Level 1
Foundations of Prenatal Massage
As the introductory course in our flagship Transformative Touch series curriculum, Foundations of Prenatal Massage provides massage therapists with the essential knowledge and skills needed to safely and confidently support clients throughout pregnancy.
Virtual Course
Foundations of Prenatal Massage establishes the clinical knowledge necessary to safely and confidently work with pregnant clients. Through an exploration of pregnancy physiology, trimester-specific changes, precautions and contraindications, and the anatomy of the pelvic girdle, participants develop a strong understanding of the unique considerations involved in prenatal massage therapy.
This foundational virtual training also examines the evidence-based benefits of prenatal massage, adjunct therapies, and professional best practices. By the end of the course, providers will have the knowledge and clinical framework needed to make informed treatment decisions and provide safe, effective care throughout pregnancy.
Level 1 serves as the prerequisite for Level 2, an immersive, in-person training where participants build on this foundation through specialized advanced prenatal massage and natural labor stimulation techniques with TCM acupressure.
Planning to complete the full series?
Save by purchasing the 26.5 CE Transformative Touch series and confirm that an upcoming Level 2 location works for you.
Overview
Foundations of Prenatal Massage (Level 1) serves as the introductory course in the Transformative Touch series continuing education curriculum. This essential virtual training equips massage therapists with a critical and advanced understanding of the anatomical, physiological, and conceptual aspects of pregnancy massage therapy and how to safely and effectively adapt therapeutic techniques to meet the needs of pregnant people. Completion of this Level 1 course is required before advancing to Level 2, an immersive, hands-on weekend focused on specialized prenatal massage and natural labor stimulation techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Assess pregnant clients using appropriate intake procedures, health history review, and risk assessment strategies.
- Explain the major physiological and anatomical adaptations associated with pregnancy and their implications for massage therapy treatment planning.
- Identify common pregnancy-related conditions and discomforts and select appropriate modifications to support client comfort and safety.
- Identify the differences between indications, precautions, contraindications, and situations requiring medical referral or physician clearance.
- Modify positioning, draping, and massage techniques according to trimester-specific needs and client presentation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pelvic girdle anatomy and its relationship to maternal comfort and fetal positioning.
- Evaluate the appropriate use of aromatherapy, reflexology, and acupressure within prenatal massage practice.
- Demonstrate ability to maintain professional documentation, informed consent procedures, and communication practices that meet ethical and legal standards.
- Apply evidence-informed principles to deliver safe, client-centered prenatal massage services within scope of practice.
Courses
Course 1: Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Explore the evidence-based benefits of prenatal massage, including physical, emotional, and physiological effects for both parent and baby.
Course 2: Physiological Changes During Pregnancy
Learn how the body’s systems adapt throughout pregnancy and how these changes influence treatment planning and massage techniques.
Course 3: Three Trimesters of Pregnancy
Examine the developmental stages of pregnancy and the trimester-specific considerations that impact prenatal massage care.
Course 4: Pregnancy Massage Precautions & Contraindications
Develop the clinical reasoning skills needed to identify precautions, contraindications, and situations requiring modification or referral.
Course 5: Anatomy of the Pelvic Girdle
Gain a deeper understanding of pelvic girdle anatomy and the structures most relevant to prenatal massage practice.
Course 6: Adjunct Therapies: Reflexology, Acupressure, & Aromatherapy
Discover how complementary modalities may be incorporated into prenatal care while maintaining safety and appropriate clinical judgment.
Course 7: Best Practices: Recordkeeping & Draping
Learn professional standards for documentation, informed consent, draping, communication, and client-centered care.
Course Information
This course is designed for massage therapists who have successfully completed our free Level 0 Maternal Health course, Integrating Massage Therapy into Maternal Health: Historical Insights & Modern Realities.
$299
Details
Beginner
7 hrs
7 CE
CE4027665
Prerequisites
Integrating Massage Therapy into Maternal Health: Historical Insights & Modern Realities