Brookes Therapies
Aromatherapy &
Massage in Pregnancy
A Professional Qualification
One of the very few courses in the UK to combine clinical aromatherapy and full-body pregnancy massage in a single, insurable, ABT-accredited qualification.
Pregnancy is one of the most profound experiences a woman will move through — and the right therapeutic support during that journey can be genuinely transformative. This course gives you the clinical knowledge, the practical skills, and the professional confidence to provide that support safely, beautifully, and with integrity.
Taught by Lindsey — a clinical aromatherapist and specialist pregnancy therapist with many years of experience working with pregnant women — this is training that goes far beyond the manual.
5
TRAINING DAYS
CPD
ACCREDITED
QUALIFICATION
ABT
INSURANCE
RECOGNISED
2-in-1
UNIQUE
COMBINATION
Why this course is different
Two qualifications.
One extraordinary experience.
There are courses that teach pregnancy massage. There are courses that teach aromatherapy. There are very few places that teach both — together, in depth, with the clinical rigour and the warm, nurturing environment that working with pregnant women truly requires.
This is one of them.
Pregnancy Massage
Full-body pregnancy massage from the second trimester onward. Safe positioning, contraindications, hand techniques, treatment structure, and the professional boundaries to see clients confidently and insurably.
Clinical Aromatherapy
Safe, effective use of essential oils throughout the stages of pregnancy. Which oils to use, which to avoid, when and why — including dosage, blending, carrier oils, and the heightened sensory sensitivities of pregnancy.
The result: a qualification that sets you apart — and treatments that truly serve your pregnant clients.
Experience you can feel in every session.
"Pregnancy is not a condition to be managed. It's a journey to be supported — with skill, with sensitivity, and with care."
Lindsey · Brookes Therapies
- Clinical aromatherapist with many years of specialist practice
- Extensive experience working therapeutically with pregnant women
- Course conceived and written by Susan Mousley — clinical aromatherapist, midwife, and Lindsey's direct mentor
- ABT-accredited training school
- Small group teaching — personal, hands-on, and deeply supportive
- Graduate students eligible for 10% discount on ABT insurance (code SOME99)
Lindsey Brookes
I have been working with pregnant women for a very long time — and in that time I have come to understand that pregnancy massage and aromatherapy aren't simply add-on services. When done well, they offer something genuinely meaningful: relief, reassurance, and a space in which a woman feels truly held during one of the most physically and emotionally demanding chapters of her life.
As a clinical aromatherapist, I have always been rigorous about safety. Pregnancy demands this above all. The essential oils that are appropriate during the second trimester are not the same as those used in the third. The massage techniques that offer real relief from sciatic pain require a confident, trained hand. The ability to recognise a contraindication — and to know when to refer — can genuinely matter.
This course was conceived and written by Susan Mousley — a clinical aromatherapist and midwife, and one of the most respected voices in this field. Susan is also my direct mentor, and she was my midwife when I was pregnant with my son. The lineage of this training is not academic — it is deeply personal, rooted in real clinical practice, and passed on with genuine care. When you learn from this course, you are learning from that tradition.
This course teaches all of that. It also teaches something harder to put on a syllabus: how to be present with a pregnant woman, how to create the kind of safe, nurturing space that makes a real difference. That comes from years of practice, and I'm delighted to pass it on. You will leave this training with a qualification you are genuinely proud of — and with the knowledge and confidence to use it from day one.
THE CURRICULUM
Everything you need to know.
Nothing left out.
This is a thorough, clinically grounded course. You will come away with a deep understanding of the pregnant body, the confident practical skills to treat it, and the professional knowledge to do so safely and ethically.
UNIT ONE
The Body in Pregnancy
- The reproductive system and how it changes
- Skeletal and muscular adaptations
- Circulatory, respiratory and urinary changes
- The hormonal system and key pregnancy hormones
- The role of the placenta
- Skin changes including pigmentation and stretch marks
UNIT TWO
Conditions & Disorders of Pregnancy
- Minor disorders - morning sickness, Braxton Hicks, heartburn, oedema
- Muscular disorders and when to refer
- Major disorders and warning signs
- Pruritus Gravidarum, lordosis, pelvic floor weakness
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction and sacro-iliac pain
UNIT THREE
Psychological & Emotional Support
- The emotional landscape of pregnancy
- Creating a safe, supportive therapeutic space
- Anxiety, perinatal mental health awareness
- Listening skills and empathic practice
- Strategies for supporting clients holistically
UNIT FOUR
Aromatherapy Theory & Essential Oils
Introduction to clinical aromatherapy in pregnancy
The heightened sense of smell in pregnancy
Essential oils safe to use after 12, 24 and 37 weeks
Oils to avoid throughout pregnancy and why
Safe dosages and methods of administration
Carrier and base oils - properties and shelf life
• A note worth knowing: the essential oils covered in this course are not exclusive to pregnancy work. With individual contraindications considered, these oils are fully applicable in treatments with all clients — male and female.
