Prenatal Massage in Syracuse, NY

Every trimester, with licensed massage therapists.

Reviewed by Kyle Hierholzer, LMT, owner of Hand in Health. Updated October 2026.

Massage therapist working on the neck and shoulders of a pregnant patient during prenatal massage

Prenatal massage at Hand in Health in Syracuse, NY is therapeutic massage adapted for pregnancy. Our licensed massage therapists see patients in every trimester and use side-lying positions and support pillows to keep pressure off the belly. Sessions can focus on common pregnancy discomforts like low back tension, hip pain, swollen or tired legs, and trouble sleeping. No referral is needed, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Often helpful for: low back and hip discomfort, sciatic-type pain, leg swelling and fatigue, neck and shoulder tension, and trouble getting comfortable at night.

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Prenatal Massage

Care Built Around Your Pregnancy

What Is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage is massage built around a pregnant body. Your therapist adjusts positioning, pressure and focus to how your body is changing. Most of the work happens with you lying on your side, supported by pillows and cushions, so there is no pressure on your belly.

Patients often come to us with low back tension, hip discomfort, tired legs and trouble getting comfortable at night. Tell your therapist what you are feeling, and they will spend more of the session there.

Is Prenatal Massage Safe?

For most pregnancies, yes. The key is a therapist skilled in prenatal massage, and that is who you will see here. We offer prenatal massage in the first, second and third trimesters.

Share any health concerns at your intake before the session starts. If you are under a doctor’s or midwife’s care, we are happy to work with them, but a referral is not required. If your pregnancy is high-risk, or you have a condition such as high blood pressure, check with your doctor or midwife before you book.

How We Keep Prenatal Massage Safe

Every prenatal massage starts with a screening. Before your session, your therapist asks how far along you are, how your pregnancy is going, and about any conditions like high blood pressure, swelling, varicose veins, or a history of blood clots. Then they adjust the treatment to fit.

New York State sets precautions for licensed massage therapists. One of them: in the first trimester, no deep sacral work or abdominal massage. We follow that, and we go further for the whole pregnancy:

No deep pressure on the sacrum, the flat bone at the base of your spine, in any trimester.
No abdominal massage in the first trimester.
No deep tissue work on the legs. Pregnancy raises the risk of blood clots, so leg work stays light and gentle.
No work over varicose veins.

These limits are part of every prenatal session here, not an extra you have to ask for.

Source: New York State Education Department, Precautions for Massage/Bodywork Therapy

When to call your doctor or midwife first

Call your doctor or midwife, and wait for their OK before your massage, if you notice:

Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg
Sudden or severe swelling in your face, hands, or feet
A severe headache or changes in your vision
Bleeding, fluid leaking, or regular contractions

Lie on Your Stomach Again

Most prenatal massage happens on your side. We also have a prenatal bolster with a cutout for your belly, so you can lie face-down comfortably and safely. It lets your therapist reach your low back and hips the way a regular massage would. Ask for it when you book, or tell your therapist at the start of your session.

What to Expect at Your Session

Pregnant person in a loose green dress standing outdoors with both hands resting on their belly

Before your massage

Fill out your intake forms online using the link in your confirmation email, or arrive about 10 minutes early to finish them here. Your therapist will ask how far along you are, how you are feeling and what you want help with.

During your massage

You will lie on your side with pillows supporting your head, belly, back and knees. Your therapist works with gentle to moderate pressure and adjusts anytime you ask. Lighting, music and room temperature can all be changed to suit you. Need a break to shift positions or use the restroom? Just say so.

After your massage

Take your time getting up, and drink some water. Let your therapist know how you felt, so your next session can build on it.

How Long Is a Prenatal Massage and What Does It Cost?

Prenatal massage sessions are 60 or 90 minutes.

60 minutes: $120
90 minutes: $155

Sixty minutes is the most popular choice. It leaves time for your back, hips, legs and shoulders without feeling rushed. Choose 90 minutes for more focused work on problem areas.

Members pay less per session. See our massage memberships.

Pair Prenatal Massage With Chiropractic Care

Massage works on tight muscles. Chiropractic care works on how your joints move. During pregnancy, both get a workout. Our chiropractor, Dr. Andrew Koh, DC, has specialized training in working with prenatal patients, so you can see him at the same clinic as your massage therapist.

You can pair the two for low back, hip and pelvic discomfort as your pregnancy goes on. Dr. Koh starts with your health history and a conversation about your goals, then explains what he recommends before he begins. You do not need X-rays or a doctor’s script to book. Check with your doctor or midwife before your first chiropractic visit, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk.

