1. Massage

   One of the most popular treatments for pregnant women is prenatal massage, which offers a bounty of benefits for expectant moms, including: relieving tension, sore joints and pain; reducing stress; regulating hormone levels; boosting blood circulation for baby and mom; and improving sleep.

   Prenatal massage is done on a special table with an opening for the belly and lumbar support pillows for your spine. However, abdominal strain is still possible even if the table has a tummy opening, notes Jennifer O’Donnell for Fit Pregnancy.

   Another option is to rest on your side, (rather than your stomach), supported by pillows. Then, the massage is performed horizontally. This might be a good choice when lying on your back or stomach is too uncomfortable, or during later trimesters.

   Keep the following precautions in mind:

   • Be cautious with scent. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), some scented body and massage lotions can counteract nausea and promote calmness. Examples include peppermint, orange or chamomile. However, essential oils — which are highly-concentrated plant oils — might not be safe.

   • Avoid pressure. Certain pressure points — “on both sides of the ankle or the webbing between the thumb and index finger” — shouldn’t be massaged during pregnancy, writes Anitra Brown for About. Reflexology or pressure point therapies aren’t recommended for pregnant women, because sustained pressure might cause premature labor.

   Additionally, skip deep-tissue massage, as it’s too arduous on the body. Instead, ask for a traditional Swedish massage, which is great for the lower back and thighs. Swedish massage safely relaxes tense muscles and relieves pressure in these areas.

   • Get the green light from your doctor. Many spas require a written release from an obstetrician before massaging a pregnant woman due to potential liability issues. If you get the go-ahead from your doc:

     • Tell the spa you’re pregnant. Make sure the therapist is qualified to perform a "prenatal" massage.
     • Be careful about getting a massage in the first trimester: Increased circulation might cause dizziness or exacerbate morning sickness. Also, there might be higher miscarriage risks during this time, cautions the APA.

   • Consider any conditions. If you’ve ever had the following conditions, massage might not be safe for you:

     • Hypertension
     • Pre-term or premature deliveries
     • Headaches or swelling

2. Facials

   Many women see drastic changes in their skin during pregnancy, including acne and hyperpigmentation (also known as melasma). Thankfully, these changes are usually temporary, and skin should return to its normal state after giving birth. In the meantime, facials can address these concerns. The key for a safe facial is to keep it simple, according to experts. This means skipping potentially harmful extras such as chemical peels, extractions and electrical therapies.

   In addition to getting a facial, you can also effectively treat issues like acne and hyperpigmentation at home.

   To treat these conditions safely:

   • Use products with alpha hydroxy acids. Whether it’s a spot treatment or cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids, it’s perfectly safe to use these ingredients during pregnancy. Alpha hydroxy acids help reduce both acne and melasma, because they accelerate cell turnover.
   • Avoid salicylic acid peels and gels. Taken orally, salicylic acid has been linked to “birth defects and various pregnancy complications,” writes Angie Drakulich on Baby Center. To play it safe, experts suggest avoiding topical salicylic acid, too.
   • Consult your doctor about benzoyl peroxide. This acne-fighting ingredient’s effect on fetuses is largely unknown. Some experts suggest using lower concentrations, such as 2.5 or 5 percent, while others advise against using it at all. So your best bet is to ask your doctor — or avoid it altogether.
   • Avoid the sun during peak hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sun can exacerbate acne and melasma. In fact, for those with melasma, UV rays will darken existing hyperpigmentation. Also, research suggests that sun exposure is necessary for developing melasma, writes dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., on Yahoo! Health.
   • Wear sunblock daily. Dr. Baumann suggests using physical sunblocks that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. A great choice for pregnant women is Belli Anti Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25, an oil-free formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

3. Manicure and pedicure

   For most moms-to-be, swollen hands and feet are common occurrences. Simple movements, like walking or sitting, suddenly become cumbersome and challenging. Relieve some of this pressure with a professional manicure and pedicure. These treatments boost circulation and instantly make any expectant mom feel relaxed, pampered and pretty.

   Some tips to stay safe:

   • Let the nail technician know you’re pregnant.
   • Avoid any deep tissue or reflexology on feet and hands.
   • Tote your own tools from home — like files and clippers — to minimize the chance of infection, advises Parenting.
   • Make sure the area is well-ventilated so you don’t breathe in chemicals or fumes. However, polishing and painting nails during pregnancy is totally safe, notes Everyday Health.

4. Waxing

   Although skin might become more sensitive to waxing during pregnancy, "There’s nothing unsafe about it," explains OB-GYN Cornelia Graves, M.D., of Baptist Hospital in Nashville, on Baby Center. Sensitivity typically increases “because you have more blood flowing to your skin now,” she cautions. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce sensitivity and redness.

   Consider these helpful hints:

   • Do a patch test on a small area before getting started.
   • Keep a skin soothing lotion on hand to reduce redness.
   • Ask your esthetician about hard wax. Some people say it’s less painful than traditional soft waxes. Instead of using strips, hard wax cools on the skin and is directly pulled off.

See also:

Easy Skincare & Beauty During Pregnancy

Sunscreen and Children: What Every Parent Must Know

Soft and Sweet: Skin Care for Baby

Botox Alternatives for Lines and Wrinkles

Honey's Sweet Skincare Benefits