Pregnant pampering

“Get plenty of rest and look after yourself.”

Unless you’re rich enough not to work, have no other kids and employ a cleaner, it’s not easy obeying those particular pearls of pregnancy wisdom, however much doctors and magazines spout them at you. However, as someone who’s currently typing this article one-handed, while bouncing a five week old baby on her lap, I can testify to the fact that you should enjoy whatever ‘me time’ you can get, while you still can.

My nesting instinct never really kicked in, although I know of plenty of people who spent their last few baby-free days scouring skirting boards and scrubbing the tops of cupboards. Take my advice, sod the cupboards and book yourself in for some pampering treats instead. Personally, I recommend the Mama Mio treatments at Urban Retreat in Harvey Nics. They’re specifically designed for pregnant women, so you know the oils and techniques used are safe, and they target some of those delightful pregnancy symptoms that no one ever warns you about, such as itchy skin and aching everything. I tried the Mellow Mama full body massage, which was an absolute lifesaver, leaving me with glowing, super-soft skin, and feeling more chilled out than I had done in weeks (for which my boyfriend was extremely grateful).

If your maternity pay won’t stretch that far, indulge in some home spa comforts; there are plenty of luxurious pregnancy products on the market, from bath oils to stretch mark cream. Personally, I just stuck to massaging myself religiously with baby oil, which kept the stretch marks at bay for half the price. Green Baby do a great organic baby oil, which costs £6 from www.glowmaternityandbaby.co.uk In late pregnancy it can seem as though your body is preparing you for the sleepless nights to come.

As if needing the loo every five minutes wasn’t enough, it’s dam hard to get comfortable with a bump. A pregnancy support pillow may seem extravagant for the short time you’ll use it, but, for sanity’s sake, it is worth it. Some also double up as breastfeeding pillows, such as the Theraline® maternity & nursing pillow, £29.95, from www.bumpto3.com

Thankfully, pregnancy no longer means having to resign yourself to nine months of fashion-hell. These days, TopShop, H&M and other high street favourites have some pretty attractive maternity offerings. Stick to a few key wardrobe essentials, including a great pair of jeans, tunics in this season’s orange and petrol blue and a maxi dress. This one is £59.50 from ASOS.com and will see you right through the summer.

Underwired bras are a no-no during pregnancy, as they can damage your changing breast tissue. Most lingerie designers seem to think that pregnant women and sex appeal are poles part, and would prefer you to wear shapeless, sex-less boulder holders that your gran would turn her nose up at. There are a few exceptions to this, such as Hot Milk and Amoralia. They don’t come cheap, but are worth splashing out on.

Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a pilates devotee, or just enjoy lazing around in comfort (I fall into the latter category), elasticated trousers are a pregnancy essential. It is worth investing in a pair that you won’t mind answering the door in, as they’re also great to pull on in those first few weeks after giving birth. I love JoJo Maman Bebe’s Bamboo Yoga Pants, £34.

Newborns are a lot of work, but having people point out how wretched you look will not make you feel any better, and taking the time to make yourself look at least half human really will give you an instant boost. Quick fixes, such as a tinted moisturiser and cooling eye mask come in very handy, as does a low maintenance killer haircut as you approach your due date. Spending half a day getting your highlights done may soon become a thing of the past, so make the most of it.

Finally, stock up on chocolate; it may not help you get your pre-pregnancy figure back, but nothing beats it for providing an instant endorphin kick when visitor number 523 comes calling.