Spa Treatments for Expecting Women

It is natural for an expectant mother to seek the relaxation of a spa. With frustrations over racing hormones and nine months of body changes, a spa is a logical place to find a calming, relaxing atmosphere. However, pregnant women need to be careful about the treatments they receive. Some serious consequences to treatments range from nausea to induction of labor.

Massage

• Massages during pregnancy decrease stress and relieve back, neck and shoulder pain. If you are having a normal pregnancy, massages are perfectly safe. Inquire with a spa on prenatal massages, and you may be surprised that many spas offer this service to expecting women. Massages are safely given with the mother lying on her side, propped up by pillows. You can receive a neck or shoulder massage from a sitting-up position.

Manicure and Pedicure

• Getting a manicure and pedicure is a safe treatment while pregnant. Most spas use polishes without chemicals that may harm your baby. Bring your own nail tools and request that the foot and hand bath be cleaned right before your appointment. You may wish to skip the calf and foot massage. Nail technicians are not specially trained pregnancy reflexologists, and certain spots on the hands and feet may stimulate labor.

Facial

• Facials are a great way to treat dehydrated and pimpled skin. Make sure that the technician uses facials with all-natural ingredients to avoid irritation and harm to the baby. You can also have a steam treatment on your face, for steam treatments do not raise the core body temperature. Do not have a chemical peel.

Warm Baths

• Warm baths are a great way to relax and reduce tension. You can be in a hot bath for a few minutes, but the water is too hot if your face begins to sweat. Raising your core body temperature may harm the baby, particularly during the first weeks of pregnancy, during the organ development stage.