About Face

Pregnancy is a time to treat yourself. Phyl Clarke has some suggestions for pampering in pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time to treat yourself. Phyl Clarkehas some suggestions for pampering in pregnancy

Spending-wise, you can get away with murder when your are pregnant. After all, you must pass by those gorgeous nipped-at-the-waist dresses. As for skinny jeans, forget it; and what's the point of splurging on a pair of Jimmy Choosif your feet are all puffy, ankles are swollen, and you can't even see them because of the size of your bump.

Beauty cavalry to the rescue. You need to be cossetted, pampered and nourished. After all, you are producing the next generation (not single handedly, of course). If this is not your first baby, you are already run off your feet with your other little darling/s. If you're somehow missing out on that serene pregnancy glow, here are some suggestions to treat yourself.

Firstly, and this is not a treat, but a necessity, wear sunblock. I know I sound like a broken record about this, but protecting your face from the sun is essential during pregnancy to prevent a condition called melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy. You certainly don't want that on top of feeling like man mountain.

READ MORE

Moisturisers and skin-soothing oils and creams are great to treat dry skin and avoid uncomfortable itching where your skin is stretching. Clarins Body Treatment Oil Tonic(€43) combats dehydration, and regular application helps improve elasticity and firmness. Dr Hauschka Rose Bath Oil(€23) is also divine. Add to bath water and soak away the world outside.

Mama Mioproducts, winners of the best pampering range at the Pregnancy and Birth magazine awards, have a modern, fun approach, but treat their serious mission to keep your skin supple seriously. Deluxe pampering for mums-to-be and available to order from 01-6410645.

Go the whole hog take yourself off to Monart Spaoutside Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, where the treatments are designed in consultation with a qualified midwife. The mums-to-be treatment here would make a lovely gift (€140).

You will feel more body confident with a healthy, sun-kissed look during pregnancy, but some self-tanning products should be avoided. Lavera Self Tanning Lotion(€13.50) is chemical-free and gives a gorgeous, glowy, natural tan that lasts about five days. At health stores or post-free from www.evenone.com.

You probably think you'll never see your feet again, but you can't forget about them. Your poor peds have to bear all the extra weight and see you through, so give them a little tlc. Put them up as often as you can, when you're watching tv, reading, or on the phone, and do yourself a favour and have a pedicure regularly during the pregnancy. You'll feel great, and you can go a bit mad on nail colour. Plus, you won't be embarrassed if you are short-taken and have to rush to the hospital. I know you're thinking that's the last thing that will be on your mind, but I went through my first labour wondering if I'd left the iron on and would there still be a house left to bring my new baby home to.

Pregnancy can wreak havoc with your hair, and you have to be careful about what dyes you use. Always let your colourist know if you are pregnant, so they can recommend something suitable. This is a great time to have a deep conditioning treatment. Tanagrais i deep-conditioning system from Brazil, but you don't have to go that far to get it, just to Hession Hairdressingin Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Coarse, damaged and out of condition hair is transformed to silky, shiny hair, which sounds like a fair exchange to me. It costs from €125.

So now your skin is smooth and glowing, your nails are groomed, and your hair is turning heads - feeling better?