Can You Use a Massage Gun While Pregnant?

By the Recover Pick editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

Massage guns and pregnancy is a question worth taking seriously. Here's a careful, general guide - though your midwife or doctor is the final word.

Quick answer

Be cautious. Many people avoid massage guns during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and around the abdomen, lower back, pelvis and legs. If you want to use one for shoulder or upper-back tension, check with your midwife or doctor first and keep well away from the tummy and pressure points.

Why caution matters

Pregnancy changes circulation and increases the risk of blood clots, and there are pressure points that massage generally avoids in pregnancy. Percussive massage is intense and localised, so the safe, common advice is to be conservative - when in doubt, don't, and get professional guidance rather than guessing.

A sensible approach

If your midwife or doctor is happy for you to use one, keep it to areas like the upper shoulders for tension, on a low setting, avoiding the abdomen, lower back, pelvis and legs. Prenatal massage from a qualified therapist is a gentler, better-understood alternative for pregnancy aches.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a massage gun during pregnancy?

There's no clear all-clear, so caution is advised - especially early on and around the abdomen, back, pelvis and legs. Check with your midwife or doctor before using one.

Where should you avoid a massage gun when pregnant?

Avoid the abdomen, lower back, pelvis and legs, and known pressure points. If used at all, keep to areas like the upper shoulders on a low setting, with professional approval.

What's a safer alternative during pregnancy?

Prenatal massage from a therapist trained in pregnancy is gentler and better understood than a percussive massage gun for pregnancy aches.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini (our score 9.6/10) - A practical massage gun for muscle recovery and tension relief at home or the gym..