Over the past few years we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pregnant clients visiting spa's. Expectant mums tend to fall into one of two camps - those who feel positively goddess-like from the moment that they discover they are pregnant and those who are more inclined to view their physical transformation as a necessary evil - the price to be paid for motherhood.

What are spa's offering to pregnant clients?

The USA has dedicated Maternity Spa's - catering specifically for mothers (and fathers to be) - The Barefoot and Pregnant Spa group in California offers treatments and packages for both the expectant mom and dad and offers packages, which include "Baby Bliss, Mothers Little Helper, And Baby Makes 3". Endamame Maternity Spa Group has spas located throughout the States and is proving to be extremely popular.

In South Africa we too have become used to the idea of spending time in the Spa during pregnancy and have developed packages specifically for expectant mums.

The 12 Apostles Hotel in Cape Town have their own "Moya Pregnancy package". Spa Manager, Rialette Cronje explained that they offer a choice of 3 out of 5 "Pregnancy Experience" treatments - consisting of a mini pedicure or mini-manicure, Relaxing Back Experience, Tension Alleviating Head Experience or Foot Experience. The client can choose her treatments on the day depending on her needs - suiting both the physical and emotional demands that her body is making.

The pregnancy package can be done monthly and as it consists of 5 different treatments, this can be done on a monthly basis and different combinations can be chosen every time.

Sheila Otieno, Spa Manager of the Arabella Sheraton offers her clients a "Pre Natal Massage" after the first trimester and "Foot Zone Therapy" that involves a scrub and draining foot massage to help reduce swelling and increase circulation.

Facts that your spa therapist should be aware of whilst expectant mothers visit a spa:

Pregnancy is a time of many changes: physical, social and emotional. It can carry with it many discomforts, which women would otherwise never experience. The growing abdomen causes a shift in the centre of gravity causing the spine to assume a more lordotic (bending backwards) position. That's why pregnant women constantly complain of backaches.

Discomfort can also come from the spine or pelvis rotating abnormally, causing pressure on the nerves. Common muscular problems that arise during pregnancy result from overstretching of weak abdominal muscles, tightening of hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps. Problems may also be related to the increased joint laxity as a result of the release of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy. This is what accounts for the "duck waddling" gait of the pregnant woman as all the joints in the hips start to move. Relaxing also causes the two pelvic bones to loosen - causing pain in the lower part of the abdomen.

Spa treatments are a wonderful way to relax, increase energy levels and relieve discomfort. Their benefits include:

Reducing stress on weight-bearing joints, increased flexibility, easing constipation, gas and heartburn, reducing excess fluid retention by lymphatic drainage, alleviate neck, back and joint pains, helping to maintain skin elasticity which can reduce stretch marks.

Due to the nurturing touch, spa treatments provide emotional support and physical nurturing, particularly for moms who feel alone due to the physical or emotional absence of the father.

When Spa treatments should be avoided:

• If the client has a history of premature labour in a previous pregnancy.
   

• If the client has signs of premature labour in the present pregnancy or threatened abortion.
   

• If there is any evidence of a low implantation of the placenta by ultrasound.
   

• If there is an incompetent cervix or any other cervical dysfunction.
   

• Other symptoms to look out for: Eclampsia, diabetes in pregnancy, multiple birth, heart, liver or renal disease, hypertension, bloody discharge, continuous abdominal pains, leakage of amniotic fluid, the presence of protein or sugar in the urine, severe back pain associated with hardening of the abdomen, severe headaches and the presence of painful varicose veins.

Spa Treatments during Pregnancy - "spa-ing" for two.

The First Trimester: Avoid any treatments that aren't recommended during pregnancy - basically anything that involves high temperatures (spa pools, saunas, steam rooms, heat wraps, etc.) or the use of any herbal or botanical products that could potentially be harmful to the developing baby.

