Mommy massage

One of the most popular treatments for pregnant women is a prenatal massage. Prenatal massage focuses on keeping mom comfortable and relaxed. The massage is done on a special table which has an opening for the belly and lumbar support pillows for the spine. Alternatively, a 'side line' technique may be employed where the client rests on her side (rather than her stomach) and the massage is performed horizontally. A side line massage may be a good choice when lying on the back or stomach is too uncomfortable or during later stages of pregnancy.

To further enhance the effects of the treatment, massage lotions and oils are often incorporated, which hydrate, soften and soothe pregnant skin; however, no matter how tempted you are by scented lotions and aromatherapy oils, skip them during pregnancy. Essential oils and scented creams should be avoided both during pregnancy and while nursing as they can potentially irritate sensitive skin.

While it may seem unbelievable, certain pressure points (such as on both sides of the ankle or the webbing between the thumb and index finger) should not be massaged during pregnancy. Reflexology or pressure point therapy is not recommended for pregnant women as sustained pressure may cause premature labor. Additionally, deep-tissue massage should also be avoided during pregnancy as its too arduous on the body. Instead, ask for a traditional Swedish massage, especially effective on areas such as the lower back and thighs. Swedish massage will not only safely relax tense muscles, but relieve pressure in these painful areas, as well.

Before any massage, get the green light from your doctor. Many spas will require a written release from the attending obstetrician before massaging a pregnant woman due to the potential liability involved. When scheduling a massage, tell the spa you are pregnant and be certain the therapist is qualified to perform a "prenatal" massage. Finally, be careful about getting a massage in the first trimester as increased circulation may cause dizziness or exacerbate morning sickness.

Fabulous facials

Many women see their skin change drastically during pregnancy; luckily, there are facials designed to address this skin concern. Before jumping on the skincare bandwagon and trying to address all changes in the skin, keep in mind that these skin changes are typically temporary, and skin should return to a more normal state after the birth. Changes may include acne, increased pigmentation, redness and a darkening of existing freckles and moles, as well as stretch marks and bruising.

Estheticians will tailor a traditional facial to combat these and other skin changes brought on by pregnancy. To treat acne, most traditional facial procedures can be used on a pregnant woman, as can alpha hydroxy acid and benzoyl peroxide, which should help improve the texture and clarity of skin suffering from blemishes. Although they can be approved by a physician, most electrical therapies should be discontinued during pregnancy, especially high-frequency.

If hyperpigmentation has become a skin concern, the best course of action is prevention, rather than cure. During pregnancy, the placenta releases a hormone that stimulates melanocytes in the skin, causing hyperpigmentation. The release of this hormone won’t stop until after the birth, so to minimize the risk of melasma or 'the mask of pregnancy', avoid the sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm) and always wear sunblock on a daily basis. For most women, pregnancy-induced cases of hyperpigmentation will reverse after birth, but should the darkened spots remain, cosmetic treatments may be pursued once breast-feeding and lactation have stopped.

The mommy mani-pedi

Don’t forget the rest of your body! Not only do hands and feet swell uncomfortably during pregnancy, simple movements like walking and sitting suddenly become cumbersome and challenging. Relieve some of this pressure and let the professionals take over. Manicures and pedicures are an ideal treat during pregnancy. Not only do they help with circulation (which is severely compromised), they also instantly make an expectant mother feel relaxed and pampered. As with a full-body massage, be certain to let the nail technician know you are pregnant and avoid any type of deep tissue or reflexology on the feet and hands. As most pregnant women can attest, hands and feet take a toll during pregnancy and deserve some TLC.

Way to wax

Although the skin may become more sensitive to waxing during pregnancy, "There’s nothing unsafe about it," observes Dr. Cornelia Graves of Baptist Hospital in Nashville. "But because you have more blood flowing to your skin now, you’ll probably be more sensitive to anything that tugs or pulls," so plan accordingly. If you’re concerned about redness or sensitivity, patch test a small area before proceeding onto a full bikini-wax and keep a skin soothing lotion on hand to reduce redness.

See also:

Healthy Skin During Pregnancy

Melasma

Acne During Pregnancy: Tips for Clear Skin