Pregnancy Massage in Port Pirie
Gentle, supportive massage for the changing body during pregnancy.
Quick details
- TherapistSarah Grapentin
- LocationPort Pirie, SA
- Sessions30 / 45 / 60 / 90 min
- Price from$50
- Health rebatesMay apply
What is pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage is a thoughtfully adapted treatment for the changing body of an expecting mother, using careful side-lying positioning, comfortable pillow support and gentler techniques than a typical remedial session. At Massages By Sarah in Port Pirie, sessions focus on the lower back, hips, glutes, shoulders, neck and feet — the areas under the most postural load through pregnancy.
Pregnancy massage by trimester: recommended cadence and positioning
| Stage | Recommended cadence | Positioning & focus |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester (1–13 weeks) | Typically deferred | Most practitioners wait until the second trimester unless your GP/midwife is comfortable with massage continuing. |
| Second trimester (14–27 weeks) | Every 3–4 weeks (more often if symptoms are active) | Side-lying with full bolster support. Lower back, hips, glutes, shoulders, neck and feet. Moderate pressure. |
| Third trimester (28+ weeks) | Every 2–3 weeks (weekly close to due date if needed) | Always side-lying after 20 weeks to avoid compression of the inferior vena cava. Comfort-focused, gentler strokes. |
| Postnatal (from ~6 weeks) | Weekly initially, settling to monthly | 6 weeks after vaginal birth, 8 weeks after caesarean (with care-provider clearance). See the postnatal recovery page. |
Cadence is a guide only — every pregnancy is different. Always defer to your GP, midwife or obstetrician if they have specific advice for your circumstances.
Last reviewed 7 July 2026 by Sarah Grapentin, Dip. RM, ATMS #53374. Information here is general in nature and not a substitute for medical advice.
How pregnancy massage works and when it's right for you.
A closer look at the technique itself, the benefits in depth, and the typical applications clients book pregnancy massage for.
How does pregnancy massage actually work?
Pregnancy massage is massage adapted thoughtfully for the changing body of an expecting mother. The work itself draws on familiar remedial and relaxation techniques, but the positioning, pressure, area focus and timing are all selected to keep both client and pregnancy supported throughout the session.
Positioning is usually side-lying with cushions and bolsters supporting the belly, hips, knees, ankles and shoulders — enough so the body can fully release without strain on any joint or ligament. Sessions tend to focus on the areas under the most postural demand: the lower back, hips, glutes, shoulders, neck and feet. Strokes are gentler and more flowing than in a typical remedial treatment, with deep work avoided in areas where it isn't appropriate during pregnancy.
Pregnancy massage is generally suited to clients past their first trimester, where their treating doctor or midwife is comfortable with massage. If your pregnancy is high-risk or if you have any concerns, please check with your care provider before booking. Sarah is happy to adapt session length, positioning and approach to suit each client and each stage of pregnancy.
What does pregnancy massage do for the body during pregnancy?
Pregnancy massage may help relieve common aches and tightness that come with the changing shape and load of a pregnant body. Lower back, hip and pelvic discomfort is one of the most common reasons clients book — alongside tired legs and feet, tight shoulders from postural changes, and the kind of cumulative stress that doesn't always announce itself but builds up over the weeks.
At a less measurable level, pregnancy massage offers something rarer than a treatment for a specific area: a stretch of time that is genuinely for you. For many clients in late pregnancy, the chance to lie down with full support and let someone skilled tend to a sore back is worth more than any single technique.
What kinds of issues do clients book pregnancy massage for?
Pregnancy massage is a good option for clients past their first trimester (with care-provider clearance) who are managing common pregnancy discomfort, or simply want a calm, supportive space during what is often a demanding stretch. Sessions are tailored to each client's preferences — pressure, focus, technique and position.
Massage in the first trimester is generally not offered without specific clearance from your care provider. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, any complications, or any concerns about whether massage is appropriate at your current stage, please speak with your doctor or midwife first. Mention all this when booking and Sarah will plan a session that works for where you are.
Who is pregnancy massage for?
- Lower back and hip discomfort
- Tight shoulders and neck from postural changes
- Tired legs and feet
- General stress and busy thoughts
- Needing time to slow down and rest
Ideal for pregnant clients past their first trimester (where their care provider is comfortable with massage) looking for a gentle, supportive session.
What clients say pregnancy massage helps with most.
May help relieve common pregnancy aches and tightness
Can assist with stress and mental load
Designed to support a sense of rest and care
May offer a welcome pause during a busy time
A calm, considered session, start to finish.
- 1
Comfortable positioning with pillows and supports
- 2
Gentle, flowing techniques tailored to pregnancy
- 3
Avoidance of areas and positions that aren't suitable
- 4
A calm, quiet space with full privacy
- 5
Time to rest before standing up at the end
Choose the session length that suits you.
30 minutes
$50
A focused, single-area treatment.
45 minutes
$65
Time for one or two areas of focus.
1 hour
$85
Our most popular session length.
90 minutes
$120
A full body or layered treatment.
Cupping can be added to any massage for $15, or booked as a 45-minute stand-alone session for $50.
"Sarah is absolutely amazing at what she does. I always leave feeling 200% better than I arrived. She accepts hicaos as well, which means I don't have to submit a claim! She is personable, respectful, caring and honest."
— Turpjo,
Book your pregnancy massage appointment.
Choose a time that suits you. Prefer to chat first? Call Sarah on 0439 594 999.
Sarah’s live booking calendar
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Common questions about pregnancy massage.
Pregnancy massage is a thoughtfully adapted treatment for the changing body of an expecting mother, using careful side-lying positioning, comfortable pillow support and gentler techniques than a typical remedial session. At Massages By Sarah in Port Pirie, sessions focus on the lower back, hips, glutes, shoulders, neck and feet — the areas under the most postural load through pregnancy.
Pregnant clients past their first trimester (where their care provider is comfortable with massage) looking for a gentle, supportive session.
Private health insurance rebates may be available depending on your provider and level of cover. Please check with your fund before your appointment — Massages By Sarah cannot guarantee rebates.
You can book online using the form below, send an enquiry through the contact page, or call Sarah on 0439 594 999.
Massages By Sarah is based in Port Pirie, South Australia. Clients also travel from Risdon Park, Crystal Brook, Gladstone, Jamestown, Laura, Clare, the Clare Valley, Port Augusta, Whyalla and surrounding Mid North and Upper Spencer Gulf areas. Full address details are shared when you book.
Massages By Sarah is open Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 7:00pm. The clinic is closed Saturday and Sunday. Appointments outside standard hours are sometimes possible — please get in touch to ask.
You can book online through the booking form on this site, send an enquiry via the contact page, or call Sarah on 0439 594 999. Online booking is the fastest way to see available times.
More on pregnancy from the blog.
A closer look at what pregnancy massage involves, how it suits different bodies, and what to expect alongside it.
Clients book pregnancy massage from across the Mid North and Upper Spencer Gulf.
Sarah's clinic in Port Pirie is the regular destination for clients across regional South Australia. Pick the area closest to you for travel notes, distances and local detail.
Looking for a different style?
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