UNIT FIVE
Contraindications & Safety
- General and pregnancy-specific contraindications
- Contraindicated Shiatsu points before 37 weeks
- Recognising when to refer to a healthcare professional
- Blending safety - dosage protocols
- Documentation, consultation and record keeping
- Professional practice, ethics and legal framework
UNIT SIX
Pregnancy Massage - Practical
The importance of nurturing touch in pregnancy
Safe positioning and supported side-lying
Full-body pregnancy massage sequences
Working with comfort aids and bolsters
Consultation in pairs and blending practice
Treatment swap, feedback and case study guidance (4 required)
Course at a glance
Five days.
A professional 3-month journey.
MONTH ONE: FOUNDATION
Weekend Intensive- — Anatomy & physiology of the pregnant body
- — Conditions and disorders of pregnancy
- — Emotional and psychological support
- — Professional practice, ethics and consultation
- — Initial case study briefing (4 required)
MONTH TWO: AROMATHERAPY
Weekend Intensive- — Clinical aromatherapy theory and safety
- — Essential oil properties for pregnancy
- — Aromatherapy practical and blending
- — Introduction to pregnancy massage touch
- — Review of early case study progress
MONTH THREE: MASSAGE
Weekend Intensive- — Full-body pregnancy massage sequences
- — Advanced positioning and comfort aids
- — Supervised practical sessions
- — Refining techniques and pressure
FINAL ASSESSMENT
Final Taught Day- — Practical assessment of skills
- — Case study portfolio submission (4 studies)
- — Written assignment review
- — Final qualification award
Course Investment
The remaining balance is due 14 days before your Cohort Start Date.
Qualification Awarded
Aromatherapy & Massage in Pregnancy — CPD Professional Qualification.
ABT accredited and recognised for professional insurance purposes. Students qualifying through Brookes Therapies are eligible to apply for ABT insurance with a 10% discount.
Entry Requirements
Massage: Evidence of a prior massage qualification is required before attending.
Aromatherapy: No prior aromatherapy experience or qualification is required. We begin at the beginning.
Group Size & Environment
Training takes place in small, intimate groups — deliberately so. Working with pregnant women requires sensitivity, skill and care. You will receive proper individual attention throughout, in a warm and fully supportive environment.
After You Qualify
You will be equipped to offer pregnancy massage and aromatherapy treatments professionally and insurably from the moment you graduate. Your qualification also counts toward ongoing CPD requirements.
ABT Accredited Training
This course is accredited by the Association of Beauty Therapists (ABT). Graduate students can apply for professional insurance at a 10% discount using the code provided on qualification.
Safety First, Always.
Confident practice rooted in clinical knowledge.
Working with pregnant women is a privilege - and a responsibility. The first trimester is a contraindicated period for direct body massage; throughout the journey, there are essential oils that must be avoided, acupressure points that require specific care, and conditions that demand immediate referral to a healthcare professional.
Trimester-by-Trimester Essential Oil Safety
You will know exactly which oils are safe after 12 weeks, which require waiting until 24 weeks, which are reserved for use after 37 weeks, and which are to be avoided throughout pregnancy entirely - and the clinical reasons behind each decision.
Contraindications - General and Pregnancy-Specific
From DVT and varicose veins to premature membrane rupture and severe frontal headache - you will learn to recognise the signs that mean a treatment should not proceed, and the appropriate steps to take.
Shiatsu Points and Massage Positioning
The five contraindicated Shiatsu acupressure points before 37 weeks. Safe positions for massage after 12 weeks. How to support a client comfortably and safely throughout a full treatment.
When to Refer - and How
Knowing the limits of your scope of practice is part of being an excellent therapist. You will leave this course with a clear, confident framework for recognising when a client needs to be directed to their midwife, GP, or another healthcare provider.
Who this course is for
The right training for the right people.
This qualification is designed for qualified therapists and healthcare professionals who want to extend their practice into one of the most meaningful and underserved areas of complementary therapy.
I
The Qualified Massage Therapist
You already know how to deliver a professional massage. This training gives you the clinical skill to progress clients and add the therapeutic power of aromatherapy to every treatment you give.
II
The Healthcare Professional
Nurses, midwives, doulas, physios, and HCAs. You see safely the what conventional care cannot reach — and want professional, insurable tools to offer complementary support to the women they work with.
III
The Complementary Therapist
Reflexologists, Reiki practitioners, beauty therapists, and wellness professionals who want to expand into specialist pregnancy work — adding a high-demand, deeply rewarding service to their offering.
Entry Requirements
A prior massage qualification is required to attend this course — you'll need to be able to demonstrate competent massage practice before we can extend those skills into pregnancy work. No prior aromatherapy experience is needed; we cover everything you need from the ground up. If you're unsure whether your existing qualification meets the entry criteria, please get in touch and we'll have a conversation.
About the course
Good questions deserve good answers.
Why combine pregnancy massage and aromatherapy?
