Skip to content

Home

Feel Great in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time a woman's life when emotions run at perhaps their highest. There's just so much to take on board and so much to worry about that you can very easily forget to actually enjoy this very special nine months.

So, step away from the baby manual for a second, stop stressing and take some time out for you. Remember to celebrate your pregnancy and treat yourself - with all that extra work your body is doing it's only right that you treat yourself every so often through your pregnancy, especially as there will be precious little time to indulge yourself when baby arrives!

 

Have a pregnancy massage

Relaxation is key to happy pregnancy and having a massage is a sure-fire way to release all that tension, clear some head space and zone out for a hour or so. Massage is a great way to reduce stress hormones in the body and can alleviate pregnancy-induced aches and pains in the neck and back.

As long as you choose a therapist who can administer a treatment suitable for pregnancy, pre-natal massage is completely safe. Be aware that certain aromatherapy oils are not suitable for use during pregnancy so be sure to book a specific pregnancy treatment rather than a standard massage.

Your local beauty salon will probably offer a suitable treatment. Well-known brands that offer pregnancy treatments include Elemis, Clarins, Decleor and E'Spa.

pregnant friendsGo for afternoon tea with your ante-natal friends

Civilised timetables go out of the window when a baby arrives and afternoons become the sacred preserve of 'nap time' - both for the baby and you! So make the most of having a free afternoon when you go on maternity leave and arrange to meet up with your ante-natal friends for afternoon tea.

You could push the boat out and celebrate your impending motherhoods with tea and cake at a posh hotel - and you can have as much cake as you like without feeling guilty! It's a real treat to savour delicate sandwiches, scones and a perfectly brewed cuppa in elegant, refined surroundings.

 Go for a swim

Some councils offer free swim sessions for pregnant women which is a great excuse to head to the local sports centre for some gentle, pre-natal exercise. Pounding the treadmill and lifting the weights are no-go in pregnancy but some gentle exercise will really make you feel good and keep you fit for the rigours of labour and motherhood.

Your local sports centre or gym may also provide special ante-natal swimming or aqua-aeorbics classes, so do check that out. Gentle exercise will also release those feel-good hormones to alleviate any nerves and stresses you might be feeling as your due date approaches. Check out everyoneactive.com to find a sports centre in your area.

 Have a DVD fest

Make the most of snugging on the sofa - your body needs plenty of rest in pregnancy so don't feel guilty if you can't rouse yourself from the horizontal position in front of the TV. Uninterrupted TV viewing is something to be savoured before the new arrival makes its appearance so now's the time to catch up on all those films you haven't yet seen or indulge in re-runs of your favourite box set.

LOVEFiLM offers a free 14-day free trial with no obligation to sign up afterwards - visit the website for details. You have access to some 65,000 titles which are delivered direct to your door.

Splash out on some special lingerie

Okay, so that delicate lace balcony bra will have to wait for a few months yet but being preggers doesn't mean you have to give in soley to matronly undies of the 'over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder' variety. Thankfully maternity lingerie has evolved in recent years and it's now possible to buy pretty bras and knickers that can go one helluva way to helping you feel at least a bit feminine during your pregnancy.

So, if you're feeling a tad unsexy boost your esteem with a new piece of underwear. The most comprehensive choice can be found online - check out Figleaves which has lovely designs by Elle Macpherson and funky collections by lesser-known brands such as Hot Milk and Amoralia. For a really special treat Agent Provocateur has a maternity underwear set to really play up those lovely pregnancy curves!


Treat your feet to a manicure or pedicure

A manicureYou'll eventually reach the stage where your bump gets too big for you to cut your own toenails, let alone trim your cuticles and apply a slick of your favourite red varnish. What better excuse to be pampered and give your legs a break from carrying around that extra weight with a lovely pedicure.

An indulgent treatment including a bit of foot massage, a soak in a warm foot spa then a professional trimming and painting of nails is a great way to relax for half an hour or so and will keep your nails healthy and pretty.

Book a weekend away

If you don't yet have other kids or do but can organise a night or two's childcare, take advantage of the opportunity for you and your partner to have a weekend away. You don't have to spend a fortune - a cosy country B&B won't break the bank and just having a change of scenery and enjoying some time together - just the two of you - is an opportunity to be savoured.

Breakfast in bed, walks on the beach, a pub lunch - don't do anything to strenuous but enjoy the opportunity to spend quality adult time together while you can. Check out Lastminute if you can be spontaneous, or check out the AA's list of recommended B&Bs here.

 

Sponsors

Keep sensitive skin soft

Keep sensitive skin soft

Comfort Pure -
the best choice for
babies' soft skin
find out more

Advertise here

Advertise here

Advertise your business
nationally on this page.

Find out more