Pregnancy Massage Diploma
Pregnancy Massage Diploma
Pregnancy is a time of remarkable change, bringing with it unique physical, emotional and psychological experiences. As massage therapists, we have the opportunity to support women through this important chapter of their lives, but doing so safely and confidently requires specialist knowledge and training.
Many therapists are taught during their initial massage qualifications that pregnancy is a contraindication to treatment. In reality, the picture is far more nuanced. With the right understanding, appropriate adaptations and sound clinical reasoning, massage can offer significant benefits throughout pregnancy and into the postnatal period. In addition, many insurers require therapists to have completed specialist pregnancy massage training before providing cover for this area of practice.
Our ThinkTree Approved Pregnancy Massage Diploma has been designed to give you far more than a simple side-lying routine. Through a combination of comprehensive online learning and practical classroom experience, you will develop a deeper understanding of pregnancy, learn how to adapt your existing massage skills, and gain the confidence to treat each client as an individual.
Led by experienced therapist and tutor, Lisa Tate, this course takes a holistic and inclusive approach, exploring not only positioning and techniques but also consultation skills, treatment planning, red and amber flags, emotional wellbeing and the many considerations involved in supporting clients safely throughout pregnancy and after birth.
One of the highlights of the practical training is the opportunity to work directly with a pregnant volunteer on the second day, allowing you to apply your learning in a supervised environment and leave feeling prepared to introduce pregnancy massage into your own practice.
Why you should train with us
At the School of Bodywork, we believe pregnancy massage should never be reduced to a standard routine. Every pregnancy is different, every client has unique needs, and thoughtful clinical reasoning is just as important as practical technique.
This diploma combines evidence-informed theory with hands-on experience, helping you understand not only how to adapt massage safely but why those adaptations matter. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions and provide personalised care rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
You will also benefit from the invaluable experience of working with a pregnant client during the practical training, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.
Course overview
This blended-learning diploma combines in-depth online study with two practical training days.
The course explores the anatomy, physiology and pathology of pregnancy alongside consultation skills, treatment adaptations and practical massage techniques that can be tailored throughout the trimesters and into the postnatal period.
Rather than teaching a fixed sequence, the emphasis is on adapting your existing massage knowledge to meet the needs of the individual in front of you safely, confidently and compassionately.
Course syllabus
The course covers:
- Anatomy, physiology and pathology of pregnancy.
- Benefits of massage during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy-specific consultation skills.
- Red and amber flags and when treatment may or may not be appropriate.
- Safe treatment adaptations.
- Practical massage techniques throughout the trimesters.
- Exercise guidelines during pregnancy and postnatally.
- Additional support and advice for pregnant clients.
- Perinatal mental illness.
- Considerations for IVF pregnancies.
- Treating clients during the postnatal period.
Entry requirements
Participants must hold:
- A minimum Level 3 Massage qualification.
- A minimum Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology qualification.
This course is intended for qualified massage therapists wishing to safely and confidently work with pregnant and postnatal clients.
Course Format
- Blended learning programme combining online study and practical training.
- Approximately 16 hours of online learning completed before attending.
- 12 hours of face-to-face practical teaching over two days.
- Online content becomes available one month before the course and remains accessible for 12 months.
- The practical sessions include supervised hands-on experience, including the opportunity to work with a pregnant volunteer on the second day.
Assessments
Learning takes place through successful completion of the pre-course online study and active participation in the practical training.
The emphasis is on developing sound clinical reasoning, safe decision-making and confidence in adapting treatments appropriately for pregnant and postnatal clients.
Qualification & Accreditation
This ThinkTree Approved Pregnancy Massage Diploma provides specialist training for qualified massage therapists wishing to work safely with pregnant and postnatal clients.
The course has been designed to equip therapists with the understanding and practical skills needed to adapt treatments responsibly and confidently within this specialist area of practice.
FAQs
Do we get to work on pregnant women during the training?
Yes. We believe this is an invaluable part of the learning experience. During the second practical day, you will have the opportunity to work with a pregnant volunteer under tutor supervision, helping you gain confidence and experience before offering pregnancy massage within your own practice.
Do you cover postnatal clients as well?
Yes. The course explores the whole journey, including pregnancy and the postnatal period, enabling you to support clients through this significant stage of life with confidence and appropriate clinical understanding.
Course Date:
Friday 26 February and Saturday 27 February 2027
Course Time:
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
Location:
The practical training takes place in Exeter, Devon, UK. Pre-course online learning is accessed remotely before attending the in-person sessions.
Course Fees:
Early Bird Offer: £295 when you secure your place with a £175 deposit before 26 December 2026.
The remaining balance is due one month before the course start date.
Full Course Fee: £345
Bookings made within two months of the course start date require payment in full.
Tutor / Tutors
Lisa Tate has many years of experience supporting pregnant and postnatal clients and has developed this comprehensive diploma to help therapists move beyond simple routines towards confident, individualised care. Her practical experience, passion and thoughtful teaching style enable students to build both knowledge and real-world clinical confidence.
