Why We Don’t Use Pregnancy Pillows at Pirom Massage – And Why That’s Safer for You

🧘‍♀️ Why We Don't Use Face-Down Pregnancy Pillows at Pirom Massage

You may have seen massage tables or cushions designed for pregnant women to lie face down, using a hole to support the growing belly. While this can appear comfortable or relaxing, current research and professional guidelines do not support this method as safer or more beneficial than traditional side-lying positioning.

At Pirom Therapeutic Massage in Wanaka and Cromwell, we choose not to use these pillows — and here's why:

✅ Side-Lying Is the Safest and Most Widely Recommended Position

Side-lying (especially on the left side) is supported by international massage organizations, clinical educators, and physiotherapy-informed practices as the safest position for massage during the second and third trimesters.

This position:

• Avoids pressure on the abdomen

• Promotes optimal blood flow for both mother and baby (especially avoiding compression of the vena cava, a major vein)

• Supports spinal alignment and reduces musculoskeletal strain

Massage Mastery Online states:
“The side-lying position is considered the safest and most adaptable way to support pregnant clients, particularly after the first trimester.”1

⚠️ What About Pregnancy Pillows or Tables with Belly Holes?

While face-down positioning may feel more familiar, no clinical research has shown it to be safer — and some evidence suggests it could even increase risk in some cases.

A 2018 pilot study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that prone positioning was feasible in short, controlled settings (e.g. in hospital beds), but did not offer significant clinical benefits over side-lying for general use.2

Furthermore, organizations like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) advise that lying face-up or face-down after mid-pregnancy can restrict circulation, increase back pain, or cause dizziness — especially without proper support.3

NZ What Do New Zealand Guidelines Say?

While Massage Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ) does not currently publish a dedicated prenatal massage guideline, their Code of Practice emphasizes:

• Ensuring client safety and comfort

• Using techniques and positioning that are evidence-informed

• Gaining informed consent before using any method that might affect the client’s physical well-being4

In other words, even though prone pregnancy cushions are not explicitly banned, their lack of clinical support and potential risks make them unsuitable under New Zealand’s standards for professional massage care.

💙 Our Commitment at Pirom Massage

We believe in doing what’s best for your body, not just what looks good in photos or spa marketing.

That’s why:

• We use side-lying positioning only

• We support your body with high-quality pillows and gentle, skilled hands

• We always communicate openly about your needs and comfort

When it comes to massage during pregnancy, safety and trust matter more than trends.

📚 References

1. Massage Mastery Online. “How to Position a Pregnant Client.” massagemastery.online ↩

2. Bhat, A., et al. (2018). A pilot randomized study of maternal positioning during pregnancy and its effect on maternal and fetal hemodynamics. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

3. American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). “Massage and Pregnancy: A Powerful Combination.” amtamassage.org ↩

4. Massage Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ). “Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice.” massageanz.org.nz ↩