For many mothers-to-be, the elusive ‘pregnancy glow’ can be a distant dream. Growing a baby for nine months is a physically demanding process, and the body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing life within. A 2019 Duke University study revealed pregnancy to be as metabolically demanding as running a 40-week marathon every day, highlighting the immense toll it takes on a woman’s body.
Fluctuating hormones and increased cardiac output can lead to common pregnancy discomforts such as puffiness, swollen limbs, lower back pain, and hormonal acne. Relaxin, a hormone released to prepare the body for childbirth, can also make expectant mothers more susceptible to aches and sprains. Fatigue is another common symptom, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Pregnancy-related insomnia and sleep disturbances can further exacerbate these discomforts, leading to dull, sensitive, and dehydrated skin.
Fortunately, there are ways to pamper yourself during pregnancy while ensuring the safety and well-being of your growing baby. Vogue Singapore’s curated list of leading prenatal facials and massages provides a blend of relaxation and remedial care, offering a much-needed respite for expectant mothers.
Prenatal facials and massages are more than just pampering; they are essential self-care practices that can help soothe the nervous system and release those feel-good hormones. These treatments address the unique needs of pregnant bodies, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
The Power of Prenatal Facials and Massages
Serene Seah-Ma, co-founder of Freia Aesthetics, explains the benefits of prenatal facials: “In an ideal world, our lymphatic system efficiently drains debris from our cells as we breathe and move, transporting water and waste substances out of the tissues. During pregnancy, however, the increased fluid volume and pressure from the growing uterus and baby can strain the lymphatic system, making it less efficient. Manual manipulation through light pressure facial massage can significantly improve fluid movement, up to 10 times more than usual, providing therapeutic and relaxing benefits for expectant mothers.”
She emphasizes the importance of mental well-being: “The mental well-being of a pregnant mum is just as important as the physical.”
Prenatal Facials: What’s Safe?
While “organic” facials are often associated with pregnancy safety, Seah-Ma clarifies that the key is to avoid controversial ingredients: “A facial need not be ‘organic’ to be pregnancy safe – as long as the ingredients are not controversial for use during pregnancy. Ingredients to steer clear of would be salicylic acid, glycolic acids, and retinols.”
She advises against harsh chemical peels, radiofrequency, laser components, and energy-based devices. However, expectant mothers can enjoy most facials, with oxygen-based, skin-soothing, or deep cleansing facials without acids being top picks.
Prenatal Massages: Zones that Can and Can’t Be Treated
Seah-Ma cautions against certain pressure points: “Certain pressure points like the breasts, abdomen, feet, and hands can trigger contractions, preterm labor, or pregnancy reactions. On the face, as long as the massage pressure is gentle, it can be therapeutic for the mum-to-be.”
Prenatal massages are adapted to accommodate the pregnant body, with the expectant mother lying on their side, avoiding any pressure on the belly and feet. Comfortable body pillows are provided for support. Massage therapists carefully avoid the feet, which are rich in pulse points that can trigger uterine contractions and cervical ripening. Foot reflexology is typically not performed during pregnancy.
The Best Time for Prenatal Treatments
After overcoming morning sickness or nausea, which is common in the first trimester, leading facialists and wellness experts recommend prenatal treatments from the second trimester onwards, always after consulting with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN).
Singapore’s Best Prenatal Facials and Massages
Here’s a curated list of top-rated prenatal facials and massages in Singapore, catering to the unique needs of expectant mothers:
1. Clarins Mother-to-Be Treatment
Safe and comfortable for use from week 9 of pregnancy onwards, Clarins’ renowned approach to maternal beauty and wellness provides a nurturing experience for expectant mothers. This indulgent treatment, designed to usher women into motherhood with serenity, eases tension and achy muscles while boosting skin elasticity using Clarins’ pregnancy-safe essential oil massage blends. After 60 minutes, you’ll emerge with lighter calves, a more supple body, and a sense of relief from pregnancy-related discomforts like stretch marks.
Clarins Skin Spa
ION, 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard #04 – 19, Singapore 238801. Tel: 6838 5060
2. Freia Aesthetics Clear Skin Facial
Run by women for women, Freia offers a tender and kind approach to facial care. The Clear Skin Facial combines performance and pampering, focusing on detoxifying and soothing the skin. This clarifying facial is ideal for mothers experiencing acne breakouts and inflamed skin, a common concern during pregnancy when traditional acne treatments are off-limits. After a thorough double cleanse, the skin is exfoliated with Future’s Flash 10 Botanical Deep Cleanser, followed by steam and gentle extraction to remove impurities. LDM, a non-invasive ultrasonic technology, is then used to deliver a custom serum cocktail deep into the skin. The treatment concludes with a tension-releasing, depuffing acupoint facial massage and a tension-melting shoulder massage, leaving your skin renewed, radiant, and hydrated.
