Pregnancy | Looking good

Reflexology and looking good in pregnancy

If lugging that bump of yours around is giving you backache or you’re simply feeling stressed about the impending birth, give reflexology a go.

Reflexology

This relaxing therapy uses acupressure on the feet and hands to stimulate key organs in the body and help resolve niggling symptoms.

Reflexologist Adriana Pop says, ‘It’s great for alleviating some of the problems linked to pregnancy, such as backache, sciatica, or just generally stress. Many women who go overdue also turn to reflexology to help kick-start their labour naturally.

I’ve even used it to help women relax during the actual birth.’ She stresses that you should always make your practitioner aware you’re pregnant so they avoid stimulating the parts of the foot related to your reproductive system (for example, the back of the heel relates to the ovaries and uterus).

It’s widely considered best to go for treatments after you are 17 weeks pregnant.

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If you’re feeling nervy about becoming a mum and want a quick way to relax, find a quiet room and gently massage the top of your big toe for two minutes (no longer). This simple move sends messages to your brain that will soothe away all that anxiety.

To find out more about reflexology go to intfedreflexologists.org, the website of the International Federation of Reflexologists.

What’s hot to wear

No pregnant woman worth her salt these days lets her bump get in the way of looking good. What Not To Wear guru and mum of two Lisa Butcher has some tips on how to look bootylicious with a bump.

1. Don’t hide your bump. Ditch those baggy clothes and enhance your cleavage with plunging V-necks and halter tops.

2. Work your wardrobe. Spend your money on key pieces like black trousers. Bump bandeaus are real life-savers, allowing you to wear your fave jeans even while you’re expecting.

3. Hit the high street. Experiment with current trends, wide-leg trousers, chunky knitwear and oversized men’s dinner shirts. Perfect for your maternity wardrobe.

4. Acessorize. Play around with bags, gloves and jewellery to compete your look – these are things you’ll still be wearing after the birth. Patent handbags and shoes in deep jewel colours are all the rage at the mo.

5. Because you’re worth it! With endless changes to your body, be sure to find time to go for a great haircut, pedicure, manicure and treat yourself to a lush maternity massage. These treats will boost your natural and leave you looking polished.

For more great style tips and info on wellbeing, visit sparklingpregnancy.com.

So your maternity bag is packed and waiting by the door. Why not add a bit of luxury to it with a wash bag created by the ‘queen of the wash bags’ Zoe Phayre-Mudge for BB London. With a contrasting, colourful print on the outside and inside as well as a wipe clean interior, it’ll cheer you up when those contractions kick-in!
Available from www.BabesWithBabies.com

Ball games

Instead of slouching on a sofa in the evening, take the strain off your back. Get down on your knees and perch forward over a birthing ball while you read a book or watch the telly. It’s also believed this posture will help your baby get into a better position for birth.