Pregnancy Spa Services
During a 9-month s-t-r-e-t-c-h
Becoming a super-momma can be some stressful business. It's the PERFECT time for a girl to check into a spa.
First and foremost always consult your physician, doula, or midwife. One very important factor is to be sure to tell your spa staff about your pregnancy as soon as you schedule the appointment and be sure to ask for a therapist well trained in pregnancy services. If you already have spa services scheduled, call the salon or spa and speak with them about upcoming appointments as you may need to have a different therapist or they may require a physician's permission to proceed.
To spa or not to spa? To color or not to color? Depending on whom you ask your answer may be different. All physicians have a different thought on the coloring process. I have a 12-month-old and being a hair designer I wasn't concerned at all. I did ask my physician to see what her thoughts were, and her answer was "color away!" And then she told me to be sure to get massages as well. I thought it was great that she recommended that without me even asking. I have found that most salons and spas will tell you it's completely safe but for many reasons they will advise you to consult your physician.
When it is safe is another debate among salons, spas, and your prenatal caregivers. There is no evidence to show it's unsafe to spa in the first trimester but many people are concerned to perform services in the first trimester due to the fact that most miscarriages happen in the first trimester so, of course, business owners certainly don't want to think a miscarriage would happen at their facility. Personally, I had a very difficult first trimester and if it weren't for spa-ing I would have pulled my hair out. Massages, facials, and pedicures helped me stay sane. Some may say wait until the second trimester to be safe.
If you decide to color your hair during pregnancy we always recommend you have a professional hair salon apply your color. Many dyes contain harmful chemicals, leads, and other metals such as compound Henna found in drugstores. A salon will be trained on the color and usually have a much safer, gentler color than the leading over the counter versions, better ventilation, not to mention you get a moment to sit and be pampered (enjoy it now, in a few months there may not be much pampering for mommy). The salon can even apply color off the scalp if you ask them.
Are you still a little concerned? A highlighting process may be your answer. When using foils, and when applied correctly, the color doesn't touch your skin. Your hair itself is actually dead so color and or lightener (bleach) can't be absorbed through the dead hair shaft.
Always consult your physician before scheduling any spa services, as there may be a concern your physician or midwife knows about that your spa technicians may not.
Your massages won't be the same massage you've grown accustom to, but if performed correctly they can alleviate tired muscles and tension, increase circulation, and reduce water retention. You shouldn't lie flat on your back after the 4th month as this can cause light-headedness.
Some spa services must be put on hold during pregnancy, such as hot hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot body wraps. Deep tissue massage, especially on the legs, is definitely not allowed. Less vigorous massage strokes will still help you to deal with leg cramps, headaches, fluid retention, swollen ankles, and other pregnancy-related aches and pains. But just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you're stuck with only a pregnancy massage. An itchy belly is screaming…cream me!!! How about trying a facial for your belly? Your tummy needs more attention now than ever. A tummy facial will leave your skin feeling like your baby's bottom.
Can't see your toes? Having a pregnancy pedicure is just the answer and can reduce swelling and stimulate circulation.
Be sure to ask questions at the spa. Be sure the therapists are trained to work with pregnant women and just haven't slapped a pregnancy massage on the menu. Don't hesitate to ask them what makes them skilled in this area. Ask what's in the products they are using. Be on the lookout for products containing parabens, colorant, and synthetic fragrances.
And don't forget about the so often forgotten 4th trimester. The 4th trimester lasts about 6 weeks after delivery. Although it's not easy to get to the spa, you will need it. This is a very important healing time to regain the elasticity of your skin and erase stretch marks.
There is no other time in a woman's life when she deserves to be luxuriously pampered than when she is pregnant. And remember… Happy Mommy = Happy Baby.