Freia Aesthetics
435 Orchard Rd, #19-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower, Singapore, 238877. Tel: +65 9109 1574
3. Kai Spa Prenatal Bliss Treatment
Whether you choose the essential 60-minute or the indulgent 90-minute Prenatal Bliss Treatment, Kai Spa, Singapore’s most luxurious pre- and postpartum confinement center, offers a luxurious escape for expectant mothers. This healing massage combines Malay and Swedish techniques, using a blend of carrier olive oil and essential oils like lemongrass and baby eucalyptus to de-stress weary bodies and correct anatomical changes that occur during pregnancy. Suitable for mothers between their 20th and 39th week of pregnancy, this pampering experience is best enjoyed by those who are not facing specific pregnancy challenges. As always, consult your doctor and massage therapist before any prenatal treatment.
Kai Spa
26 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 309423. Tel: 8877 0222
4. Madam Partum by Chien Chi Tow Prenatal Massage
For mothers seeking the remedial benefits of tuina or meridian massage, Madam Partum, powered by 50 years of Chien Chi Tow’s expertise in maternal care, offers a unique approach. TCM-trained therapists address muscle tension, swelling, and cramps through gentle strokes and moderate pressure. This prenatal massage avoids pressure on the belly and surrounding areas as well as specific acupressure points. As a TCM clinic, Madam Partum also provides prenatal and postnatal tea, soup, and lactation packs for expectant mothers.
Madam Partum by Chien Chi Tow
192 – 196 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 436995. Tel: 6663 3933
5. St. Regis Spa Mama-To-Be Massage
Available in 60- or 90-minute sessions, St. Regis’ Mama-to-be Massage caters to the luxurious mama between her 18th and 32nd week of pregnancy. While the use of the spa’s sauna, steam room, or heated pools is not recommended during pregnancy, expectant mothers can enjoy a welcome drink, sweet treats, and an ultra-plush massage bed. This treatment uses gentle to medium pressure strokes to apply a nourishing balm from neck to ankles, providing a truly relaxing experience for both mother and baby.
St. Regis Spa
29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911. Tel: 6506 6896
6. Como Shambhala Prenatal Massage
From prenatal yoga to massage, Como Shambhala, a one-stop wellness haven in the heart of Orchard Road, offers a restorative experience for expectant mothers. This massage, available from the second trimester to the end of the third trimester, features a soothing foot bath, full body massage, and facial massage. Gentle, long, gliding strokes with minimal pressure are used to ease muscle tension, relieve insomnia and joint pain, and reduce muscle cramps and swollen hands and feet. The massage employs vitamin E-rich grapeseed oil, which is anti-inflammatory and deeply nourishing for the skin while being gentle for those with allergies.
Como Shambhala
30 Bideford Rd, Level 4 COMO Orchard, Thong Sia Building, Singapore 229922. Tel: 6304 3552
7. Raffles Spa Prenatal Massage
Geared towards releasing stress and eliminating water retention, Raffles Spa therapists utilize organic massage oil blends from ISUN, specifically formulated for prenatal massage. Gentle, comforting hand movements are used to treat achy muscles and alleviate puffiness and bloating. While the use of the spa’s sauna and steam rooms is discouraged during pregnancy, deep pressure to specific zones is also avoided. Expectant mothers can enjoy a relaxing 60 minutes in spa heaven, restoring their skin’s natural glow.
Raffles Spa
328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719. Tel: 6412 1377
8. Epion Aesthetics Seriously Soothing Facial
If you’re experiencing irritated and inflamed skin, Epion’s Seriously Soothing Facial can provide relief. This multi-step treatment uses moisturizing hyaluronic acid and restorative red LED light therapy, known to promote collagen regeneration, to purify and calm angry skin. The facial leaves your skin feeling radiant and resilient.
Epion Aesthetics
145 Tanglin Rd, #02-02 Tudor Court, Singapore 247931. Tel: 6363 2122 7561
These prenatal facials and massages provide a safe, luxurious, and rejuvenating experience for expectant mothers, allowing them to pamper themselves while nurturing their growing baby. With a variety of options available, every mother-to-be can find the perfect treatment to help her navigate this special time with comfort and well-being. Always remember to consult your doctor before booking any prenatal treatments.
