When to start prenatal massage: week by week, and how often
Updated November 2, 2026 · 3 min read
The questions expectant mothers ask most are “from which week?” and “how often?”. This guide goes trimester by trimester: position, session length, signs to postpone, and how to get ready for a session at home.
From which week can you have a prenatal massage?
The first trimester (roughly up to week 13) is a time of big changes, and rest comes first. MiMi's pregnancy massage can be booked from week 14. The week number isn't the whole story, though: before you book, ask the doctor who follows your pregnancy whether massage is right for you.
If you have high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or placenta previa, have had bleeding, or have been told to rest, wait for your doctor's go-ahead. Prenatal massage is a wellness treatment that helps you unwind and rest; it doesn't replace antenatal care or treatment.
Second trimester (weeks 14–27): an easy time to start
Many women feel less nauseous and more settled, so this is a comfortable time for a first session. As the bump grows, the lower back, hips and shoulders often start to ache.
You lie on your side from the start, with pillows under the bump, between the knees and behind the back. The therapist uses light pressure on the back, shoulders, neck, arms and legs and never presses on the belly. For a first session, 60 minutes is a good way to see how your body responds.
Third trimester (from week 28): shorter and gentler
A bigger bump makes lying on one side for long tiring, and legs often feel heavy or swollen. Many women choose about 60 minutes at this stage, turning sides or pausing midway.
From week 36, or as your due date approaches, check again with your doctor at your next appointment. If you notice regular tightenings, bleeding, leaking fluid, a severe headache or blurred vision during or after a session, stop and contact your hospital straight away.
How often should you book?
There's no fixed rule. Many women book every 2–4 weeks depending on how they feel, a little more often when the back or shoulders are especially tired. More important than the number is how you feel afterwards: relaxed, sleeping better, no dizziness or discomfort. Note it down and talk it over with your doctor at your next check-up.
On days when lying down for long feels like too much, a shorter session such as a 30-minute relaxing head massage (₫180,000) is an option. Hot stone massage uses heat and is best avoided during pregnancy.
Getting ready for a session at home
At home there's no travel, and you can rest straight afterwards. All you need is:
- 3–4 pillows or a body pillow for under the bump, between the knees and behind the back.
- A room that's neither too cold nor too warm, close to a bathroom.
- Not straight after a big meal; a few sips of water before you start.
- Your week of pregnancy, your doctor's advice and any scents or oils to avoid in the booking note.
- If a family member books for you, the exact address, tower, floor, unit and how to get up.
Booking on MiMi
Pregnancy massage comes in 60 minutes (₫400,000) and 90 minutes (₫550,000). The total is shown in the app before you confirm, and you pay the therapist directly after the session. Every therapist is ID-verified, and their profile shows languages and real reviews.
MiMi takes bookings across Vietnam, with many therapists in Hanoi (West Lake, Cau Giay, My Dinh…) and Ho Chi Minh City (District 7, Binh Thanh, Thao Dien…). After the birth, once your doctor agrees, you can also book postnatal care.