Massage for mums-to-be

3:52pm Thursday 10th January 2008

FEW women glide through pregnancy with ease, and I am no different. On the day I visit the Bare salon in Bushey, I am feeling rundown and tetchy. Despite enjoying a relatively problem-free pregnancy, I am now in my third trimester and my feet and back are aching and my substantial bump makes me feel slow and cumbersome. To top things off, I have also noticed that my nails and skin are drier than ever and in desperate need of attention.

The salon in Bushey High Street offers Thalgo therapies which have been specifically designed for pregnant women. While there are some treatments which pregnant women are advised to steer clear of, salon owner Sarah Savage says therapies which rely on natural products are suitable.

I realise it is the first time in weeks that I have slowed down and taken some time out for myself.

The Thalgo pregnancy pamper treatment starts by exfoliating the skin, before moisturising, toning and targeting those dreaded stretch marks. Massage is used to improve circulation and relax clients. Sarah, a mother-of-two, says women shouldn't let themselves go during pregnancy.

She says: "That's exactly what I did when I was pregnant with my first baby. I put on two stone.

"I didn't look after myself as much as I should have, and I had one of those moments after my daughter was born when I looked in the mirror and thought What am I going to do?' I took much better care of myself the second time around. Your body changes so much during pregnancy and I think women these days are under so much more pressure to get back into those skinny jeans.

It's important to take care of yourself - it's a mental thing as well. It's nice to take time out during pregnancy and relax and enjoy a little pampering."

In terms of pampering, the Thalgo treatment works. The salon, which is all earthy, neutral tones, has recently relocated to immaculate new premises and has a calming, peaceful atmosphere.

When I turn up for my treatment it is after a long week juggling work commitments with preparing for the baby. I realise it is the first time in weeks that I have slowed down and taken some time out for myself. I must admit, I experience a pang of self-consciousness when I haul my big belly up on the treatment table, but once the therapist starts my worries disappear.

The treatment table has heated pads, to aid my sore back, calming music is playing and the lights are dimmed. The therapist starts with my feet, which is fine by me as I can barely reach them, and slowly works her way up my body focusing on different areas.

Over the course of about an hour I am rubbed, rinsed, exfoliated and pampered, using products made with ingredients such as marine algae and wheatgerm. Towards the end of the experience I am covered in an icing like substance, which hardens in minutes into a soft rubber-like consistency. When it is peeled off my skin feels much more supple and springy. I eventually glide out of the salon feeling slightly dazed and definitely much more relaxed. A few hours later I realise my skin feels softer and smoother than it has in months, and my mind is clear of all my trivial worries.

Bare Beauty Salon is at 78 High Street, Bushey. Details 020 8950 4500

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