QH SENSATIONS
Pampered Pregnancy! By Lynsey Riach Selected photography by Jessie Palanca
QH: Why during pregnancy must we be careful of certain spa treatments?
in the blood (designed to prevent hemorrhaging during delivery) naturally rise.
For Moms-to-be, this Mother’s Day why not forgo the flowers and breakfast-in-bed and opt for something a bit more indulgent to ease those pregnancy aches and pains? We head to the W Doha’s Bliss Spa to learn which kinds of wellness treatments can benefit an expectant mother most.
BD: Some doctors hesitate to advise massage during pregnancy because there’s a huge variation in training and certification. One area of controversy is whether it's safe to have a massage during the first trimester – and the reason is the potential for miscarriage. Because many miscarriages happen in the first trimester, some spas wish simply to avoid any potential liability.
These circulatory changes put a pregnant woman at risk of blood clots in the lower legs, so to be safe pregnancy massage experts avoid deep massage and strong pressure on the legs. Using strong pressure could dislodge a blood clot. Instead, they use very light, slow strokes on the legs. Very light pressure on the abdomen is advised, if the belly is massaged at all.
Facials are often avoided due to the chemicals that can enter into the system and bloodstream. Hormonal changes result in an increased chance of chloasma (pregnancy pigmentation), therefore hydrafacial, microdermabrasion and Vitamin A facials are not suitable at all during pregnancy.
QH: When should a woman avoid pregnancy massage?
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f, like me, you’ve recently given birth, or are currently pregnant, you may find yourself craving something more than just a weird sweet and savoury concoction – a massage. But with contradicting information out there it can not only be overwhelming but also frustrating to not feel at ease to able to simply kick back and get a rub-down at a time in your life when you most need it (and want it). So how then do you know what is safe, and at which stage of your pregnancy? I visited my favourite spa in town, Bliss at the W Doha and met with Spa Manager Burcu Duzguner to find out!
QH: What is done differently in a pregnancy massage? BD: Pregnancy massage experts adapt their techniques to address the changes a woman's body goes through during pregnancy. For instance, blood volume increases dramatically – as much as 50 per cent during pregnancy. Blood-flow to the legs often becomes sluggish and the levels of anti-coagulants
BD: Be sure you get clearance from your doctor before you try a massage, especially if: • You're experiencing nausea, vomiting or morning sickness • You're at high risk of miscarriage • You have a high-risk pregnancy (ex: carrying twins) QH: At Bliss Spa, what treatments do you offer to those with a baby bump? BD: Our signature pregnancy massage is called Great Expectations and is provided by fully-trained
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