I’M NEARING my seventh month and I must admit it is only now I’m actually enjoying my pregnancy. Yes, I do still feel sluggish and I would rather stay in bed the whole day, but getting pampered at home takes away a lot of the edge and actually makes me feel good.

I try to take long baths, make time to exfoliate, put facial masks when needed, and hair treatments, all in the comfort of my bathroom.
I realized we sometimes forget to use what is readily available to us. While still damp, I load on moisturizers and lotions or oils on my belly depending on my mood. I know this works since I don’t have a single stretch mark and I credit getting moisturized as soon as I step out of the shower. In fact, I get all of the pampering at home so I don’t have to feel much of the summer’s heat thanks to Massage By Us.

I have heard many times that getting a massage is a no-no since it can induce labor. I have been getting massages since my first trimester and it has not caused childbirth, but eased aches and pains, taken away stress and actually improved blood circulation.

Home services

In the last five years alone I have had a handful of friends who’ve been pregnant and regularly got massages, not one has given birth prematurely. Of course you have to tell the operator you’re pregnant so they will send the right therapist. Plus it’s better to use your own oil or lotion if you’re sensitive to scents.

I frequently call Massage by Us Makati (0920-9673529 or  3879999)
A mani-ped is great, too! The polish’s harsh chemicals get absorbed by your nails, and not by your baby, anyway, so there shouldn’t be any guilt in that. Yes, no birth defect was ever linked to nail polish. But the smell may get you dizzy if you’re sensitive to smell. My solution is not to stay in an enclosed environment. Get a fan or sit by the window if you have to.

I even get my hair blow dried at home if I have to step out of the house. This makes me feel better about the changes my body is going through. I also get waxing and threading!

It’s nice to find out what other pregnant women do. Luckily Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo is on the way, too. This is what I found out:

What treatments can still be continued while pregnant?

Treatments that can still be done include hydrating facials and dermabrasion to exfoliate dead cells. Botanical collagen masks is also useful for hydrating and firming the skin. I generally advise that all lasers and radio frequency treatments to be avoided during the time of pregnancy.

Right after pregnancy what treatments could a mother look forward to?

Treatments to combat the problems of pregnancy which is primarily :
For pigmentation— Fraxel duo laser peels, cosmelan peels, Reticon lightening systems.

Stretch marks—Carboxytherapy, Fraxel duo laser.

Excess fat and flabby skin—Can-do Lipotomy, VDF ultra-sound treatment (to get rid of excess fat in tummy, thighs and arms, thermage tummy for loose skin)

Acne—Acne lasers, acne surgery and chemical peels and medication for acne

Wrinkles and deep lines—Botox and fillers.

What treatments are you getting?
Currently, simple treatments such as microdermabrasion and facials. I put stretch-mark cream to prevent stretch marks. After giving birth I plan to do all of the above, except the acne treatments because luckily I am free of those.