Jessica Simpson just revealed her naked body on the cover of Elle in all her pregnant-ness. We bet the majority of non-celeb pregnant women are probably choosing to not even look at themselves in a full length mirror. (Unless, mirror’s came equipped with airbrushing.) Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but still, the changes to your body may have you feeling less than beautiful. Our hot mom Charlene of Charlene Chronicles is representing for all the pregnant ladies. After her delightful video submission to join the squad, we knew we had one hot mama on her hands. Now, she has her hands extremely full as a mother of one and expecting! We’re super excited for the mommy of two-to-be and Spa Week sponsored her #PinkorBlue Gender Reveal Twitter Party last night and are extremely excited to announce… IT’S A GIRL! (She’ll be a future spa-goer with mom.) Being pregnant won’t stop Charlene from living up to her hot mom status. Charlene shares some spa tips for how to stay hot when you’re expecting. By Charlene Chronicles Seriously? For many, the post’s title may seem like an oxymoron because what woman feels hot and sexy when they are pregnant? But it is possible. {No, really.} The key is taking time for yourself – even if you are six months pregnant and chase after a toddler. (Who needs the gym?) So the best thing a preggo mama can do is pamper herself. Take a nap, go on a shopping trip (alone) and, of course, hit the spa. Ahhh, the spa. You remember it don’t you? The calming music, the fluffy robe, the cucumber water, the kid free zone, the glorious treatments. Yes, it still exists, and even though you may look like you swallowed a basketball, it is closer than you think. Here are five fantastic pregnancy pampering services to consider when you are pregnant: 1. Pedicure. Despite the fact you cannot see your feet, they are still there. So next time you head to the ob-Gyn’s office, your tootsie-toes can sport a springy-hue. And let’s face it, the foot rub is glorious. 2. Waxing. Not as serene as a pedicure, but a little trimming can make you feel less…err, out of control, shall we say. Even if you can’t see this nether region, I hate to break the news to you, but a lot of people do when you are pregnant. So a little ship-shape can make you feel a bit more {cough} presentable. 3. Facial. Pregnancy can bring a lot of stress, worry and sleepless nights. (Hate to break it to you but those sleepless nights happen before the baby arrives too.) So hand over those baggy eyes and pregnancy complexion issues to the pros. 4. Body Scrub. Pregnancy can do a number on your skin. Dry, flaky, itchy. (Sounds pleasant doesn’t it.) But a body scrub can breath new life into your skin with a moisturing treatment. See, you can have that pregnancy glow after all. 5. Massage. As our bellies get bigger, it can mean swollen legs and aching backs. A massage is a must. Not only does it feel fabulous, but it can take care of any pregnancy pain as we gain those pounds. Yet, there are a handful of Spa Week-approved things to consider: When you get a mani/pedi, make sure the space is well-ventilated. Also, try to find phthalate-free polish if you can. Essie, L’Oreal and Revlon nail polishes are phthalate-free. For massages, spas will not perform a prenatal massage on pregnant women who are less than 14 weeks, as this can increase the risk of miscarriage. Spa Glossary: Pregnancy Massage Waxing can be more painful than pre-pregnancy due to the increased blood flow in the body, so consider it before plunging in. A similar issue exists for body scrubs and facials: go easy. A pregnant women’s skin is sensitive so make sure to communicate (and expect) a less vigorous treatment. A pregnant woman’s skin is not the only thing that is sensitive; so are our noses. If it is an issue, request a fragrance-free lotion for massages and other services. Try to avoid any products that are too smelly. Phthalates are chemicals that are often found in fragranced beauty and it’s best to stay away from anything too fragrant when pregnant. Lastly, stay away from any service that will elevate your body temperature. So no body wraps or Vichy showers, for example. When calling the spa to book an appointment, make sure to tell them you are pregnant and how far along you are. Find out what products they use, ask questions and make sure to communicate any discomfort or concerns. Most spas clearly state if a service is contraindicated for pregnant women so check their websites or brochures. Yet, always talk to your doctor before booking or going for any treatment. Despite the fact that pregnancy means a baby-registry a mile long (and a credit card bill that awaits), it is possible to hit the spa and still have money left over for the new stroller. Take advantage of the twice-a-year beauty bonanza for $50 spa treatments. Booking has already started for Spring Spa Week 2012 (April 16-22) so check to see what spas in your area are participating, and what services you can snatch for a steal. While pregnancy can be stressful, on our bodies and on our emotions, heading to one (or several) spa treatments during spa week, or during the course of your pregnancy, is a great way to connect, revive and recharge. You can be a rockin’ hot pregnant spa mama. {Seriously.} Charlene is a wife, a Mom to a 2-year old and a couple of dogs, and is expecting baby number 2 in June. She is part of the Hot Spa Mom Squad and she is a blogger at CharleneChronicles.com where she writes about style, health, mom technology and parenting. Despite her hectic schedule, she always marks her calendar for every Spa Week. (For real.)
