What does a Reiki session in the second or third trimester actually involve?
Answered by Vanessa Chugani · Updated October 2026
You stay fully clothed while I place my hands lightly on or just above the body. The position and pace are adjusted for comfort. Reiki is complementary and non-medical, so ask your doctor or midwife whether it is appropriate for your pregnancy.
If you are in the first trimester and asking whether Reiki is safe for pregnant women, read Reiki in the first trimester first. For general limits across pregnancy, see is Reiki safe during pregnancy.
What actually happens in the room
You arrive, we talk briefly about comfort and positioning, and then you rest fully clothed. Blankets and bolsters are available, and you can change position at any time.
I place my hands lightly on or just above the body. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation.
How the session is adapted
Later in pregnancy, side-lying or another supported position may be more comfortable than lying flat. You decide what feels comfortable, and an area can be avoided entirely.
What it offers, and what it does not
The session offers quiet time to rest. Individual experiences vary, and no physical or emotional outcome is promised. Reiki is not a treatment for a pregnancy complication or medical condition and does not replace prenatal care. Please consult your doctor or midwife before booking, and take any concern about your health or your baby's health to them.
A few practical notes
Wear something comfortable. You do not need to prepare or arrive in a particular state of mind. The Pregnancy Reiki page has the booking overview.
Related questions
Do I need to lie on my back for the whole session?
No. In the second and third trimesters I adapt positions so you are not flat on your back for long periods. Side-lying with bolsters works well, and I can complete a full session from there. If something stops feeling comfortable at any point, we adjust immediately. Comfort during the session is the priority.
Is the abdomen touched during the session?
It depends on your preference. I can hold my hands above the abdomen or avoid that area entirely. Nothing happens without your consent, and Reiki is not a medical assessment or treatment.
Is Reiki a treatment for physical discomfort in pregnancy?
No. Reiki is a complementary, non-medical relaxation practice, not a treatment for pain or other symptoms. Speak with your doctor or midwife about physical discomfort and whether they consider a Reiki session appropriate for you.