Quick Facts — MassageGo In-Room Service
- Service area:
- Ho Chi Minh City — all districts
- Session lengths:
- 60, 90, and 120 minutes
- Starting from:
- 500,000 VND (60-min foot massage)
- Booking:
- WhatsApp or website — confirmed in ~30 min
- Notice required:
- 1–3 hours for same-day bookings
- Payment:
- Cash to therapist after the session
Massage during pregnancy can be profoundly beneficial — reducing back pain, improving sleep, lowering anxiety, and relieving the swelling that comes with carrying extra weight. But it also requires specific precautions. Not every massage style is safe during pregnancy, certain pressure points should be avoided, and timing matters. This guide covers what's safe, what's not, and how to get the most from prenatal massage during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes — with important conditions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers massage therapy generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained therapist who understands prenatal modifications. Research consistently shows that prenatal massage reduces pregnancy-related discomfort without increasing risk of complications.
However, "generally safe" comes with specific guidelines:
First trimester (weeks 1-12): Many therapists and physicians recommend waiting until the second trimester. The first trimester carries the highest risk of miscarriage, and while massage doesn't cause miscarriage, some practitioners prefer to err on the side of caution. If you do get massage during the first trimester, keep it gentle — Swedish massage with light pressure is the safest option.
Second trimester (weeks 13-27): The ideal time for prenatal massage. Most pregnancy-related discomforts (back pain, hip pain, swelling) are developing, and the risk profile is lowest. Regular massage during this period can significantly improve comfort and sleep quality.
Third trimester (weeks 28-40): Safe and often the most needed. Back pain, leg swelling, and sleep disruption are at their peak. Avoid lying face-down (a wedge or side-lying position is used instead) and avoid deep pressure on the legs due to increased risk of blood clots.
When to Avoid Massage During Pregnancy
Do NOT get massage if you have any of the following conditions — consult your obstetrician first:
High-risk pregnancy — including placenta previa, preeclampsia, or history of preterm labor
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — massage can dislodge blood clots. Pregnancy increases DVT risk, particularly in the third trimester and during long-haul travel
Vaginal bleeding or spotting — any unexplained bleeding should be evaluated before massage
Fever or infection — massage increases circulation, which can spread infection
Severe swelling with headache or visual changes — these may indicate preeclampsia, a medical emergency
Recent surgery or abdominal trauma
When in doubt, ask your doctor before booking. This guide is educational, not medical advice.
Safe Massage Styles During Pregnancy
Style |
Safe? |
Trimester |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Swedish |
Yes |
All |
Best choice — gentle, flowing strokes with light-to-medium pressure |
Aromatherapy |
With caution |
2nd-3rd |
Some essential oils are unsafe — see list below |
Deep Tissue |
Limited |
2nd only |
Light-to-medium pressure only, avoid legs and abdomen |
Foot Massage |
With caution |
2nd-3rd |
Avoid deep pressure on specific reflex points (see below) |
Thai |
No |
— |
Involves deep stretching, compression, and abdominal work — not safe during pregnancy |
Hot Stone |
No |
— |
Raises core body temperature, which is harmful during pregnancy |
Shiatsu |
With caution |
2nd-3rd |
Only with pregnancy-trained practitioner who avoids contraindicated points |
Cupping |
No |
— |
Insufficient safety data; avoid during pregnancy |
Essential Oils: Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy
If you're considering aromatherapy massage, know that not all essential oils are pregnancy-safe. Some can stimulate uterine contractions or have hormonal effects.
Generally Safe (2nd and 3rd trimester)
Lavender — calming, improves sleep, well-studied in pregnancy
Chamomile (Roman) — gentle, anti-anxiety
Ylang ylang — mood-lifting, reduces blood pressure
Mandarin / Sweet orange — uplifting, gentle on skin
Frankincense — grounding, reduces anxiety
Avoid During Pregnancy
Rosemary — can stimulate uterine contractions
Clary sage — known uterine stimulant
Juniper — may affect kidney function
Peppermint — may reduce milk supply; use only in very low concentrations if at all
Cinnamon, thyme, oregano — can cause uterine contractions
When booking, inform your therapist that you're pregnant so they can select appropriate oils. For more on essential oils, see our guide to the best essential oils for massage.
Pressure Points to Avoid During Pregnancy
Certain acupressure points are believed to stimulate uterine activity and should be avoided by massage therapists during pregnancy:
SP6 (Spleen 6) — located about 4 finger-widths above the inner ankle bone. This is the most commonly cited contraindicated point during pregnancy.
LI4 (Large Intestine 4) — in the webbing between thumb and index finger. Can stimulate labor contractions.
Research Basis
The health claims in this article draw on peer-reviewed massage therapy research. Key studies referenced:
- A Meta-analysis of Massage Therapy Research ↗Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW — Psychological Bulletin, 2004 — 37 randomised controlled trialsMassage therapy produced reliable reductions in state anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and immediate pain compared to control conditions across clinical populations and session formats.
- Cortisol Decreases and Serotonin and Dopamine Increase Following Massage Therapy ↗Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M et al. — International Journal of Neuroscience, 2005Salivary and urinary cortisol fell significantly post-massage while serotonin and dopamine rose — providing direct neurochemical evidence for the stress-reduction response.
- Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage ↗Crane JD, Ogborn DI, Cupido C et al. — Science Translational Medicine, 2012 — McMaster UniversityMuscle biopsies post-massage showed reduced NF-κB inflammatory signaling and increased mitochondrial biogenesis markers, identifying the cellular mechanism behind reduced post-exercise soreness.
Written by
Wonsuk ChoiFounder of MassageGo — the in-room massage booking service in Ho Chi Minh City. Writing about massage therapy, wellness, and the expat and traveler experience in Vietnam.