For many mothers-to-be, attaining that ‘pregnancy glow‘ can be more of a mirage than a reality. Growing a baby from scratch across nine months means that pain is not without a purpose. In fact, there’s a reason why a 2019 Duke University study revealed pregnancy to be as metabolically challenging as running a 40 week marathon every day.
Childbearing takes an unbelievable toll on the body as huge physiological demands are being made on a mother’s changing form. Fluctuating hormones and an increased cardiac output often spells puffiness, swollen limbs, lower back pain or hormonal acne. Relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy to help the body prepare for childbirth by relaxing ligaments and loosening muscles, can also leave mums-to-be susceptible to aches and sprains. And while it’s a given for mamas-in-the-making to feel more lethargic than ever, especially in the first and final trimesters, pregnancy-related insomnia and sleep disturbances can lead to a cascade of unwanted aesthetic effects, including dull, sensitised and dehydrated skin.
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Developed by experts for the pregnant body in mind, Vogue Singapore’s edit of leading prenatal facials and massages to try means treatments that blend relaxation with remedial care. And in a season that’s equally mentally, emotionally and physically taxing, it’s these nurturing practices that help ease and calm the nervous system into releasing those feelgood, happy hormones.
The power of prenatal facials and massages as self-care
“In an ideal world, our lymphatic system drains debris from our cells as we breathe and move. It does this by efficiently transporting water out of the tissues, together with waste substances, bacteria, viruses. During pregnancy however, the increased fluid volume and pressure coming from the growing weight of the uterus and baby can cause undue stress on our lymphatic system and make it work less efficiently. Manual manipulation by way of a light pressure facial massage can move up to 10 times more fluid than it usually does; not to mention the therapeutic and relaxing effect a facial can give to an expectant mum,” Serene Seah-Ma, co-founder, Freia Aesthetics shares. “The mental well being of a pregnant mum is just as important as the physical.”
Prenatal facials: What’s safe?
“A facial need not be “organic” to be pregnancy safe—as long as the ingredients are not controversial for use during pregnancy. Ingredients to steer clear of would be salicylic acid, glycolic acids, retinols,” advises Seah-Ma. “We would also avoid facials or treatments with harsh chemical peels, radiofrequency, laser components or energy based devices. Otherwise, an expectant mum can enjoy pretty much the majority of our facials with our top picks being oxygen-based, skin-soothing or deep cleansing facials sans acids.”
Prenatal massages: Zones that can and can’t be treated
“Certain pressure points like the breasts, abdomen, feet, hands can trigger contractions, preterm labour or pregnancy reactions. On the face, as long as the massage pressure is not too intense and is more gentle, it can be therapeutic for the mum-to-be,” notes Seah-Ma.
Massages during pregnancy look a little different as they’re performed with mum on her side, with no hands-on pressure of any kind on the belly and feet. Rest assured, you’ll be provided with a comfortable body pillow to help support your form as you lay on your side as opposed to back. Massage therapists are also careful to avoid the feet, an area rich in pulse points that may trigger uterine contractions and cervical ripening. Foot reflexology is typically not performed during pregnancy.
The best time for prenatal treatments
After overcoming morning sickness and/or nausea which is a reality for many particularly in the first trimester, leading facialists and wellness experts welcome mothers in their second trimester and beyond following the blessing of their OBGYNs.
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Clarins Mother-to-Be Treatment, $210 for 60 mins
Safe and comfortable to enjoy from week 9 of pregnancy onwards, Clarins’ elegant approach to maternal beauty and wellness has been a lifeline for women around the globe for decades. This indulgent treatment was created to usher a woman into motherhood in the calmest and most serene way, by working out the tension and achy muscles in the body while boosting skin elasticity using Clarins’ pregnancy-safe essential oil massage blends. After 60 minutes you’ll emerge with calves feeling lighter, the body more lithe, and a sense that signs of pregnancy like stretch marks are alleviated.
Clarins Skin Spa at ION, 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard #04 – 19, Singapore 238801. Tel: 6838 5060
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Freia Aesthetics Clear Skin Facial, $380++ for 90 min
Run by women for women, there’s always been something tender and kind about our facial encounters with Freia—the Clear Skin Facial being no exception. Here, performance meets pampering. Geared at detoxifying and soothing the skin, this clarifying facial is a must for any mama experiencing acne breakouts alongside inflammed skin. (Yes, it can be extra difficult to combat pimples when you can’t use tried-and-true BHAs or vitamin A-based skincare in pregnancy).
After a thorough double cleanse, your skin will be exfoliated with Future’s signature Flash 10 Botanical Deep Cleanser. Next, a steam and gentle extraction is conducted, removing blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities before LDM, a non-invasive ultrasonic technology is used to push a custom serum cocktail into the skin. With the skin finally cleansed and treated, sink deeper into relaxation as your therapist delivers a tension-releasing, depuffing acupoint facial massage alongside a tension-melting shoulder massage. If you aren’t asleep by then, the finale of a nourishing French green clay mask should leave your skin totally renewed, radiant, and hydrated by the time you awake.
