Here are the basic DOs and DON'Ts of "spa-ing" for two.
First Trimester
- DO remember to spill the beans about your pregnancy the moment you call to book your day at the spa.
That way, the staff will be able to help you steer clear of any treatments that aren't recommended for mothers-to be -- basically any treatment that involves high temperatures (whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, heat wraps, etc.) or the use of any herbal or botanical products that could potentially be harmful to the developing baby.
- DON'T forget to let the therapist or esthetician who is treating you know if you're battling morning sickness.
Once the person administering your treatment is aware of the problem, she can take steps to ensure that the treatment room is well ventilated and she can avoid using any strongly scented spa products that might inadvertently trigger your nausea.
Second Trimester
- DO indulge yourself in a mid-pregnancy facial.
Facial treatments designed to unplug oily pores can help to minimize the severity of the hormonally-driven acne breakouts that are a pregnancy rite-of-passage for many moms-to-be.
- DON'T go near the tanning bed.
Not only is the heat from the tanning bed potentially harmful to your developing baby, but the man made "suntan" you acquire in the tanning bed will only serve to accentuate the butterfly-shaped area of pigmentation that can occur on the cheeks and forehead -- the so-called "mask of pregnancy."
Third Trimester
- DO treat those tired tootsies to an ultra-soothing foot massage and pedicure.
Trying to apply nail polish to your own toe nails is pretty much impossible at this stage of the game, so let someone else give you the ultimate pre-labor send-off: some fire engine red toenails to flash while you're giving birth. (Oh, baby!)
- DON'T overlook your belly.
Instead of neglecting your belly, treat it to a moisturizing body scrub. This particular spa treatment will help you to get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells that can otherwise lead to an itchy belly -- a perennial source of annoyance for moms-to-be. At the same time, it will help replenish some of the moisture that's being lost as a result of hormone-induced skin dehydration.
