Pregnancy pampering: 13 ways to treat yourself
Emmy Samtani
Emmy Samtani
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From the moment of conception (and for the next 40 ish weeks) your body is working overtime to grow and nourish your baby, so it’s never more important to make sure you are looking after yourself.
While of course this includes exercising and eating a healthy balanced diet, it also means looking after yourself emotionally and taking a little extra time to feel calm, centred and relaxed. During the first trimester, your body is particularly sensitive, and there are increased potential risks, so taking extra care is crucial.
R&R or pampering can mean different things to different people, whether it’s just sitting down for 20 minutes with your feet up, getting a pregnancy massage – or having someone else clean your house for you!
Find whatever it is that makes you feel zen and do it as often as you can.
To help you out, we’ve got 13 ideas that will get you in relaxation mode quicker than you can say ‘ahhhh’…
1. Have a prenatal massage
Yep this is a must-do when you’re pregnant (at least once if not more!), nothing helps soothe those tired muscles, aches and pains quite like a massage – just make sure you see a massage therapist who is trained in prenatal massage. Prenatal massages are usually performed with the woman lying on her left side or on her back with an incline to optimize blood flow back to the uterus and placenta.
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2. Get a Mani/Pedi
All that money you’re saving on not going out and drinking might as well be spent somewhere, so why not pamper yourself with a little manicure and/or pedicure (your feet will especially thank you for this one!) However, some nail products may contain harsh chemicals like resin and formaldehyde, so it’s important to choose ‘five-free’ products to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
3. Go to the hairdresser
Nothing will make you feel like yourself again like a fresh cut or colour and a professional blow-dry.
4. Have a bubble bath
You might be wondering if it’s safe to take a bath when pregnant? In fact, it’s great for soothing those sore and aching muscles. Make it extra special with bubbles, candles and a good book! Just remember to make sure the bath is not too hot. Additionally, it is important to avoid hot tubs during pregnancy due to the potential risk of raising core body temperature to dangerous levels.
5. Meditate
Whether you go to a dedicated class or just sit quietly in your favourite corner of your house or outside in the fresh air, meditation is a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind during pregnancy. Take some time to just sit and clear your mind of any stress or to-do lists and just focus on your breath and feeling present.
6. Indulge in a delicious meal
Or better yet, get it delivered to your house. Where your life is lacking in cocktails you can make up for it in delicious food! Treat yourself to a night at your favourite restaurant or try out that new place you’ve been dying to go to.
7. Facial
Whether it’s at a salon or putting on a face mask in the comfort of your own home. Just make sure you tell them you’re pregnant, so they don’t use any products that shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or anything which is likely to react with your skin. Additionally, avoid steam rooms during pregnancy due to the excess heat and steam that can make you dizzy and raise your core temperature to dangerous levels.
8. Hit the shops
When you’re pregnant you tend to live in the same comfy clothes 24/7 so why not treat yourself to a new outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks – just don’t go dropping too much cash unless it’s something you can wear when you’re not pregnant too (or unless you’re planning more pregnancies!)
9. Read
Find that favourite nook in your house or get out in the fresh air and read a good book – but read something for enjoyment and preferably not a baby book!
10. Go to the movies
This might not seem like pampering just yet but trust us, when you’ve got the baby the thought of going to the movies is a luxury!
11. Go for a swim
As the baby grows and your body grows weary, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of floating when you’re pregnant and if you’re pregnant during the warmer months the cooling water is a double bonus. Swimming is one of the safest spa treatments during pregnancy, providing both relaxation and physical benefits.
12. Book a babymoon
Still not reaching the point of zen you’re looking for? Maybe you need to consider booking a babymoon to enjoy some extra, uninterrupted R&R. During your babymoon, you can indulge in body scrubs and massages to stimulate circulation and promote collagen production, which can help prevent stretch marks.
13. Hire a cleaner
Nothing makes you feel more relaxed than coming home to a clean house (that you didn’t have to clean yourself!) Bonus points if you book in for some of the aforementioned pampering WHILST your cleaner is working their magic!
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Emmy Samtani
Follow +Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.