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Pampered Pregnancy! By Lynsey Riach Selected photography by Jessie Palanca
QH: Why during pregnancy must we be careful of certain spa treatments?
in the blood (designed to prevent hemorrhaging during delivery) naturally rise.
For Moms-to-be, this Mother’s Day why not forgo the flowers and breakfast-in-bed and opt for something a bit more indulgent to ease those pregnancy aches and pains? We head to the W Doha’s Bliss Spa to learn which kinds of wellness treatments can benefit an expectant mother most.
BD: Some doctors hesitate to advise massage during pregnancy because there’s a huge variation in training and certification. One area of controversy is whether it's safe to have a massage during the first trimester – and the reason is the potential for miscarriage. Because many miscarriages happen in the first trimester, some spas wish simply to avoid any potential liability.
These circulatory changes put a pregnant woman at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, so to be safe pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Instead, they use very light, slow strokes on the legs. Very light pressure on the abdomen is advised, if the belly is massaged at all.
Facials are often avoided due to the chemicals that can enter into the system and bloodstream. Hormonal changes result in an increased chance of chloasma (pregnancy pigmentation), therefore hydrafacial, microdermabrasion and Vitamin A facials are not suitable at all during pregnancy.
QH: When should a woman avoid pregnancy massage?
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f, like me, you’ve recently given birth, or are currently pregnant, you may find yourself craving something more than just a weird sweet and savoury concoction – a massage. But with contradicting information out there it can not only be overwhelming but also frustrating to not feel at ease to able to simply kick back and get a rub-down at a time in your life when you most need it (and want it). So how then do you know what is safe, and at which stage of your pregnancy? I visited my favourite spa in town, Bliss at the W Doha and met with Spa Manager Burcu Duzguner to find out!
QH: What is done differently in a pregnancy massage? BD: Pregnancy massage experts adapt their techniques to address the changes a woman's body goes through during pregnancy. For instance, blood volume increases dramatically – as much as 50 per cent during pregnancy. Blood-flow to the legs often becomes sluggish and the levels of anti-coagulants
BD: Be sure you get clearance from your doctor before you try a massage, especially if: • You're experiencing nausea, vomiting or morning sickness • You're at high risk of miscarriage • You have a high-risk pregnancy (ex: carrying twins) QH: At Bliss Spa, what treatments do you offer to those with a baby bump? BD: Our signature pregnancy massage is called Great Expectations and is provided by fully-trained
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BD: Yes. Spa treatments can be resumed as normal two months after a natural birth. In the case of Caesarean delivery, a massage cannot be performed until after six months. Facial treatments can be enjoyed but without any glycolic acid used, so a cleansing and moisturizing facial would be the best option. Manicure, pedicure, facial and massage are also on offer during this trimester. At Bliss, I tried out a few of their signature pregnancy treats…
Great Expectations Massage This super-relaxing massage was completed by a knowledgeable therapist who treated me with special care and attention. Completed mostly lying on my side, I drifted off into a state of relaxation as my body and bump was nourished and moisturized.
Cold Feet Pedicure With my tootsies in warm water, I felt relaxed and pampered as the therapist made me feel at ease. She applied a mixture of cold and warm compresses to my feet and lower legs to aid circulation and curb fluid retention. Perfect for when you’re carrying extra weight around (especially in the Doha heat!).
Youth As We Know It Facial You’ve probably heard of the ‘pregnancy glow’ that comes from all those hormones flying around, but this facial really was appealing. Layers of cleansing, toning and moisturizing left my face utterly clean and glowing, as well as me and baby bump relaxed and feeling revitalized. A collagen mask is also applied to soothe your skin and promote a younger complexion.
Massage Benefits: • Lowers anxiety • Decreases back and leg pain • Improves sleep • Decreases levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine • Increases levels of the ‘feel-good’ hormones serotonin and dopamine • Decreases levels of cortisol, an indicator of stress • Improves mood
Bliss Spa at the W Doha has a host of treatments that Moms-to-be can indulge in — at any stage of pregnancy
therapists who know and understand pregnancy massage. Pregnant ladies can also enjoy basic nail treatments such as manicure and pedicure and, depending on the stage of pregnancy, Bliss also offers several facials including the Triple Oxygen, The Youth As We Know It, Oxygen Blast and Fabulous Facial. QH: During the first trimester which treatments are safe and why? BD: At this early stage in pregnancy it’s best to keep spa treatments simple. Feel and look pretty with a manicure or pedicure. Facials, massages and body treatments are not usually recommended as the body is constantly changing and growing to support a new life. It’s a highly sensitive stage of pregnancy. QH: In the second trimester can I have a massage?
BD: The wonderful second trimester when energy is at its peak and morning sickness has hopefully subsided is the optimum time to celebrate becoming a Mama-to-be and indulge in some spa time. Good news –this is also the safest time for you to enjoy all the fabulous services on offer. QH: In the final stage of pregnancy – the third trimester – what can I try? BD: At this stage, many pregnant women suffer from fluid retention, something that a special pregnancy massage can really help with by increasing circulation and also helps to improve digestion. Massage also promotes relaxation and can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints that are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby. QH: Can I resume with a normal massage or facial after baby is born? Even if I am breast-feeding?
Research has shown massage may also relieve pain and boost the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses and tumours. So if you’re currently carrying a baby bump around town, why not put your feet up and treat yourself to some ‘bump and me’ spa time with a range of pregnancy treatments on offer that are all safe and good for you and baby! n For more information on the W Doha’s Bliss Spa, call 4453-5555 or visit www.blissdoha.com.
Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha normally walking her pugs, on her yoga mat or blending up fruit smoothies. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com.
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