You’ve just found out that you’re pregnant... You’re carrying a new life inside of you and you’re glowing – well, you would be if only you could get over your morning sickness! In the coming nine months, you’re going to witness your body transform before your eyes and you’re also going to want all the pampering you can get. In fact, you’re going to need it! Being a newly expectant mom, you can become a little paranoid about what you can and can’t do during your pregnancy – if you can’t take anything stronger than Panado for a headache, what chance are you going to have in making it to the Spa? Rest assured, you are still able to enjoy some much needed pampering at your local Spa. There are, however, a few things that you need to keep in mind when you do attend.

When you make a booking for a Spa treatment, be sure to let the therapist know that you’re pregnant. In that way, your therapist can be adequately prepared for your session. Most Spas have a policy of not performing full body massages during the first trimester of pregnancy. The reason for this is twofold: firstly, a large amount of added pressure on your uterine area can be dangerous to the foetus, and secondly, Spas do not wish to be involved in any liability issues. The first trimester of a pregnancy carries the greatest risk of miscarriage and so the Spa would rather not take any risks whatsoever. That having been said, there are still ample options open to you when attending a Spa.

In the first trimester of your pregnancy, settle for treatments such as a manicure, pedicure, neck and shoulder massage or facial. A facial is a very good idea as at this stage of your pregnancy, your sebaceous glands are producing more oil than before. Also, utilise the pool at the Spa, as low-impact exercise is perfect for pregnancy. If your chosen Spa has a gym facility, perhaps consider taking a yoga class as this is also a wonderful form of exercise. You should avoid Jacuzzis and saunas during your first trimester as well - increasing your core temperature drastically is not recommended, though warm pools and laconiums are safe.

During your pregnancy, especially within your first trimester, there are certain products that are best avoided. Oils such as cedar wood, camomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, myrrh, peppermint and rosemary are all products that you should use with care, or avoid altogether to be on the safe side.

Once you are in your second trimester, ask your Spa which specific pregnancy treatments are on offer to you. Most Spas actually do cater to pregnant women and will provide a variety of options and contraptions to ensure you and your baby are both safe and comfortable during your treatment – beanbags and tummy hammocks go a long way towards this. During the later stages of your pregnancy, consider having pedicure treatments – you’ll find it difficult to reach your feet by this stage and the pampering will do you the world of good.

There are some beauty treatments which you may be unsure of having while pregnant. Botox, understandably, is a no-no – injecting chemicals into your body is not a safe option at this time. Electrolysis is safe for you and your baby, but try to avoid the breast and abdomen areas during your last trimester to be on the safe side. Facials are a wonderful option for you during pregnancy. If your skin has become more sensitive as a result of your hormones wreaking havoc with your system, ask your therapist to try products specifically for sensitive skins. If you would like to avoid looking pale during your pregnancy, rest assured there is no evidence of any problems related to having a Fake Tan applied. Lastly, waxing is also safe – though bear in mind that your skin may be more sensitive and your pain threshold vastly different to your normal levels.

There are an increasing number of complementary therapies on offer at Spas these days, most of which are safe for you to enjoy during your pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain and morning sickness. Similarly, Acupressure is safe during pregnancy. Aromatherapy can be a wonderfully relaxing massage option, but be certain that your therapist knows you’re pregnant and avoids the oils mentioned earlier. Reflexology is known to help alleviate morning sickness and constipation. Recent studies have shown that if you’re in your final days of your pregnancy, reflexology might actually help to shorten labour.

Now that you know what’s on offer to you during your pregnancy, you can sit back and relax. Enjoy some much-needed pampering in the comfort of your local Spa and spend your time fussing over the name of your unborn child and your baby-room colour scheme rather than which Spa treatment to have!