A pampering session at a spa is a dream come true for every pregnant women. With pregnancy taking its toll on most pregnant ladies, the urge to look and feel good only gets stronger. But one should be aware of the pro's and con's of certain procedures before opting for them. Here is a small checklist for your reference:
1. Hair coloring/perming/straightening - Most of these procedures involve a lot of chemicals (especially ammonia). The best time to get any of these done is during the second trimester. And try to go for highlights instead of a global hair color as the former minimizes involves no contact with skin and eliminates any fumes (usually the highlighted hair is encased in a foil). Henna is also a good and natural option for dark haired beauties.
In case you opt for a hair color, ensure proper ventilation so that you are not over-exposed to the chemical fumes.
2. Eyebrows/Upper lips/Chin - Threading is fine and so is waxing if done by expert hands. Stay away from hair removing creams as the skin turns sensitive during pregnancy.
3. Facials - Facials sound really soothing when you have skin that has been behaving like a tyrant. But tread with caution. Avoid aromatherapy facials unless you are aware of the side-effects, if any. Also opt for something that you have already tried earlier and that too in a milder form to prevent irritating the skin. Avoid retinol that is present in most anti-aging facials. Take care to ensure that you are comfortable with adequate pillows an cushions to prop you up.
4. Body waxing/shaving - Waxing hands and legs is ok. Just be careful with varicose veins if any. Also avoid waxing the chest/belly areas. Needless to say, a bikini wax is out of bounds.
Shaving is also fine. Stay way from hair removal creams.
5. Manicures /Pedicures - These are again very soothing and actually relaxes the taut/over-stretched muscles. But stay away from aromatherapy ones unless aware of their side-effects. Avoid nail-paints that have toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Brands like Zoya and Kaia House have nail paints that are free from these deadly trio (Buy on Junglee / Amazon).
Ensure that you are comfortably propped up during the procedure.
6. Massage - A soothing neck, shoulder and low back massage is sure to drive away most of those pregnancy blues (at least temporarily). While using any essential oil, do check that the masseur is well aware of its effect on pregnant women. Essential oils are very potent and can greatly benefit one when used in a proper manner.
Needless to say, ensure that you are in a comfortable position throughout the massage. Drink sufficient water and walk around after every one hour to keep circulation going.
7. The big No-No's during pregnancy are steam baths, Jacuzzis, hot water tubs and saunas. They raise your body temperature which in turn raises the temperature of the fetus. This can lead to birth defects so stay away from such treatments.
Check the credentials of the spa and ensure they have sufficient training to administer any of the above treatments to pregnant women. Ensure that the place is hygienic and well ventilated.
1. Hair coloring/perming/straightening - Most of these procedures involve a lot of chemicals (especially ammonia). The best time to get any of these done is during the second trimester. And try to go for highlights instead of a global hair color as the former minimizes involves no contact with skin and eliminates any fumes (usually the highlighted hair is encased in a foil). Henna is also a good and natural option for dark haired beauties.
In case you opt for a hair color, ensure proper ventilation so that you are not over-exposed to the chemical fumes.
2. Eyebrows/Upper lips/Chin - Threading is fine and so is waxing if done by expert hands. Stay away from hair removing creams as the skin turns sensitive during pregnancy.
3. Facials - Facials sound really soothing when you have skin that has been behaving like a tyrant. But tread with caution. Avoid aromatherapy facials unless you are aware of the side-effects, if any. Also opt for something that you have already tried earlier and that too in a milder form to prevent irritating the skin. Avoid retinol that is present in most anti-aging facials. Take care to ensure that you are comfortable with adequate pillows an cushions to prop you up.
4. Body waxing/shaving - Waxing hands and legs is ok. Just be careful with varicose veins if any. Also avoid waxing the chest/belly areas. Needless to say, a bikini wax is out of bounds.
Shaving is also fine. Stay way from hair removal creams.
5. Manicures /Pedicures - These are again very soothing and actually relaxes the taut/over-stretched muscles. But stay away from aromatherapy ones unless aware of their side-effects. Avoid nail-paints that have toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. Brands like Zoya and Kaia House have nail paints that are free from these deadly trio (Buy on Junglee / Amazon).
Ensure that you are comfortably propped up during the procedure.
6. Massage - A soothing neck, shoulder and low back massage is sure to drive away most of those pregnancy blues (at least temporarily). While using any essential oil, do check that the masseur is well aware of its effect on pregnant women. Essential oils are very potent and can greatly benefit one when used in a proper manner.
Needless to say, ensure that you are in a comfortable position throughout the massage. Drink sufficient water and walk around after every one hour to keep circulation going.
7. The big No-No's during pregnancy are steam baths, Jacuzzis, hot water tubs and saunas. They raise your body temperature which in turn raises the temperature of the fetus. This can lead to birth defects so stay away from such treatments.
Check the credentials of the spa and ensure they have sufficient training to administer any of the above treatments to pregnant women. Ensure that the place is hygienic and well ventilated.
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