When we’re pregnant, our first question about anything we’re going to do to, or put in, our body is ‘is it safe’? Understandably people are very keen to know whether it’s safe to receive Reiki when they’re pregnant, and it’s the most commonly asked question about perinatal Reiki.

The answer is a very clear YES. It’s safe to receive Reiki when you’re pregnant. It’s also safe to give it while you’re pregnant too.

Reiki is probably the most natural form of healing there is. All a practitioner is doing is harnessing universal life force energy and sharing it with you to make use of in your body. It’s like they’re holding your nose open wider so you can breathe in more air. 



Your body knows what Reiki is and how to use it and integrate it. It balances the energy in your body, and brings relaxation and harmony. Your body is choosing how that happens. Your practitioner is just sharing that energy with you for your body to use as it wants. 



Because it’s universal energy from source, Reiki is also always aligning with the highest good and you’ll always receive just what you need in any moment. Your practitioner can guide Reiki but can’t force or manipulate it. Your body is in charge at all times.

Reiki is well known for being a very tender form of healing. Your practitioner rests their hands on your body, or hovers their hands above your body if they’re working on any sensitive or intimate areas. There’s no pressure, no manipulation, no invasive techniques.

This inherent tenderness makes Reiki a particularly wonderful treatment when you’re pregnant and might be feeling more sensitive physically and emotionally. Your practitioner will give you an experience of respectful care that will help set your expectations for the rest of the care you receive in your pregnancy and birth.

Almost any Reiki practitioner will tell you, there are no contraindications with Reiki. Reiki is safe for everyone, and Reiki is safe even in early pregnancy. Regardless, I teach my students not to give Reiki directly to the uterus during the first trimester. Reiki introduces more energy to the body and, although I have never heard of it causing an issue, my preference is to honor the energy of the uterus during this period and focus my Reiki on other parts of the body during those early weeks. Once someone is into their second trimester I will always actively work on the uterus.

Working with your uterus also allows your practitioner to work with your baby and they’ll love it! You can usually feel the energy of a baby separate to the energy of its parent. If there are any issues with your baby, for example they’re in a suboptimal positioning, your practitioner can use Reiki to support them while they’re in utero.

Reiki helps us connect to our inner selves and also to the universe. It helps us connect to our inner power and be less affected by what's happening around us. Not only is it safe, it can help instill a sense of safety in us that we can carry beyond the session.

If you're feeling anxious about your pregnancy or your upcoming birth, or if you're giving birth in an environment that doesn't feel super safe and nurturing, receiving Reiki during pregnancy can help you connect to your own inner sense of safety, regardless of your surroundings.

Whether you're looking for relief from pregnancy-related symptoms, a space for relaxation, or a way to energetically prepare for your birth, Reiki offers a safe, gentle, nurturing and effective way for you to holistically support your health and wellbeing, and the health and wellbeing of your growing baby.

If you want to incorporate Reiki into your pregnancy journey, look for a birth professional who’s trained in Reiki for Birth and knows how to use it effectively in your prenatal care, or invite your partner to learn it so you can have Reiki on tap whenever you need it.