Pregnancy asks a lot of your back, hips and feet, and a good massage helps all three at once. At RE Spa in Julington Creek, prenatal massage is not a separate, pricier service. It is one of the techniques our licensed therapists are trained in, included in every massage at the same price as Swedish or deep tissue. Here is what to expect.
When prenatal massage is generally considered safe
Most therapists and prenatal care providers are comfortable with massage from the second trimester on, and many mothers keep a regular appointment right up to their due date. During the first trimester, the usual advice is to check with your OB or midwife first, and to book a lighter, shorter session if you do go ahead.
If your pregnancy is considered high risk, or you have been told to watch your blood pressure, swelling or clotting, talk to your provider before you book and share their guidance with your therapist.
How you will be positioned
Lying face down stops being comfortable early, and lying flat on your back is not recommended in later pregnancy. So a prenatal massage at RE Spa is done mostly side-lying, with pillows and bolsters supporting your belly, your top knee and your head. You will switch sides partway through so both hips and both sides of the back get equal attention.
Some of the session may be done semi-reclined rather than flat. Your therapist will adjust the setup until you feel supported, so say so if anything feels off.
What a prenatal massage focuses on
Every session is customized, but pregnant guests most often ask about the same areas:
| Where it aches | What your therapist can do |
|---|---|
| Low back and sacrum | Slow, broad strokes and gentle pressure around the sacrum and glutes, where the pelvis carries extra load |
| Hips and outer thighs | Side-lying work on the hip rotators and IT band, which tighten as your gait changes |
| Neck and shoulders | Upper-back and neck release for the forward posture that comes with a growing belly and, later, a newborn |
| Feet and calves | Light, upward strokes to ease tired feet and mild swelling; deep pressure on the calves is avoided |
Pressure is generally lighter than a deep tissue session. Firm work on the legs is avoided during pregnancy, and your therapist will steer clear of direct abdominal massage unless you ask for very gentle work there.
What to tell your therapist
Be thorough on the intake form. Tell your therapist how far along you are, anything your provider has flagged, where you hurt most, and how you like your pressure. Mention if you get lightheaded lying still, have varicose veins, or find certain scents bothersome. All of it changes how we set up the room.
During the session, speak up. If you need to shift, sit up, take a break or use the restroom, just say so.
What it costs at RE Spa
At RE Spa you pay for the time, not the technique, so prenatal massage costs the same as every other massage on the menu.
- 30 minutes: $69.95 non-member, $44.95 member
- 60 minutes: $119.95 non-member, $89.95 member
- 90 minutes: $179.95 non-member, $139.95 member
- 120 minutes: $239.95 non-member, $179.95 member
Hot towels are included in every massage, and aromatherapy is complimentary on request. If this is your first visit, your first 60-minute massage is $89.95 with the new guest offer. And if you plan to come in monthly through your pregnancy, a membership at $89.95 a month includes one 60-minute massage each month with member pricing on everything else, no annual contract, and credits that never expire while you are a member.
Want your partner along? Our standard couples room is included at no extra charge, so a prenatal massage for you and a deep tissue for them can happen side by side in the same room.
Booking tips
Book online or call, and put “prenatal” in the notes so we can set the room up before you arrive. Eat something light beforehand and drink water afterward. We are open 8am to 10pm every day, and a weekday morning is often the calmest visit. New to the spa? Our guide to your first visit to RE Spa covers what to wear and how the intake works.
See the full menu on our Services page.
Prenatal massage FAQ
Do I need a doctor’s note?
Not for a routine pregnancy. If your provider has placed you on any restrictions, bring their guidance with you and we will work within it.
How often should I come in?
Many guests find every two to four weeks in the second and third trimesters keeps back and hip pain manageable.
Is prenatal massage more expensive?
Not at RE Spa. A 60-minute prenatal massage is $119.95, or $89.95 for members and first-time guests, the same as any other 60-minute massage.
Can I add hot stones or cupping?
Ask your therapist. Some enhancements are not recommended during pregnancy, and they will tell you which ones fit your stage.
What about after the baby arrives?
Postnatal massage uses the same menu and pricing. Once your provider clears you, come back for your shoulders.
Book your prenatal massage in Julington Creek
Your first 60-minute massage at RE Spa is $89.95. Claim the new guest offer or call (904) 549-7535, and let us know you are expecting so we can have the room ready.