New chiropractic patients can save 30% with our Chiropractic + Massage Bundle: an initial chiropractic exam and adjustment plus a 60-minute massage, which can be a prenatal massage.

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Your Prenatal Massage Therapists

Every licensed massage therapist at Hand in Health is trained in prenatal massage. For prenatal massage, we recommend Hollie, Katy, Andria, Maria, Abigail, Laura, and N’zinga. You can choose your therapist when you book online.

Paying for Prenatal Massage

We accept HSA and FSA cards. We are out-of-network for most insurance plans and provide superbills on request, so you can submit for reimbursement. Check with your insurer first, since some plans require a physician’s authorization.

Monthly members can use their membership toward prenatal massage. See our massage memberships.

Gift cards work for prenatal massage too, which makes them an easy baby shower gift.

Prenatal Massage FAQs

How much does a prenatal massage cost?

A 60-minute prenatal massage is $120 and a 90-minute session is $155. We accept HSA and FSA cards.

Why is there no deep tissue work on the legs during pregnancy?

Pregnancy raises the risk of blood clots in the legs, and deep pressure there could disturb one. So our therapists keep leg work light for your whole pregnancy. We also follow New York State’s precaution of no deep sacral work or abdominal massage in the first trimester, and we avoid deep sacral pressure in every trimester.

Can I get a prenatal massage if I have swelling?

Mild, even swelling in both feet and ankles is common in pregnancy, and your therapist will use light, gentle work there. If swelling is sudden, severe, or only in one leg, call your doctor or midwife before your massage.

Can I get a massage in my first trimester?

Yes. We offer prenatal massage in all three trimesters. Share any health concerns at your intake, and check with your doctor or midwife first if your pregnancy is high-risk.

Do I need a note from my doctor?

No, a referral is not required. If you are under a doctor’s or midwife’s care, we are happy to work with them.

Can I lie on my back or stomach?

Yes, both are options. Most of the session is side-lying, supported by pillows. We also have a prenatal bolster with a belly cutout, so you can lie face-down comfortably. Your therapist will help you find the position that works for you.

How much pressure is used?

Gentle to moderate pressure, adjusted to your comfort. Speak up anytime if you want lighter or firmer work.

Can I see a chiropractor while pregnant?

Yes. Dr. Andrew Koh, DC, our chiropractor, has specialized training in working with prenatal patients. You can book chiropractic care and prenatal massage on the same day or on different days, whichever you prefer. Share any health concerns first, and check with your doctor or midwife if your pregnancy is high-risk.

What should I wear?

Undress to your comfort level. You stay covered by a sheet or blanket the whole time, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. Comfortable clothes for the drive home help too.

Can my partner book a massage at the same time?

Yes. Book a couples massage and you will each have your own table and your own licensed massage therapist in the same private room. Let us know you are pregnant when you book, so your therapist can plan for prenatal positioning.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are charged the full cost of the session.

What Our Prenatal Patients Say

4.9 stars on Google

“This was my first massage in a long time. I used to go regularly (once every 1-2 months), but could not been able to recently due to pregnancy. My therapist used a special bolster for prenatal massage, which was very comfortable. They were very attentive, asking me about the amount of pressure being used and how best to customize the massage to my current needs. The location was easy to find and neat/clean. I was pleased that though it was a nice space and comfortable, it was more clinical than spa-like. However, there was an adorable retired therapy dog who greeted me, and that also helped make this a great experience.”

AM

“I have been here twice now for a prenatal massage. My therapist is fantastic and makes me feel very comfortable. I think self care is very important and even more important when pregnant. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with them. If it wasn’t for the last 2 massages, I don’t think I would feel as good as I do being 31 weeks pregnant.”

Tiffany Bennett

“Went in for a prenatal massage at 38 weeks and I’m so glad I did! I wasn’t sure about side lying massage but they give you pillows and make sure you’re supported and comfortable. The environment is calming and comfortable and the therapists are very professional.”

Brianna M.

“Pregnancy massage was exactly what I needed at 30 weeks pregnant – Abigail was AMAZING and so kind.”

Skylar Vance

“I had a great pregnancy massage with Laura! My shoulders especially felt better afterwards. Thank you!”

Ariana McDermott

“Had my first ever prenatal massage with Katy and it was amazing and super relaxing!”

Maggie Hemingway

“Wonderful pregnancy massage. Very minimal talking which I loved. Will be going back!”

rebecca adamitis

Read our Google reviews: Downtown Syracuse · North Syracuse