Pregnancy can either be the most amazing experience for some mummies or not so amazing. Either way, us mummies-to-be need some TLC for our bodies - as they change so much in 9 months.
After having my little girl Pippa nearly a year ago I know exactly what it feels like for pregnancy to take over your body. Although it is without a doubt the most incredible feeling in the world to be able to give life, and to love like you never thought you could love. I know only too well that pregnancy can be hard, sore and just a right pain at times!
Do you wonder what treatments are safe & which to avoid? I have hand picked a few that are a real treat and will help take that pressure off your legs, back and feet.
Deluxe leg relief pedicure
Designed to relieve aches and pains in the leg and to help with fluid tension in legs and feet, this treatment offers everything you'd usually expect in a pedicure, tailoring it to meet your pregnancy needs. Your local salon will cater for pregnant woman and will tailor pedicure treatments for you.
Facials
Hormones can cause havoc to our skin during pregnancy.
Having regular facials can really help with breakouts. The key is to find the right therapist that you trust who knows their stuff when it comes to pregnancy skin.
Facial treatments that are off limits for pregnancy skin are any abrasive products like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, electronic stimulations or deep extractions - these are best kept for post-pregnancy.
•Oxygen facials will encourage circulation and bring long fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin surface, promote cell renewal and help plump out fine lines and wrinkles.
• A deep cleansing facial will help when you are experiencing excess oil in your skin and involves a cleanse, exfoliation, extraction, massage and mask.
If you are on the other scale of non-oily skin and feel that your skin is dry with patches of dehydration, a good moisturise-rich treatment that will hydrate the skin and will help with the dehydrated patches.
Massage
Even saying the words relaxation, massage and muscle relief while pregnant got me all excited.
Ideal when booking a massage, you should be looking for a place that caters to mums-to-be, as this means the masseuse will more than likely be trained in pregnancy massage.
Take time to have talk with your masseuse and let her know if you have any particularly sensitive areas or if you start to get uncomfortable at any point during the massage.
Many salons will advice you not to have a massage in your first trimester (first 3months) as this is the time of rapid growth in the womb.
They also may avoid any massage after the 32 week mark as you are coming very close to your last trimester and over stimulation is not advised.
Some, not all, essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy.
Essential oils to avoid include basil, cassia, cinnamon bark, clary, sage, lemongrass and rosemary.
Your therapist may use a carrier oil while massaging such as coconut or almond oil, which is perfect unless you are allergic, then you must consult with your therapist beforehand.
Tan
Are you still waiting for that 'Pregnancy Glow' everyone said you would get? It can be frustrating to find the perfect tan with NO chemicals!
TanOrganic is completely safe to use during pregnancy as is is 100% natural with its natural organic ingredients and no perfumes, parabens, or synthetics. Developed by Kildare beauty therapist and business woman, Noelle O'Connor, this product is Irish and 100% perfect for that bronzed sun kissed look to go with your 'pregnancy glow'.
Hair
Hair during pregnancy is normally full, thick and luxurious due to the increased level of estrogen hormones in the body. We tend to forget about our hair as we feel it is looking the best it has done in years.
So the key here is to look after our hair during pregnancy by doing a few simple things or even getting rid of some old bad habits.
• Avoid tight pigtails, hair weaves, braid, extensions or tight hair rollers which can pull and stress your hair
• If you are using any heat treatments ie. a hair drier; make sure to use heat protection treatments prior
• Use a shampoo and conditioner containing biotin and silica
• Supplement your diet with zinc and vitamins C, E and B.
Top Tip: My top tip to mummies-to-be is enjoy your pregnancy! This is the time where you don't have to share your little bundle (as selfish as it may sound), it's just you and bump so look after yourself and treat yourself with a little pampering now and then.
When baby arrives life becomes so busy and hectic that time runs away with us, so my advice is to step back and take a moment each day to appreciate the little blessing that is your baby! I still can't believe my princess is one next month so enjoy every minute.
