Pregnancy is a time to really look after yourself and your unborn baby. Regular visits to the spa can ease your aches and pains, melt away stress and tension and help you get a good night's sleep. Many women report a drop in confidence during pregnancy, so a trip to the spa is a great way to pamper yourself and boost self-esteem.

SPA DO'S

1 Have A Massage.

Many spas don't give massages to pregnant women in their first trimester, so you will likely have to wait until your bump is 3 months old to enjoy a massage. Your aching back and swollen ankles will absolutely love you for it!

2 Top Up Your Pregnancy Glow.

Or Fake It. Whether you've got radiant pregnancy skin or your hormones are running havoc, a facial is a great, safe treatment to enjoy when you're expecting. Be aware that your skin may be more sensitive than usual, so opt for organic, gentle products.

3 Ask Questions.

If you're concerned about anything, don't hesitate to ask your therapist. They are trained professionals, so they should be able to answer any questions you have and put your mind at ease. If you are uncomfortable or in pain at any time during your treatment, let them know immediately.

4 Try Aromatherapy.

While some oils should never be used on pregnant women (like nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary and jasmine), many women find essential oils helpful in easing nausea and aches & pains. Frankincense, neroli and mandarin are particularly calming for pregnant women.*

5 Treat Yourself At Home, Regularly!

We understand that frequent spa visits can add up, but you can easily recreate the spa at home for a fraction of the price. There are so many ways to enjoy the spa at home, from DIY facials and foot scrubs, beauty smoothies and even meditation instructions!

SPA DON'TS

1 Use the Hot Tub, Jacuzzi or Sauna.

Avoid any areas of the spa that will make you feel too hot – raising your body temperature may impact the circulation of blood to your baby.
2 Have Regular Manicure and Pedicures.

While it's perfectly fine to enjoy the occasional mani & pedi, be aware that most nail varnishes contain chemicals that can be potentially harmful if you're regularly exposed to them (formaldehyde and toluene). Request that your nail technician use products without these chemicals.

3 Don't Spray Tan.

The active ingredient in fake tan is DHA, and you may inhale some of this during a spray tan. There are no conclusive results on how inhaling fake tan spray could affect your baby, so it's best to avoid it.

4 Don't Neglect Your Aches & Pains.

If your lower back is really hurting as your belly grows, book in for a pregnancy massage. If your feet are swollen, treat yourself to a foot scrub & lower leg massage. And if you're generally feeling frazzled and stressed, book a half or full spa day.

5 Spa Lunch.

If you have pre-booked a lunch or spa snacks, make sure that the food is appropriate for pregnant women. You probably know all the foods you should be avoiding, but to recap you should not eat: certain cheeses, undercooked eggs & mayonnaise, unpasteurised milk and limit your caffeine intake.

*There have been no studies on the effects of essential oils on unborn babies. If you're interested in trying aromatherapy during pregnancy, contact a specialist such as Neal's Yard Remedies who have pregnancy massage experts. 

Ends

Notes to Editors

With over 25 years of experience as a spa and wellness authority, Spafinder Wellness UK Ltd guides the industry, partners, consumers and employers with the most comprehensive resource for wellness-related products, services and insight in the marketplace. Millions of people find inspiration to keep well every day via the Spafinder Wellness 365™ brand, also known for its widely distributed gift cards available at over 7,500 stores in the UK including Boots, Tesco, Costco, Clinton Cards and Asda.

For more information, please visit http://www.spafinder.co.uk/ or call 0870 121 6066.

Media Enquiries

The Brighter Group:  Verity Ramsay / Jenny Groutage 

Tel 020 7326 9880 / Email: spafinder@brightergroup.com