The Best Prenatal Massages in New York City

• Price: $$$
• Location: 173 West 81 Street, #1D, New York, NY 10024
• Highlights: designed for the mind, body and spirit, gorgeous and discrete location
• Best for: holistic and comprehensive treatment

One of the things that can be easily neglected in maternity is mom’s mental health, which is why when a friend texted to say that she cried after getting the NYC Prenatal Experience at Glow Birth & Body on the Upper West Side, I knew I had to add it to this list. No wonder—upon entering, I realized just how customized my treatment here would be. A quick “interview” with Glow’s founder, Sara, allowed me to share the specifics of my aches and pains before delving into the service, which kicked off with a foot soak and dry body scrub before a 90-minute massage. For this experience, you’re side-lying (Sara explained in detail the efficacy of this position when it comes to targeting tender spots), but what impressed me throughout was the range of pillows to make sure I was 110 percent comfortable at all times (it wasn’t just the neck pillow that made it so I wasn’t compressing my shoulder, it was the tiny pillows—a butt wedge included—that released pressure from any pain points).

Add to that the range of small details: Harney & Sons tea that was offered during the foot soak, the effort to check in about the pressure and my overall comfort in a way that was thoughtful, not interruptive. Last but not least, the space. Upon arrival, I wasn’t sure I had the right address (the building’s exterior looks like any old NYC brownstone), but the apartment-like setup felt like something Gwyneth Paltrow had dreamed up, complete with a neutral palette, soft lighting and elegant furniture. From start to finish, the experience felt like a true escape from my mounting maternal anxieties. (Hey, even if it’s only for 90+ minutes, I’ll take it.)

• Price: $$$
• Location: 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
• Highlights: range of add-ons, customizable treatment
• Best for: a full-day experience

Located inside the 1 Hotel at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Bamford Wellness Spa is a true urban escape with 5,000 square feet of low-lit comfort and calm. Available to moms entering their second trimester, the “pregnancy massage” starts at 50 minutes and goes up to 80 and comes with numerous add-ons—think a foot scrub or reflexology—all depending on your individual needs.

In fact, that’s what stood out the most during my experience testing this treatment: The ability to customize. My list of pregnancy woes includes shoulder pain from side sleeping, but also carpal tunnel symptoms (something that I experienced in my first pregnancy, too). My therapist—Maria—tailored my treatment to address each pain point, all within 50 minutes. In particular, the attention she gave to my wrists was targeted and life-changing. (The experience level of the staff was highly evident.)

Other details worth noting: The in-room setup included a maternity pillow that allowed me to lie on my stomach—a gift!—with indents perfectly suited to fit my belly and boobs. The facility itself also offered first-class service with a tour upon arrival and an immediate escort to a wellness room with healthy snacks (banana chips, nuts) and a cozy fireplace.

• Price: $$
• Location: 127 West 26th Street, New York, New York 10001
• Highlights: herb-infused product line, therapist expertise
• Best for: targeted treatment

Tucked away on a busy city block in Chelsea sits Naturopathica, a spa and wellness center (not to mention skincare brand) that has been prioritizing natural remedies for skincare, body products and overall healing since its inception. While there are multiple NYC locations—Midtown and Tribeca included—the Chelsea spa is convenient and quiet (and walkable from my office).

The prenatal massage is offered in two different lengths (60 and 90 minutes). I opted to try the 60-minute option and it went by in a blink. Note to self: It’s worth factoring in the fact that a bit of extra time is required when it comes to repositioning your body for third trimester comfort. Still, my therapist was attentive and skilled—I lay on my side for much of the treatment while she used calming herbs (think Gotu Kola, mint and lavender) to address typical areas of pregnancy soreness.

This is where the expertise of the spa really had a chance to shine: Not only did she target key areas (my shoulder blades, my swollen feet), but she made recommendations for better sleep and lumbar support for the future so that I didn’t go right back to where I started pain-wise post-treatment. More than anything, a prenatal massage here focuses on relaxation—but also communication. For example, when it came time to lie on my back, we were able to adjust the table to a near-vertical angle to meet optimal comfort levels and still continue the treatment as planned—a win.

• Price: $$$
• Location: The Ritz Carlton New York, 50 Central Park South, NY, NY 10019
• Highlights: modern musical selections, Central Park location, customizable treatment
• Best for: luxury seekers

Third trimester problems: It’s tough to get comfy during a massage experience when you’re entering the home stretch. But La Prairie Spa, located on the second floor inside the Ritz Carlton and across the street from Central Park, is an expert at solving this conundrum. They not only offer a stomach lying-pillow, but when that didn’t initially work for me, we pivoted so that I could sit upright—and I got one of the best prenatal massages yet.

Here’s why: First up, the devil’s in the details. After getting checked in, I was escorted to the changing rooms where face towels were laid out with pre-sliced cucumbers; then, in the relaxation room, there were healthy snacks galore—from juice shots to fresh fruit and nuts, all serve-yourself. Before my treatment began, my therapist checked in with me, delivering a menu of music choices that ranged from traditional to modern (I opted for a Norah Jones mix, but you could choose anything from piano accompaniment to Jon Bon Jovi, which felt very special).

As for the massage itself? What made it such a stand-out was my therapist’s prenatal knowledge: She immediately noted the tightness in my shoulders (ugh, yet again, to side sleeping) and identified the pressure on my thoracic nerve, then targeted it. My legs and neck were also quite tight—symptoms of carrying an extra 20+ pounds in the shape of a bowling ball in my belly—and was able to really get in there, despite my repositioning of her original setup. I left feeling rejuvenated and like I’d made serious progress with many pregnancy pain points.

• Price: $$$
• Location: 700 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
• Highlights: low-lit facilities, tailored treatment, luxe products
• Best for: privacy and staff expertise

To kick off my second trimester, I made an appointment at the Peninsula Spa. Located in midtown Manhattan inside the Peninsula Hotel, it has long been a top choice for a regular massage in NYC, so I was eager to give their prenatal experience—available to clients who are 12 weeks and beyond—a whirl.

What a treat! From start to finish, my spa therapist was communicative and knowledgable, spending the most time on common pregnancy pain points (ahem, the TFL and IT bands in the outer legs) and making sure I was positioned comfortably enough to drift off.

The location is also gorgeous and ornate—and spacious, too (a rarity for a spa located smack dab in the middle of NYC). The relaxation lounge offers plenty of privacy, and there are a range of sweet treats (think macarons!) to enjoy post-treatment. I never felt rushed and felt like I could truly shut the city out during my appointment, which is an automatic accomplishment in Midtown Manhattan.