Top 12 Prenatal Spa Treatments and Beauty Products

Prenatal Spa Treatments

Pregnancy is a blessed and exciting time in a woman's life. But let's be honest: It's likely she won't feel like a radiant Earth Mother during the entire span of those nine months.

Fortunately, a prenatal visit to the spa can deliver some much-needed relaxation. In fact, it may also make labor more tolerable: "When a mother is in good health and feels better, she's more likely to have an easier labor and be more comfortable," says Eileen Ehudin Beard, senior practice advisor for the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

7 Recommended Prenatal Spa Treatments:

1. Prenatal Massage The back supports much of the added weight pregnant women carry, which can affect alignment and lead to soreness and stiffness. Regular massage sessions (the American Pregnancy Association recommends Swedish) can ease trouble spots as well as help increase circulation and decrease swelling. Because of this extra strain on the back, treatments should be done with the woman on her side, supported with pillows. (There is some concern that massage tables with the belly area cut out cause uterine ligaments to stretch painfully.)

2. Manicure/Pedicure Boston author and OB-GYN specialist Laura Elizabeth Riley, M.D., says there are no statistics that prove nail polish is harmful to a gestating baby. To be safe, however, expectant mothers should avoid formulas that contain toluene, which at high levels may cause birth defects and delay a child's physical and mental development. (SpaRitual and O.P.I. have both banned the ingredient.) Also look for a spa or salon with good ventilation because some odors could make pregnant women feel nauseated.

3. Gentle Facials Surging hormones can throw complexions out of whack, leading to breakouts or bouts of dryness, but facials can bring balance. Just make sure the products and methods used are gentle (no strong peels or extractions) because skin can be extremely sensitive at this time. And there's no need to worry about steam; when it's directed onto the face it won't raise the body's temperature.

4. Acupuncture Visiting a licensed acupuncturist, preferably one who has experience working with pregnant women, can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting during the first trimester. Though little research exists, some acupuncturists believe the therapy can rotate breech babies and induce labor that's slow to start.

5. Leg Treatments The legs are working overtime during pregnancy to support a woman's growing figure, and treating them to a little TLC can relieve soreness and reduce swelling. Look for treatments that use cooling ingredients like peppermint and eucalyptus.

6. Stretch Mark Treatments Think of these as "facials" for the belly; hydrating masques and creams applied to stretched skin can ease itching and potentially minimize stretch marks.

7. Couples Massage Going to the spa with a partner for a side-by-side service allows both parents-to-be to enjoy some relaxation time.

5 Beauty Products for Moms-to-Be:

	Mama Mio O-Mega Body Buff An alternative to harsh scrubs, this exfoliant contains micro-ground pumice; sweet almond oil; and omega oils 3, 6, and 9, the combination of which sloughs away dead skin and encourages cell renewal. ($33)
	Belli Pregnancy Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect skin from UV damage that can lead to brown, splotchy patches (chloasma), which are common in pregnant women. Slightly tinted, it blends in easily with all skin tones. ($24)
	Erbaviva Stretch Mark Cream and Stretch Mark Oil A non-greasy formula makes this cream perfect for applying in the morning, followed by a nighttime application of the oil. Certified organic shea butter, sweet almond oil, and sea buckthorn keep tightly stretched bellies supple and itch-free. ($28 each)
	Basq Rebalancing Face Cleanser This wash gives a constantly changing complexion exactly what it needs when it needs it. The combination of rich emollients, gentle exfoliants, and soothing botanicals provides moisture while preventing breakouts and irritation. ($34)
	VedaPure VedaMama Relax: Body Cream This cooling moisturizer is made with cocoa butter, arnica, and peppermint to relieve and invigorate tired muscles. ($50)