What Spa Treatments Can I Have When I Am Pregnant?

Can Pregnant Women Get a Massage at a Spa?

When you’re pregnant, treating yourself to something special is well-deserved and enjoyable. Whether it’s indulging in a luxurious bath, savouring a delicious meal at an exquisite restaurant, or pampering yourself with a spa day and treatments, there are plenty of options available to you during pregnancy.

A full-body massage is a wonderful relaxation treatment for expecting mothers. Pregnancy can cause your body to work extra hard to nurture your growing baby, leaving you feeling tired and achy. A full-body massage is the perfect way to release tension, soothe muscles, and make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.

Most spa facilities are generally safe for pregnant women to use. However, some spas may advise against certain treatments or fitness classes until at least 12 weeks of pregnancy, and the same precaution applies to those who are over 32 weeks pregnant. The second trimester is often recommended as the best time to enjoy a spa experience when morning sickness has subsided, and you have more energy.

When choosing a spa and considering treatments during pregnancy, it’s important to choose a spa with experienced staff who are knowledgeable in caring for pregnant women. At Northcote Manor, we offer a specific spa treatment for pregnant women, allowing you to enjoy a full-body massage without having to lie on your tummy. Additionally, we provide a delightful facial treatment and a rejuvenating leg energizer treatment.

We offer two pregnancy massage options: ‘Yummy Mummy To Be’ and ‘New Beginnings.’ These treatments vary in duration and include a full-body massage, followed by a facial and scalp massage.

The Benefits of Massages for Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy brings about significant changes in the body, often accompanied by discomfort. Recent research supports the benefits of regular massages during pregnancy as a safe and relaxing way to alleviate discomfort. Not only does it improve your physical and mental well-being, but it can also benefit your baby.

Many pregnant women experience low back pain, which can be attributed to changes in body posture. These postural changes can lead to muscle imbalances and compression of the sciatic nerve. Massages help loosen muscles, relieve pressure, increase elasticity, and enhance the range of motion around joints and muscles.

In addition to low back pain, upper back pain and headaches are common challenges for pregnant women. Changes in body posture and an increase in breast size can contribute to muscle imbalances and sudden upper back pain. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can also lead to headaches. An upper body massage can effectively alleviate tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders, release trigger points, and stretch shortened muscles.

The Best Spa Treatments for Expecting Mothers

Facials are a suitable option during pregnancy, as they can address dehydrated and blemished complexions, enhancing the natural pregnancy glow. It is recommended to opt for lighter and gentler facials, while avoiding chemical peels and hydroquinone. At Northcote Manor, we offer several facial treatments that can be enjoyed either alongside a full-body massage or on their own.

Manicures and pedicures are fantastic choices for the second and third trimesters. As your baby bump grows, it becomes challenging to reach and care for your toes. A pedicure can leave you feeling fresh and well-groomed when it’s difficult to do it yourself. At Northcote Manor, we offer luxurious pedicure and manicure treatments to help you feel effortlessly put together.

Can I Use Essential Oils When Pregnant?

Essential oils have a longstanding history as natural remedies for various ailments. While they have shown potential in alleviating discomfort during pregnancy, their safety during this time remains a question. Limited research is available regarding the impact of essential oils on developing fetuses.

According to Jill Edwards, N.D., a naturopathic doctor specializing in prenatal care based in Oregon, it is not recommended to use essential oils during the early stages of pregnancy. This caution is due to the potential risk of inducing uterine contractions or negatively affecting the baby’s early development.

“In the second and third trimesters, some essential oils are considered safe to use, as your baby is more developed,” Edwards explains. Lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are among the essential oils generally considered safe later in pregnancy, as they promote relaxation, calmness, and improved sleep. However, there is a broader range of essential oils that can be potentially used during pregnancy.

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists identifies the following essential oils as generally safe during pregnancy: benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, petitgrain, rose otto, sandalwood, sweet marjoram, sweet orange, tea tree, and ylang-ylang.

Essential Oils to Avoid When Pregnant

Certain essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy due to their potential to cause uterine contractions. Commonly used oils such as cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and clary sage fall into this category. It is best to refrain from using the following essential oils until after your baby arrives: aniseed, arnica, basil, bitter almond, boldo leaf, broom, buchu, calamus, camphor (brown or yellow), cassia, cedarwood/thuja, chervil, cinnamon, clary sage, clove (bud, leaf, or stem), coriander, costus, deer tongue, dwarf pine, elecampane, fennel, horseradish, hyssop, jaborandi leaf, juniper berry, melilotus, mugwort, mustard, nutmeg, origanum, parsley, pennyroyal, red thyme, rosemary, rue, sassafras, savin, summer savory, sweet birch, tansy, tonka, wintergreen, and wormwood.

What Spa Facilities Can I Use While Pregnant?

It is advised to avoid using spa facilities such as saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs during pregnancy due to the risk of overheating. This caution is especially crucial in the first trimester as it can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure and dizziness.

However, a warm bath or pool can still be enjoyed safely for relaxation purposes. The water temperature should not exceed 35 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Celsius for swimming.

Spa Treatment and Spa Days at Northcote

At Northcote, we offer a wide range of spa treatments specifically tailored for expecting mothers. Our spa treatments can be customized to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. For the ultimate pre-baby relaxation, we also provide spa days and breaks, which include a 60-minute spa treatment and a delightful dining experience in our two AA Rosette restaurants or a delightful cream tea.