A woman's body undergoes dramatic changes when pregnant and the strain on her body is immense. Every pregnancy experience is different, but one thing is certain - all mothers-to-be deserve indulging in a little 'me time' before embarking on the lifelong vocation of motherhood.
Spa treatments and massages, as part of a holistic prenatal and postnatal care programme, can help pregnant women combat common discomforts such as swollen legs and feet, back pain from the additional weight, and relieve overall tiredness until labour. And the best time to begin them is from the fourth month of pregnancy as by that time the baby is in a more stable condition, says Suki Cheng, lead aesthetician at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong's Plateau Spa.
Winner of the Best Hotel Spa in Hong Kong 2009 award by the Asia Spa and Wellness Festival Gold Awards, Plateau offers a one-hour 'Mother-to-be Massage' tailored for pregnant women at HK$860 or HK$1,180 for 11/2 hours.
'This gentle massage alleviates muscle tension and promotes relaxation for mother and baby,' says Cheng.
As safety for the client and unborn child is a top concern at Plateau, Cheng says this massage is different to others as it is performed with the client lying on her side supported by a special pillow. Its technique is similar to the Swedish style where long stroking movements are used and does not include pressure points, tapping or stimulating movements, nor the use of machines. And, as essential aromatherapy oils are not appropriate for pregnant women, only organic grape seed oil is used at Plateau.
Before treatment begins, the therapist will ask the client whether they would be comfortable with having their stomach and head massaged and also where they feel most of the strain of the pregnancy and concentrate on the affected parts during the session. And, to set the mood, tranquil music plays in the background featuring local musicians, including the lead cellist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.