Spas for mums-to-be

Make sure you have a treatment specifically designed for pregnant women, and that your therapist is fully trained about potential pitfalls regarding pregnancy. The most obvious thing is to make sure that the oils used are compatible with pregnancy, and to ensure that you are in a comfortable position

Some spas offer special massage couches with a cut-out section to accommodate your belly; others will prop you on gloriously comfortable cushions. You should not be asked to lie on your back unless you feel comfortable to do so.

• Read more on how to have a safe massage in pregnancy

You may find that your local health club offers pregnancy-specific treatments; otherwise look through this list, and find somewhere near you to help give your bump a treat. And if you’ve visited somewhere we haven’t mentioned, do tell us all about it!

Spa treatments at various locations

Champneys
Beautiful Bump, from £50 for 55 minutes
Relaxing, pampering for pregnancy, starting with a soothing foot soak and back massage. This is followed by a collagen boosting body mask enriched with olive, shea, mango and cocoa butters and finally a relieving foot, leg and scalp massage.
Available at Champneys resorts at Henlow, Forest Mere, Springs, and Tring, plus the following high street locations: Chichester, Enfield, St Albans, Guildford, Tunbridge Wells and Brighton.
Find out more information about Champneys

Clarins
Pampering Face and Body Treatment, 75 mins
Designed to ease backache, fluid retention, stress, fatigue and tired legs, as well as improving skin tone and elasticity.
Find more info about your nearest Clarins spa

Décleor
New Beginnings Mother to Be treatment, 1 hour
Developed to relax you as well as help prevent the appearance of stretch marks, maintain your skin’s elasticity, reduce water retention and re-balance your pigmentation, this treatment include a full body massage, tummy mask and mini facial.
Available at Center Parcs Sherwood, Elveden, Longleat and Whinfell Forest
See a full list of salons and spas offering Décleor treatments

Elemis
The main day spa is in the heart of London's Mayfair, but treatments are available throughout the country.

• Nurturing Massage for Mother-to-Be, 1 hour 15 minutes
  Adapted to each stage of pregnancy, specialised positioning on the Elemis beanbag is used to ensure safety and comfort. The treatment aims to relieve tension in your back and alleviate swelling in your hands and feet.
• Absolute Mother-to-Be Ritual, 2 hours 15 minutes
  Nurturing Massage for Mother-to-Be (as above), followed by an Anti-Ageing or Skin Solutions Facial

Find out more about Elemis pregnancy treatments near you

Espa
Pre Natal Treatment, 1 hour 25 minutes
A total body treatment designed for pregnant and nursing mothers to help you relax and tone your skin. The treatment avoids the use of essential oils as advised by the Aromatherapy Organisation Council and instead uses a Calendula infused oil, various muds and creams and advanced massage techniques to safe areas.
Find a list of Espa venues

Mama Mio
Mama Mio’s programme of spa treatments are designed to take you through every stage of your pregnancy. Treatments are available nationwide at a number of spas, including Ritz Carlton Spas, Dove Spas, Urban Retreat, U.R. Beautiful, Glow Spas, Cowshed. The cost for each treatment varies depending on the location. Find out more about Mama Mio's pregnancy spa programmes

Our mums-to-be review day spas and hotels

Eden Hall day Spa and Manor Court, Nottinghamshire
Nourish & Nurture, 55 mins
"My Elemis Beautiful Bump treatment was delivered by a warm and wonderful therapist, who asked enough questions to provide a perfect bespoke treatment for my second-trimester bump. The whole-body massage, from scalp to feet, plus a gentle moisturise of my bump and a soothing facial, felt amazing."
Read our full review

Thai Square Spa, Central London
Pregnancy head massage, 45 mins
"While my treatment was a pregnancy head massage, I was asked to change into a robe, so that my feet could be massaged, too (bliss). I was then carefully moved onto the massage table, in a position that suited my bump and general pregnancy aches."
Read our full review

Bovey Castle Estate Spa, Dartmoor
"My treatment, the Sundari Aadi - First Beginnings, was a dreamy 75 minutes of relaxation and rejuvenation. After starting with a warm foot scrub, I was then propped up on my side for a luxurious back massage, but given a pillow for comfort and support."
Read our full review

Champneys, Tring, Hertfordshire
"My 'Beautiful Bump' treatment encompassed a lot more than the name suggests. My therapist started with bathing and massaging my swollen feet, which was so wonderfully stress-relieving I felt like giving her a grateful hug. Then came a full-body massage, using plain oils for pregnancy safety. Champneys’ therapists are experts in their field, and mine was wonderfully professional and attentive, checking I liked the lotion’s perfume before starting, as the sense of smell is often heightened during pregnancy."
Read our full review

SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel, New Forest
"My treatment, with a Thai-trained therapist, was a luscious way to pass an hour, with its scrumptious, VIP feel. The 100%-certified organic Jojoba massage oil was absorbed deeply into my skin, and the therapist was conscious of comfortable positions for a mum-to-be."
Read our full review

Titanic Spa, Huddersfield
"The Elemis mum-to-be massage is a heavenly experience. Suitable from your first trimester onwards, this involves lying on a cloud of huge cushions and a special beanbag in a fragrant, candle-lit room. My bump was fully supported in a reclined position as I was massaged with Japanese camellia pregnancy oil, which helps to prevent stretchmarks."
Read our full review

Read more...

• Are hot tubs and saunas safe in pregnancy?
• Are fake tans and spray tans safe during pregnancy?
• Is botox safe in pregnancy?