Recommended for those from their second trimester.
Freia Aesthetics, 435 Orchard Rd, #19-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower, Singapore, 238877. Tel: +65 9109 1574
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Kai Spa Prenatal Bliss Treatment, $180++ for 60 mins
Whether you’re taking advantage of the essential 60 minute or indulgent 90 minute Prenatal Bliss Treatment, any time spent at Singapore’s most luxurious pre- and postpartum confinement centre is well spent. The healing massage uses a blend of carrier olive oil together with lemongrass and baby eucalyptus oil to deliver Malay and Swedish techniques to de-stress weary bodies, while correcting and realigning anatomical changes that are known to occur in pregnant mums. Suitable for those between their 20th to 39th week of pregnancy, this pampering escape is best enjoyed for those who aren’t facing challenges such as placenta issues, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe swelling, severe morning sickness or in active preterm labour. As always, consult your doctor and massage therapist before enjoying any prenatal massage treatment.
Kai Spa, 26 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 309423. Tel: 8877 0222
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Madam Partum by Chien Chi Tow Prenatal Massage, from $100 for 60 mins
Some prefer their massages slow-paced and spa-like with long, relaxing strokes. But if you believe in the ‘good’, remedial kind of pain that comes from tuina or meridian massage, you’ll need to have the TCM-trained therapists at Madam Partum on call.
Here at Madam Partum’s Katong flagship, powered by 50 years of Chien Chi Tow’s comprehensive maternal, muscle tension from knots and kinks, swelling, and cramps may mean potential dampness or wind in the body. To help boost circulation and alleviate physical and emotional stress on pregnant bodies, your therapist will use pure olive oil to deliver brusque strokes with moderate pressure. Areas that are strategically avoided in this prenatal massage include the belly and surrounding areas, as well as certain acupressure points known as He Gu 合谷 in the hands, Ba Liao 八髎 in the lower back, Jian Jing 肩井 located in the shoulders, and San Yin Jiao 三阴交 above the ankle. Best of all, being part of a TCM clinic, you’ll be able to stock up on your prenatal and post-natal tea, soup and lactation packs before you leave.
Available to mums currently in their 20th week of pregnancy.
Madam Partum by Chien Chi Tow, 192 – 196 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 436995. Tel: 6663 3933
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St. Regis Spa Mama-To-Be Massage, $200++ for 60 minutes
Available in 60- or 90-minute sessions, St. Regis’ Mama-to-be Massage is perfect for the luxe mama between her 18th and 32nd week of pregnancy. While use of the spa’s complimentary sauna, steam room, or heated pools isn’t recommended during pregnancy, expectant mums can certainly kick back and enjoy the welcome drink and a bevy of sweet treats that delight. Sink into the ultra-plush massage bed and unwind as a nourishing balm is applied from neck to ankles in gentle to medium pressure strokes. Note: this is as close as you’ll get to ‘head-to-toe’ relaxation, and your body and baby are likely to relish every minute of it.
St. Regis Spa, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911. Tel: 6506 6896
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Como Shambhala Prenatal Massage, $210 for 60 mins
From prenatal yoga to massage, your one-stop wellness haven in the heart of Singapore’s Orchard Road awaits. This restorative massage can be enjoyed from the start of the second trimester to the end of the third trimester and features a soothing foot bath, full body massage, and facial massage. Employing long, gliding strokes with minimal pressure, your therapist will anoint your body with vitamin E-rich grapeseed oil with the aim of easing muscle tension, relieving insomnia and joint pain, and reducing muscle cramps and swollen hands and feet caused by water retention. Not only is the plant-based oil anti-inflammatory in nature, it’s deeply nourishing for the skin while being gentle for those with skin allergies.
Como Shambhala, 30 Bideford Rd, Level 4 COMO Orchard, Thong Sia Building, Singapore 229922. Tel: 6304 3552
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Raffles Spa Prenatal Massage, from $285 for 60 mins
Geared at helping mums release stress while eliminating water retention, Raffles Spa therapists use organic massage oil blends from ISUN, specially formulated to be used in prenatal massage. Delivering the massage via soft and comforting hand movements, this mindful wellbeing experience is all about treating achy muscles and gently helping mum release puffiness and bloating. As with other immersive spa experiences, use of the property’s sauna and steam rooms is discouraged during pregnancy. Deep pressure to zones such as the abdomen, ankles and toes are is avoided in this time. Fret not, however, as therapists here work hard to help restore your skin’s natural glow during your 60 minutes in spa heaven.
Raffles Spa, 328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719. Tel: 6412 1377
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Epion Aesthetics Seriously Soothing Facial, $225 for 75 minutes
If you’re finding your complexion to be more irritated and inflamed than usual, put the fire out with Epion’s Seriously Soothing Facial. The multi-step treatment purifies and calms angry skin using moisturising hyaluronic acid and restorative red LED light therapy, known to promote collagen regeneration—leaving your skin feeling more radiant and resilient.
Epion Aesthetics, 145 Tanglin Rd, #02-02 Tudor Court, Singapore 247931. Tel: 6363 2122 7561
