Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!

Pregnancy is a wonderfully exciting time, but for some it is not always a walk in the park. From early on, lots of women will experience morning sickness hot flushes and getting comfortable for a good night’s sleep becomes a struggle. Before your little one arrives, take some time to look after yourself so that you can enjoy this time as much as possible. Here are our 7 ways to enjoy being pregnant!

1. Keep active

According to the NHS, staying active during pregnancy can help women to cope during labour and with getting back into shape after giving birth - that's definitely a good reason to get moving! Find activities you enjoy such as pregnancy yoga or swimming, or perhaps join a mother to be walking group. These are also a great way to socialise and meet other mother’s to be.

2. Treat yourself to a new wardrobe

As your bump expands, you will need a whole new wardrobe – there has never been a better reason to go shopping! Treat yourself to a few maternity must haves – jeans with an elastic waistband, a few staple work pieces and some nice tops for when you want to dress up. As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice that you are always feeling hot. Due to hormone changes and an increased blood supply to the skin, your body temperate will likely increase. To keep cooler, try to wear clothing made from natural fibres as these are breathable and more absorbent.

3. Pregnancy massage

Becoming a mum is hard work and sometimes you need a caring break from that lower back ache and tired legs and a SenSpa pregnancy massage is exactly what you need! Using specialised Swedish style massage techniques, your pregnancy massage will help to ease any discomfort, focusing on your legs and lower back. It will also help soothe and nourish your skin so you can look and feel your best. Our pregnancy massage uses an organic jojoba oil, which is completely safe for you and your baby and has been midwife approved, to help nurture you both through this delicate time.

4. Take some time out

Pregnancy is one of the few times in life where it is perfectly acceptable to relax and enjoy it! People will never be more willing to help you out, so let them do the washing up or carry a box for you! If someone offers you a seat, take the opportunity to take some weight off your feet. Rather than feeling guilty, pass on the favour to another pregnant woman later. Make time to do the things you might not normally, like taking a long bubble bath or using a nourishing hair mask like SenSpa's Lava Clay mask.

5. Treat yourself to some pampering products

During pregnancy, parts of your body such as your feet and hands may be prone to swelling due to water retention. Particularly at the end of the day and further towards the end of your pregnancy. This is the perfect time to treat yourself to some quality, natural products ready to pamper yourself. SenSpa’s Nourishing Moisture Bliss Body Butter is the perfect product for mother’s to be. At the end of a long day, take a relaxing shower before using the nourishing body butter on your bump and to massage your swollen ankles and hands. Then, all that’s left to do is sit back and put your feet up (that will help to reduce the swelling too!).

 

6. Become a model for the day

A maternity photoshoot is a wonderful way to capture the magical moments of pregnancy to then share and remember your beautiful baby bump and how amazing women's bodies are. It may also be a great chance to get Dad involved and have some lovely pictures whilst it’s still just the two of you. Photographs are the perfect way to remember those precious moments – it’s a keepsake you’ll be thankful for, for many years to come.

 

7. Practice mindfulness exercises

The practice of mindfulness can help to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions that many pregnant women deal with. Mindfulness is a form of meditation that enables our minds to relax whilst still being alert, taking in your thoughts and feelings as the moment happens.

How to practice mindfulness during pregnancy:

• Choose a space that is calm and quiet where you will not be disturbed
• Make sure that you are comfortable
• Focus on the present moment and allow yourself to do nothing, just be
• Focus on your breathing, physical sensations and the sounds around you
• If your mind drifts away, simply bring your attention back to where you are

This will help to give yourself a little break from the worries of pregnancy and focus on the little life that you are growing. A positive mind set is also a part of practicing mindfulness. By savouring the positives of each day, you will begin to notice happy moments. Make your mindfulness practice part of your routine and who knows, it may even help to reduce the pain during delivery as you will be in a wonderful, relaxed state of mind!

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There has never been a better excuse for some ‘me’ time. Before your little bundle of joy arrives, visit SenSpa for a Mother-to-be Spa Day. Specially designed for expecting mothers, your body will be left glowing, your mind renewed and your soul soothed as you embark on this exciting new chapter in your life.

BOOK MOTHER-TO-BE SPA DAY