Pregnancy massage training courses: become a skilled and trusted therapist

What to expect when you’re expecting? Well, it’s not just the back pain, swollen ankles, aching joints and sleepless nights that many mothers experience! The good news is, pregnancy massage can help.

A skilled pregnancy massage therapist isn’t just someone who offers relaxation—they can be a lifeline for mums-to-be, helping to ease pain, reduce stress and provide much-needed comfort during one of the most intense chapters of life. In fact, massage therapy for pregnancy is the most popular alternative therapy during pregnancy, with 61% of expectant mothers making a booking.

As more people turn to natural therapies, the demand for qualified massage therapists is soaring. The industry is projected to reach an incredible USD146 billion by 2034, making now the perfect time to specialise in pregnancy massage and start a rewarding, in-demand career.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential skills, training options and career benefits on offer.

How to become a pregnancy massage therapist

Stepping into the world of pregnancy massage is more than just learning a few techniques—it’s about becoming a trusted support for expectant mothers. 

The first step is finding a pregnancy massage course that helps you build a strong foundation in both theory and practice. And that’s where the HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage comes in. This nationally recognised qualification provides the comprehensive training you need to specialise in pregnancy and remedial massage. 

As part of our diploma program, you’ll learn:

• Anatomy and physiology: understanding how pregnancy affects the body and how massage can help.
• Pregnancy-specific massage techniques: safe and effective methods to relieve discomfort and promote relaxation.
• Emotional well-being and client support: learning how to support expectant mothers both physically and emotionally.
• Client assessment and communication skills: ensuring every treatment is tailored to the mother’s needs.
• Health and safety practices: training to avoid risks and adapt massage techniques for different stages of pregnancy.

As Queensland’s training provider of the year, our Demi International team will not only teach you how to become a pregnancy massage therapist, but we’ll also help you build a network for a successful career. It’s the reason we have a 98% graduate success rate and why so many massage therapists choose Demi. 

Choosing the right pregnancy massage course for your career

When finding a pregnancy massage training course, it’s important to think about your long-term goals. While short courses and Certificate IV programs can be great for upskilling, they often lack health fund recognition and don’t provide the in-depth training needed for a full-time career. 

Many of these courses also come with a hefty price tag (sometimes over $5,000) without offering a diploma-level qualification.

For those serious about a pregnancy massage course, our HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage is the smarter choice. It combines online learning and hands-on training to ensure you gain real-world skills across multiple massage techniques. Plus, with our course, you can:

• be eligible for health fund rebates and industry memberships, increasing your earning potential
• learn a broad range of massage techniques beyond pregnancy massage, giving you a versatile skill set
• build confidence through 200+ hours of supervised clinic experience, working with real clients

Pregnancy massage workshop: a bonus with Demi’s diploma

At Demi International, we don’t just give you the basics, we give you specialised workshop sessions—at no extra cost. Our pregnancy and infancy massage workshop session is one of four skills upgrade workshop sessions included in the HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage, giving students additional hands-on learning opportunities without having to get out their wallets!

And, just like a 4am TV infomercial, ‘but wait, there’s more’, the benefits don’t just stop there. Your success is our success. So the additional benefits of studying with Demi are:

• VET Student Loans: study with zero upfront fees (eligibility requirements may apply).
• Additional specialty skills: learn dry needling and myofascial cupping, adding even more value to your career.
• Supportive, hands-on learning: gain real experience in a supervised clinic setting, ensuring you graduate job-ready.
• A network of like-minded individuals: it’s not just your trainers that you’ll learn from: it’s also your peers. Networking is a crucial skill in any business, and we’ll help you graduate with a community behind you.  

The benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy

For many mums-to-be, the nine months of pregnancy can come with a whole host of aches, pains and restless nights. The good news is that massage therapy is not just a fleeting moment of self-care—it’s been proven to help alleviate these aches and pains. Studies show that regular prenatal massage can reduce anxiety, ease muscle tension and improve sleep—all things that can make pregnancy more comfortable.

Research has also found that pregnancy massage can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while boosting serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good chemicals that support emotional well-being. And here’s an added bonus: massage may also improve circulation and reduce swelling, which is a common complaint for expectant mothers.

With benefits like these, it’s no wonder so many pregnant women seek out massage therapy to help them feel their best. As a trained pregnancy massage therapist, you’ll be able to provide that much-needed relief and care.

Is pregnancy massage safe?

One of the most common questions expectant mothers have is, ‘Is massage therapy safe during pregnancy?’ The short answer is yes, but when performed by a trained professional. 

A qualified pregnancy massage therapist understands the right techniques, pressure points to avoid, and how to adapt treatments based on each stage of pregnancy.

Through professional pregnancy massage training courses, you’ll learn how to provide a safe and beneficial experience for your clients, ensuring both mother and baby are well cared for.

Start your journey today

A career in pregnancy massage is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a real impact in the lives of expectant mothers, offering them relief, support and care when they need it most.

If you’re serious about pregnancy massage training, investing in a HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage will give you the skills, confidence, and qualifications to build a successful and fulfilling career.

Chat with one of our friendly Course Advisors to explore your options, check enrolment eligibility, and find the best study pathway for you. Let’s get you started on your journey to becoming a qualified pregnancy massage therapist!