massage when you're pregnant

Q. My wife is pregnant and I’d like to get her a spa gift certificate. Can she still do most of the spa services?

A. Yes. Most spa services are fine while you’re pregnant and some, like massage, are so wonderful they are often recommended by doctors. Dr. Manny Alvarez of Fox News posted to his blog a list of “Pregnant at the Spa Do’s and Don’ts”. I saved that list for future reference and you have just given me a reason to use it. According to Dr. Alvarez there are only a few don’ts. Most of these involve services that would increase the body temperature too high. He suggests pregnant women not get body wraps that include heat, that they not use hot tubs (warm baths are just fine), that they avoid saunas. He states that tanning beds are terrible for you even if you are not pregnant so he suggests you use the advent of your pregnancy to stop using them. He further states that while the actual tanning bed is to be avoided spray tanning, especially organic spray tanning, is just fine. He does indicate that you should not take tanning pills. The only other precaution he suggests relates to aromatherapy. Some essential oils such as juniper should be avoided. Jasmine, spearmint, lavender and chamomile are fine and offer relaxation and stress release. I suggest you check with your doctor before you have an aromatherapy treatment. Making Dr. Manny’s list of dos are all the popular spa services. The doctor states that any waxing or even laser hair removal is no problem. Well shaped brows won’t hurt your baby. Nail treatments are definitely fine. Just like when you are not pregnant you should be sure the salon you go to adheres to proper sterilizing techniques. Facials treatments are another great service do enjoy while you are expecting. The only precaution here is to avoid Retin-A. Facials can be a great source of relaxation in addition to the benefits they can bring to the skin. Massage is an absolute yes. Dr. Alvarez goes so far as to say in his blog that he actually recommends it to almost all his patients. Many spas specialize in prenatal massage and Dr. Alvarez suggests massage every two weeks for his patients. As a final note, the doctor puts to bed the myth that you should not have your hair colored during pregnancy. He states that despite a lot of confusion hair dyes are fine. Hair dyes use to contain formaldehyde but for many years they have not. Your wife should enjoy her spa services and not be worried but as I always do, I’ll make the suggestion that she check with her doctor if she has concerns. While pregnant women experience a lot of body changes and can experience a little anxiety and stress as well. A day at the spa or even a routine of spa services like bi-weekly massage can help. Give this gift and you and your wife can both feel great about it.