haemorrhoids, while gentle creams
and nourishing oils will increase the
skin’s suppleness to keep stretch marks
at bay.
It is worth keeping a vigilant eye
on any essential oils being used, since
some are unsafe for pregnancy. Many
women aren’t aware of the potent
effect some oils have, says Liz, who has
used specific oils after 39 weeks during
labour to help muscles contract.
“People do need to realise that these
are very powerful things,” she says.
Sticking to plain base oils, grape seed
or even olive oil ensures a safe and
effective experience. “Olive oil is one
of the most highly nutritious oils, and
I think if it’s good enough to put in
your mouth, then why not use it on the
body?” says Liz.
This is also the time to tackle any
sore spots like tense muscles and stress
caused by worry and lack of sleep, as
well as a lesser-known but common
complaint: carpal tunnel syndrome,
where the area around the thumb and
wrist becomes sore, which is common
in pregnancy. If this is a problem, ask
for more care and attention around
the area with an intensive hand
massage to bring that much-needed
relief.
Staying focused on hands, a
manicure can be a quick, pleasing
and relaxing experience, leaving you
looking groomed for all those holiday
season get-togethers. Shoshana
Weinberg is spa director of the Spa
at Four Seasons in Hong Kong and
is expecting her second baby. She
adopts a regular programme of
weekly massage, regular facials and a
monthly mani/pedi. She eschews the
polish, but knows many mothers-to-
be who don’t. Colour is safe, she says,
if you avoid what she calls the “toxic
trio”. “If you are going to use nail
polish, make sure you are using one
that does not have dibutyl phthalate,
toluene, and formaldehyde,” she says.
That way, your nails will still dazzle
just as brightly as the baubles on the
Christmas tree but without any harm
to the baby.
The Four Seasons’ spa offers a
few treatments targeted specifically at
mothers-to-be, including one aimed
at treating tired bodies and tired
legs. By the third trimester, swelling
and oedema are common and most
mamas would swap a mountain of
mince pies for some relief. The pain
associated with the increasing weight
of the baby is often the biggest cause of
complaint among expectant mothers
and this can result in altered posture,
tense muscles, and back and pelvic
discomfort. Experts now recommend
that side-lying or using a specialist
cushion designed just for prenatal
massage is the best way to receive
a treatment, especially at this stage
when size and the baby’s weight make
lying on the back both uncomfortable
and dangerous. Until recently, many
pregnant women were invited to lie
face down on a table with a special
hole left for the tummy, but this can
cause issues. Sometimes the hole
won’t be of an appropriate size, and
lying in this position can result in
extra pressure on the back and even
ligament damage for some, and so is to
be avoided.
Face it!
If, like Shoshana, you’re keen to
maintain facials, therapists advise
sticking with what you know.
Changing products or trying
new treatments can be a recipe
for destruction. Beauty therapist
Sarah George of Glo Health says
she discovered this the hard way.
Desperate for a pampering treat
during her own pregnancy, Sarah
sprang for a top-notch treatment at
a five-star hotel, which used caviar
as one of its prime ingredients. The
treatment was too rich for her skin,
and she broke out in a red rash
that went on to produce scabby
open sores that lasted for months.
“During pregnancy your skin is so
imbalanced,” she says, and so even
ingredients that sound natural may
cause adverse effects. It’s safest to
stay simple and nourishing. “Stay
with products you know and are used
to. If you have an existing regime,
choose a facial with those products,”
says Sarah. Stay away from harsh
treatments like peels, lasers and
UV lights, and opt for pampering
rehydrating, intense moisture or
vitamin C-based treatments to bring
on that healthy glow.
With these tips in mind, you can
send Santa out shopping and enjoy the
benefits of a spa, stress-free.
December 2013
57
