directed toward the heart can support circulation and help reduce the feeling of heaviness in swollen feet and ankles, especially when combined with elevating your feet during and after the session.
Will pregnancy massage help my lower back pain?
Many women find that targeted, gentle massage around the lower back and hips eases the muscle tension that builds up from pregnancy’s shifting posture and loosened ligaments, alongside general relaxation that helps break the pain-tension cycle.
What positions are used during a pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy-safe massage avoids lying flat on your back or stomach for long periods. Therapists typically use supportive cushioning and side-lying or semi-reclined positioning to keep you comfortable throughout.
When should I see a doctor instead of booking a massage?
Pregnancy-safe massage avoids lying flat on your back or stomach for long periods. Therapists typically use supportive cushioning and side-lying or semi-reclined positioning to keep you comfortable throughout.
Feel More Comfortable Throughout Your Pregnancy
Ease swollen feet, lower back pain, tired muscles, and everyday pregnancy discomfort with a gentle massage tailored for expectant mothers from the second trimester onwards. Relax in a calm, welcoming space while receiving professional care designed for your comfort and wellbeing.
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Cholly's Thai Massage & Therapy is a trusted wellness centre in Inverness, offering authentic Traditional Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Combined Thai and Oil Massage, and Gua Sha Facial Treatment. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping clients relieve stress, ease muscle tension, and improve overall wellbeing through personalised care.
