A soft touch
Pregnant women are deprived of many of life's good things - foods such as soft cheeses and sushi, or fun sports such as scuba diving. A safe and relaxing massage is one indulgence they don't have to give up - it's often even recommended, for the sanity of mother and unborn child.
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes sometimes stressful and uncomfortable changes. Massage can help reduce tension and promote general wellbeing, says Pauline Supangkat, therapist at Paua Spa at CentreStage. A relaxed mother should have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly an easier childbirth.
Searing back pain and insomnia sent Mary-Beth McNamara to the massage table. McNamara, who works in the finance industry, is about to give birth to her third child and is a regular at the Sutherland-Chan Centre.
'During pregnancy, your joints can become more painful because they open up due to the hormones,' she says. 'Medically trained therapists provide long-term relief, as opposed to having a massage in a spa, which is great for relaxation but isn't going to treat the joint pain.'
McNamara also visits spas that specialise in pregnancy massage and have specially designed tables. 'I've travelled to places like Bali while pregnant and have rung up spas to ask if they do pregnancy massage,' she says. 'If you hear whispers in the background and they come back and say, 'Sure, we can do it if you lie on your side', then you know they're not comfortable.'
McNamara says she uses massage tables as her benchmark - if the spa has one designed for pregnant women, 'then they're usually properly trained'.
Peninsula Spa director Sharon Codner says that anyone worried about the safety of their baby should consult a doctor before having a massage or spa treatment. 'It's advisable to tell the spa of any difficulties or history of miscarriage,' Codner says. Even if a spa offers pregnancy massage, it's worth asking to see the therapist's certificates, she says.
During pregnancy, legs swell, feet get tired and lower back pain is common as the baby grows and gets heavier. But women need to be careful during the first three months, particularly if they have a history of miscarriage.
Mandarin Oriental Spa director Lynsey Hughes recommends steering clear of any treatments during the first three months. 'Afterwards it's fine, but the therapist needs to be aware of their technique, the woman's body position and the types of oils they use.'
Pregnancy massage differs from regular massage mainly in terms of the woman's position and areas treated.
During the third trimester, treatment usually focuses on problem areas such as hips, buttocks, lower back, neck and shoulders, Sutherland-Chan Centre director Jenny Woolsey says. 'Our massage is designed specifically for the person - it's not simply a set routine for everyone.' The centre also teaches women exercises they can do at home and holds pregnancy massage seminars for couples.
Aside from reducing stress and emotional tension, massage is good for improving skin tone and reducing stretch marks - a common bugbear for pregnant women, Codner says. 'When stretch marks are pink they're easy to shrink,' she says. 'It's after they're a bit older and have turned white that there's not much that can be done.' Codner also recommends breaking a vitamin E capsule and rubbing it onto stretch marks during and after pregnancy. Cocoa butter is also good.
Supangkat uses Japanese camellia oil to prevent stretch marks and improve elasticity. 'Facial masks at home also smooth the skin, making it glow between treatments,' she says. 'And those suffering morning sickness should avoid strong aromas. We suggest rosewood oil, which is calming.'