Because they are profoundly complementary. The physical relief offered by skilled pregnancy massage is enhanced significantly when the right essential oils are incorporated — from relieving nausea and back pain to supporting emotional wellbeing and encouraging healthy bonding with the baby. Offering both in a single treatment is also a genuine differentiator in a crowded market. Very few therapists are trained to do this, and fewer still are trained to do it well.
Is this course insurable?
Yes. This course is ABT accredited, meaning the qualification it awards is recognised by the Association of Beauty Therapists for professional insurance purposes. On completion you can apply for ABT insurance — and as a Brookes Therapies graduate, you'll receive a 10% discount on your policy.
Can I see pregnant clients after the first trimester only?
For direct body massage, yes — the first trimester (up to twelve to sixteen weeks) is a contraindicated period for massage, and certain essential oils are also restricted during this time. From the second trimester onward, with appropriate assessment and consultation, you can offer safe, effective and deeply valuable treatments.
What is the career opportunity in pregnancy therapy?
Significant — and growing. Demand for specialist complementary therapy during pregnancy consistently outpaces the number of properly trained and insured practitioners. Pregnant women are highly motivated to seek natural support for sleep, back pain, anxiety, oedema, and emotional wellbeing — and they will travel to find a therapist they trust.
Why train with Brookes Therapies specifically?
Because Lindsey has been doing this work — really doing it, clinically and with real pregnant women — for a very long time. This is not a course assembled from textbooks. It comes from years of practice, of noticing what actually helps, of understanding the difference between a technically correct treatment and a genuinely therapeutic one. Small groups mean you will receive personal attention throughout. You will not be a number on an attendance register.
What essential oils are safe in pregnancy?
This is one of the most important questions in pregnancy aromatherapy — and one where getting the answer wrong can cause real harm. Some oils are contraindicated throughout pregnancy due to their emmenagogue, uterotonic or hypertensive properties. Others are safe after 24 weeks; some only after 37 weeks. This course covers the full clinical picture so you can make informed, safe choices for every client at every stage of their pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything else you might want to know.
I have a massage qualification — do I need anything else before I attend?
Your massage qualification is the only prerequisite. You don't need any prior aromatherapy experience — we start from scratch and cover everything you need. If you're unsure whether your specific qualification meets the entry criteria (for example, if it was gained some time ago or through a short course), please just get in touch. We'd rather have that conversation upfront than have anyone arrive unprepared.
What happens after I complete the course? Is there an assessment?
Yes — your practical skills are assessed throughout the four training days, and there are written assignments to be completed within agreed timescales after the course. Guidance on the case study and assignment requirements is given on Day Four. Successful students are awarded the Aromatherapy & Massage in Pregnancy CPD Qualification, which is ABT accredited and fully insurable.
Can I offer pregnancy massage at any stage of pregnancy?
Direct body massage is contraindicated during the first trimester (up to approximately twelve to sixteen weeks). From the second trimester onward, with a thorough consultation and client assessment, you can offer safe and effective treatments. This course covers exactly which treatments are appropriate at each stage, and how to adapt your practice as the pregnancy progresses.
Will I learn about aromatherapy blending and carrier oils?
Yes, in depth. You'll learn the properties and therapeutic uses of carrier oils — sweet almond, avocado, grapeseed, hazelnut, camellia and more — as well as how to blend essential oils safely at the correct dosage for pregnancy (1% dilution in massage). Day Four includes hands-on consultation and blending practice in pairs, so you'll leave feeling genuinely confident in your blending skills.
How soon can I start seeing pregnant clients after qualifying?
As soon as you have your qualification and your insurance in place, you can begin seeing clients professionally. We'll give you everything you need to set up properly — including guidance on consultation forms, record keeping, environment and professional practice. ABT insurance applications can be made directly after qualifying, with your 10% graduate discount applied at the time of joining.
Why are some essential oils contraindicated in pregnancy?
Certain essential oils have properties that make them unsafe during pregnancy — some are emmenagogues (they stimulate uterine contractions), some are uterotonic, some are abortifacient, and some have hypertensive or diuretic effects that are inappropriate during pregnancy. Understanding exactly which oils fall into which category, and why, is one of the most important clinical elements of this course. By the time you leave, you'll know this inside out.
How many people will be training alongside me?
Groups are deliberately small. Working with pregnant women requires careful supervision, individual feedback, and a genuinely supportive learning environment. You will have proper access to Lindsey throughout all four days — not a rushed debrief at the end of each session. The small group format is something our graduates consistently mention as one of the things that made this training feel different.
READY TO BEGIN?
Take the next step in your professional journey.
Places on this course are limited - by design. If you're ready to add one of the most meaningful and in-demand specialist qualifications to your practice, we'd love to welcome you.
Not sure if this course is right for you? Drop us a message - Lindsey is always happy to have a conversation before you commit.
Brookes Therapies
Specialist, heart-led training in pregnancy massage & clinical aromatherapy. Small groups, clinically rigorous, warmly delivered.
Contact
Email: hello@brookestherapies.com
Phone: 03338805922
Location: ReCoop Health Physio and Pilates Clinic Aston Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 5DT
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