Day 144 of 280, second trimester
You are 20 weeks and 4 days
There are few better ways to ease pregnancy aches and pains, and to unwind, than a soothing massage.
136 days until your due date
Book your massage with a therapist experienced in prenatal massage. It's unlikely at this stage, but massaging the wrong areas or certain acupressure points can trigger contractions (which can actually be useful in labor if you want to speed things up).
Check with your doctor first, because massage may not be recommended if you've had complications such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Comfort is crucial, and most therapists will have you lie on your side with your head on a pillow. Tell the therapist if you're uncomfortable or anything hurts; an experienced therapist should check on you throughout and stop if you're not comfortable.
If you don't want a professional massage, ask your partner or a willing friend, but make sure they're careful and avoid your abdomen.
As well as easing aches and helping you relax, a massage from your partner is a good way to be intimate when you may not feel like sex. If a full massage is too much, a foot, hand, or head massage can be very soothing.
Explainer
The benefits of massage
A professional massage in pregnancy is a real treat. As well as feeling blissful, research shows it eases aches and pains, helps you sleep, and can reduce stress.
Ask a Doctor
I feel so down about my size I can't look in the mirror. Will it get better?
You're not alone in struggling with your self-image in pregnancy; for some women, their changing shape brings negative feelings. A healthy diet and some exercise help prevent excessive weight gain, and exercise will also lift your mood and sense of wellbeing.
There's no set emotional response to pregnancy, but as well as adjusting to a huge life and body change, you're dealing with fluctuating hormones that affect your mood and can add to negative feelings.
Mild depression in pregnancy is often helped by reassurance and support from your partner, family, or friends, and talking through your fears may ease them; you'll probably find other pregnant women feel the same. If you feel very low or desperate, don't hesitate to see your doctor.
Appointments and key dates around now
- 20-week screening scanBetween 18 and 21 weeks
- Whooping cough vaccineUsually around 20 weeks, best before 32 weeks
Read the full 20 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.