Posted on May 21st, 2026

Most people who book a pregnancy massage have the same two questions, and neither of them is about the massage. They are: is this safe, and how am I going to lie down?

Fair questions. Here are honest answers, along with what actually happens when you come to our clinic on Station Lane.

When we treat, and why

We offer pregnancy massage from 16 weeks to 36 weeks.

We do not treat during the first trimester. That is a caution rather than evidence of harm — the first twelve weeks are the period of highest natural miscarriage risk, and no responsible therapist wants to be a factor in anyone’s mind if something goes wrong. Most clinics take the same position.

We also stop at 36 weeks, when comfortable positioning becomes difficult and you are close enough to term that we would rather you were being looked after by your midwife than by us.

Depending on your circumstances we may ask you to check with your midwife or GP before we treat — particularly if your pregnancy has been classed as high risk, or if there have been any complications. Please tell us when you book so we can talk it through rather than discovering it on the day.

How you are positioned

Not face-down. Pregnancy massage is usually done side-lying, supported with pillows under the bump, between the knees and behind the back. Some of the treatment may be done semi-reclined.

It is more comfortable than it sounds, and for a lot of people it is the most comfortable half-hour of their week. If a position stops working partway through — and at 32 weeks it might — say so and we will move you.

What it can help with

Let us be measured about this, because there is a lot of overclaiming online.

Pregnancy changes your posture. The weight shifts forward, the lower back takes more load, hips and pelvis carry more, and legs and feet often feel heavy by the evening. Massage is well suited to the muscular side of that: easing tension in the lower back, hips and legs, and giving you time where nobody needs anything from you.

What it is not is a treatment for a medical condition. If you have swelling that has come on suddenly, headaches, visual disturbance or pain that worries you, that is a conversation for your midwife or maternity unit, not for us. We will say so.

What happens at your appointment

You will complete a consultation form covering your health, how far along you are and anything your midwife has flagged. Your therapist will talk it through before starting.

The pressure is lighter than a deep tissue treatment and adapted throughout. Tell your therapist at any point if something is uncomfortable — it is your session, and there is no benefit to enduring it.

Afterwards we will give you aftercare advice, and an honest view of whether coming back would help.

Practical details

• Book by phone on 01708 898950 rather than online, so we can check suitability before you travel
• Prices are on our Pregnancy Massage page and include VAT
• A 50% deposit secures the appointment, with 48 hours’ notice to change it. If pregnancy being pregnancy means you need to cancel late, tell us — we regularly waive charges where the reason is genuine
• You can request a female therapist; just say when you book
• The clinic is step-free at the entrance and in the treatment rooms, which matters more at 30 weeks than it does at 16

Getting to us

We are at 27a Station Lane in Hornchurch town centre, between Frankies Wine Bar and Lloyds Bank. The Hornchurch Town Centre bus stop is a minute away and Hornchurch station on the District line is a ten-minute walk. Dorrington Gardens car park (code 41305) is about a minute from the door — closer than the station, and worth it later in pregnancy.

We are open 10am to 8pm, seven days a week, so evening and weekend appointments are available without taking time off work.

Booking

Call 01708 898950 and we will talk it through properly before you book anything.

Pregnancy massage · All treatments · FAQs

Motion Remedy is a massage and sports therapy clinic at 27a Station Lane, Hornchurch, serving Havering, Upminster, Romford and Emerson Park. Nothing in this article is medical advice. If you have any concern about your pregnancy, contact your midwife or maternity unit.