10 treatments to try during pregnancy

Is pregnancy making you bloom? Do you float around radiating femininity and joy at your condition? Do your eyes sparkle, your skin glow, your hair shine? If the answer is 'yes' to all of the above then read no further (and don’t rub it in too much to other pregnant women: they will hate you.)  Or, like many mums to be, are you finding it hard work, tiring, and you feel like you’re glowing about as much as a lump of coal in the rain?

It’s very easy to get so caught up in the whirlwind of preparing for a new baby that you neglect your own needs completely. Whether it’s your first, third or seventh new arrival, planning a bit of well deserved 'me' time should be a rewarding and well deserved treat. After all, it’s hard work this pregnancy malarkey.

So grab a nice cuppa, put you swollen feet up, and read on for our Top 10 treatments for mums to be:

Eyelash and eyebrow tint

Yes, this is pure vanity and purely aesthetic, but lets face it, what brand new mum has time or inclination for make up? Get this done as near to your due date as possible and voila: at a time when you will probably have an influx of visitors, you can at least feel a little yummy mummy-ish.

Chocolate facial

Chocolate gives you spots? Pah! It turns out ladies that chocolate can be your skins best friend. The co-co bean contains antioxidant and anti-ageing properties. Not only that, the smell alone can make the brain release mood-boosting endorphins. With this is mind, it’s no wonder the Chocolate Facial is fast becoming a beauty therapy favourite.

Minx pedicure

A full pedicure that includes a foot/ankle massage is heaven for your poor aching tootsies, especially when you’re heavily pregnant. Combine this with Minx - A weatherproof, flexible film that shrink-wraps to your nails using heat, and those fancy feet should last you for weeks longer than regular varnish. There are a plethora of fancy designs and they can be removed at home using a hair dryer (a big bonus as once little one arrives, re-visits to a salon may not be high on the agenda!)

Reiki

Our list gets a little more spiritual now ladies. Reiki comes in and out of vogue but many people swear by it. So how could it help with a pregnancy? Joyce Elms, Reiki Master Practitioner from Lancashire explains: 'Reiki is about treating the mind and spirit as well as the body. It could be particularly useful for mums that feel anxious about the birthing process for whatever reason. You don’t have to be ill or injured to benefit from Reiki, it can be a deeply relaxing experience. It may not be for everyone, but if you have an open mind it could be the perfect treatment for a mum to be.'

Massage

Usually only suitable after the first three months of pregnancy, massage can be hugely beneficial as well as a darn fine way to relax. Particularly good for water retention in the feet and legs, and for achy lower back muscles; there are a number of pregnancy-safe options available. Always check with your Midwife or GP and go to a reputable practitioner that specialises in pregnancy massage.

Reflexology

For an established pregnancy, the aim of reflexology is to bring balance and harmony to the whole body. Incredibly, practitioners even claim to be able to see and feel the baby’s development on the foot. As well as targeting any specific pregnancy-related discomfort such as nausea and tiredness, reflexology can ease tension, promote relaxation, and boost the immune system. Check with the Association of Reflexologies for your nearest practitioner.  

Yummy tummy

A brand new range of maternity spa treatments by Mama Mio includes the 'Yummy Tummy' treatment. Essentially, it’s a facial for your bump. An omega-rich treatment that boosts skin strength and elasticity.

waxing

The state of your bikini line is probably the furthest thing from your mind when you haven’t even been able to see it for weeks, but Amy Golding, a beauty therapist from Bolton has had her fair share of heavily pregnant ladies wanting to look tidy 'down there.' As she explains: 'Despite everything else going on in their lives I find that many ladies really want to be trim in the bikini area ready for the big day. Why not? It’s not a problem at all to have a wax during a pregnancy; we just have to get a little creative with positions!'

Manicure

Perhaps the most unoriginal choice on our list, but not one to be ruled out. If you are not very adventurous with the world of beauty treatments but fancy trying a pamper, a manicure is the perfect place to start. After all, gone are the days of a quick file and polish. These days we’re talking massage (great for swollen hands and wrists) revitalising scrubs, heat mitts and moisturising masks. Go and see what your local salon has to offer for a little luxury.

Photography session

OK, technically not a beauty treatment or a therapy, but a professional photograph capturing your beautiful bump can psychologically be a huge boost. There are many professionals – lots of them women – who specialise in pregnancy photos. A good photographer will be expert in putting you at ease. They’ll walk you through the whole process, and make you feel like a supermodel. It’s amazing how many mothers miss their bump when it’s gone. What a beautiful way to look back on such a precious time.

Always bear in mind that any treatment when pregnant is safer when carried out after the first three months. Always check with a medical professional if you have any queries about undertaking a treatment.