Pregnancy Massage in Northumberland: Soothing, Supportive and Rooted in Ancient Wisdom

Whether you're navigating your first pregnancy or preparing to meet your third baby, one thing is certain - your body is working hard.

From shifting postures and growing bellies to aching hips, hormonal changes, and emotional overwhelm, pregnancy is a full-spectrum transformation.

Massage isn’t just a treat during this time, it’s a deeply nourishing tool for your physical and emotional wellbeing.

In this post, I’ll share why pregnancy massage is so much more than relaxation, how it supports both your body and your baby, and why it’s an ancient practice with modern relevance - especially when held in the safe, grounded hands of someone who truly understands pregnancy and birth (Hi...!)

🌿 What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is a specialised, adapted form of therapeutic massage designed to support your body as it changes during pregnancy.

From the second trimester onward, it can provide safe, effective relief from common discomforts - while also creating space for emotional regulation, nervous system rest, and deepened connection to your baby.

Here at Positively Pregnant, my pregnancy massage sessions are intuitive, respectful, and entirely tailored to you.

I draw on my training as a Doula, Hypnobirthing instructor, and Massage therapist to offer something that’s more than just massage... it's care, ritual, and release.

💆‍♀️ The Physical Benefits: Your Changing Body, Held with Care

During pregnancy, your body experiences a rapid sequence of changes. Let’s break that down:

• Postural shifts: Your centre of gravity changes, your lower back arches, and your hips widen to accommodate your growing baby.

• Increased blood volume and fluid retention: This can cause swelling (oedema) in the feet, legs and hands.

• Ligament softening: Hormonal changes - particularly relaxin - loosen joints and can lead to aches and instability.

• Digestive slow-down: The hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscles, which can slow digestion and cause bloating or constipation.

All of these changes are beautifully normal, but they can be uncomfortable.

Pregnancy massage can help to:

• Relieve back, hip, neck, and shoulder pain

• Reduce swelling by improving circulation and lymphatic flow

• Ease headaches and tension

• Support digestion and elimination

• Improve sleep and restore energy

• Help your body prepare for birth by encouraging optimal fetal positioning and pelvic mobility

🤍 The Emotional and Nervous System Benefits

It’s not just your body that’s changing - your inner world is too.

Pregnancy can feel expansive, uncertain, joyful, emotional… sometimes all within a day.

Massage provides a gentle reset for your nervous system. It invites your body out of ‘fight or flight’ and into deep rest, regulation, and trust.

This matters for birth. When you practise softening into your body, noticing sensations, and staying connected to your breath, you’re actually preparing yourself for labour in a powerful, embodied way.

Many of my clients find that massage:

• Helps calm anxiety and overwhelm

• Offers space to process and feel held

• Deepens their connection to their baby

• Helps them feel nourished - not just looked after, but honoured

✨ Rooted in Ancient Tradition

Massage during pregnancy isn’t new. It’s a practice woven through countless ancient cultures; from Ayurvedic traditions in India, to Mayan abdominal massage, to the postpartum belly binding and oiling rituals in African and Middle Eastern cultures.

These traditions recognise that the pregnant and birthing body is sacred, and that touch can be a tool of ceremony, restoration, and energetic balance.

Here in the modern Western world, that reverence often gets lost.

Pregnancy massage becomes a “pampering luxury,” rather than the therapeutic and preventative care it truly is.

But in my space - it’s both. Holistic and bougie. Sacred and science-led.

It’s a return to the ancient belief that when a mother is well, her baby is well too.

🌸 What to Expect from a Session:

In your personalised pregnancy massage at my welcoming antenatal studio in Northumberland, you’ll receive:

• A cosy, grounded space with candles, soft music, and expertly blended aromatherapy.

• Pregnancy-safe positioning on my professional massage table (usually side-lying, with lots of support) to ensure full comfort

• Natural, organic oils - either unscented or gently infused with essential oils safe for pregnancy (I'm fully trained)

• A full hour of soothing, intuitive massage, focused on the areas you need most

• Space to relax deeply - or to talk, cry, ask questions, dream - however you’re feeling that day

• Optional breath coaching or calming rituals to help you integrate the benefits even further. Or perhaps just a soothing, grounding cup of Cacao or tea, with a gentle Doula chat before you head home.

Every session is unique, because you are.

Some women fall asleep. Some process birth fears. Some laugh. Some weep. All are welcome.

Who It’s For

Pregnancy massage is ideal for you if:

• You’re experiencing discomfort - back pain, pelvic tension, swollen feet, poor sleep

• You want a break from the noise - a space that’s just for you

• You’re preparing for a physiological birth and want to feel connected to your body

• You’re someone who gives a lot to others - and needs time to receive

Location & Investment

I offer pregnancy massage from my dedicated pregnancy studio just outside Chatton, close to Alnwick and Berwick. There’s free on site parking, easy access, and a warm welcome.

60-minute Luxury Pregnancy Massage (Back, neck, shoulders, legs, Indian head) : £65

Prebirth Bliss Bundle (4 sessions): £200

30 minute Mini Massage (Back, neck shoulders OR legs and feet) - £45

Gift vouchers available - a beautiful baby shower gift

Booking is easy via the button below:

🌿 Final Thoughts

Massage during pregnancy isn’t (just) a luxury experience - it’s a powerful, ancient, evidence-based way to care for your changing body, your nervous system, and your sacred transition into motherhood.

Whether you need physical relief, emotional calm, or a moment to reconnect with your baby - you are worthy of this care.

And I would be honoured to hold that space for you.

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Jessica Ord is an experienced birth doula and hypnobirthing expert, supporting parents across the North East.

She is a fully qualified pregnancy massage therapist, specialising in applying & adapting traditional Swedish techniques for pregnant and postnatal women.

With just under a decade's experience in this work, she specialises in home birth, high risk labels and supporting sovereign, self led parents.