If you are still experiencing morning sickness during your pregnancy, you’re therapist should take steps to ensure that the treatment room is well ventilated and avoid using any strongly scented products that might inadvertently trigger nausea - especially due to the fact that pregnancy heightens the sense of smell. Essential oils should be avoided during this stage of the pregnancy.

Second Trimester: Expectant moms are encouraged to indulge themselves in a mid-pregnancy facial. Facial treatments can help to minimize the severity of hormone induced acne breakouts that many moms-to-be experience.

Massages are always welcome at this stage of the pregnancy, however, some minor modifications to the massage routine may be necessary for both comfort and safety reasons.

If the Spa does not have a dedicated pregnancy plinth, you can work with you’re therapist to find a more pregnancy-friendly massage position. After the fifth month one should avoid lying flat on their back as this can lead to extreme dizziness.

While the side-lying position is a favourite with most moms-to-be, it's not the only position that works - the therapist can also place a few wedge-shaped pillows on the massage table and see what is comfortable for you or place them on a chair at the end of the massage table, facing towards the bed and allow you to lean onto it - giving the therapist access to the entire back and neck.

Therapists will also use less vigorous massage strokes. Deep massage work, particularly on the legs is a definite no-no for pregnant women as they are prone to varicose veins. A vigorous leg massage could also cause a blood clot in the leg to become dislodged, potentially leading to death or disability.

Massage does not have to be vigorous to be effective - less vigorous massage strokes will still help alleviate leg cramps, headaches, fluid retention, swollen ankles, and other pregnancy-related aches and pains.

Acupuncture points should not be deeply stimulated, especially the spots known as "Spleen 6" (about 5cm above the ankle on the inside of the leg) and "The Great Eliminator" (the webbing between the thumb and index finger), both of which could induce labour. Certain places on the foot are also to be avoided, like the mid-heel and the webbing between the big and second toes.

The massage medium that is used must be mixed especially for pregnant women.

Third Trimester: By this stage most pregnant women cannot reach their toes - so treat those tired feet to an ultra-soothing foot massage and pedicure.

The belly can become itchy - a perennial source of annoyance for moms-to-be, treat it to a moisturizing body scrub. This particular spa treatment will help to get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells that leads to an itchy belly and at the same time, it will help replenish some of the moisture that's being lost as a result of hormone-induced skin dehydration.

Pros and Cons for the Spa offering Pregnancy treatments

Going to the Spa can be a treat for everyone; however, certain precautions need to be taken during pregnancy.

Rialette Cronje, Spa Manager of 12 Apostles Spa feels that "there are no con's as long as you ensure that you take good care of the client, follow safe procedures and give the correct and professional homecare advice. The pro's are that spas are able to offer specialised treatments to these special clientele and ensure comfort and relaxation throughout the pregnancy."

Sheila Otieno, Spa Manager of the Arabella Sheraton says that having pregnant clients in the Spa " Has no implications at all - we cater to expectant moms just as we do to all our other guests. We are made aware that the guest is pregnant by the information on the consultation form - that is if the pregnancy is not visible and the guest does not advise us at the time of booking. We would then recommend suitable treatments."

Product awareness during pregnancy:

As Spa Therapists and pregnant mums we must be aware of product ingredients and their effect on the unborn child. Always check the labels of products before use.

Products that should be avoided include Retin A - as vitamin A can be toxic - instead use safer products such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids and glycolic peels.

Sunscreen is a must during pregnancy - Melasma, which can afflict pregnant women in the form of brown spots (the mask of pregnancy) or an overall darkening of the face, is discoloration that may last a lifetime.

Sunbeds must also be avoided as the heat from the tanning bed is potentially harmful to the foetus, as are saunas, steam rooms and heated body wraps.

In conclusion:

During the pregnancy it is important that the expectant mom takes good care of herself mentally and physically. Relaxation is vital in order to keep mom and baby healthy. Regular pampering and grooming treatments will ensure that she looks and feels good about herself.