Going to spas and getting a massage was the one precious thing I had to give up for the past six months that I’ve been pregnant. It was for the simple reason that none of the regular therapists wanted to touch me. Most of them thought that I was in such a delicate stage to be kneaded and rubbed thoughtfully. One time, I even tried to Google “pregnancy massage in the Philippines” just to know my chances, and a few names came up. I began to understand that this type of massage needs some type of training on those who performed it.
It was probably heaven-sent that we went on a tour of the Westgate Alabang. Here I chanced upon Sujivana Spa which takes pride in their Mama Mia (prenatal) massage. I wasted no time in booking myself for a session. Sujivana Spa is in a complex in Westgate called Serenity Place which I truly found to be an oasis because here, I can have my favorite coffee drink (now limited to only one per day) at BonaCoffee, shop for delightful Indian jewelry at Bohemian Nation Trading Co. and have a pampering pedicure at the Sujivana Salon.
Thankfully, the prenatal massage exceeded my expectations. I’d give the thumbs up to my therapist (whose name I’ve to get again) for her warm, soothing hands and applying the right pressure. I’ve noticed that with this type of massage, you don’t lie face down (for obvious reasons). In fact, my first position was lying comfortably on my side, with a “hotdog” pillow propped beside me where I can rest my legs.
Secondly, they cannot massage too hard. They have to avoid certain body parts, like the areas near the heels and ankles, because it can trigger contractions. I felt relieved to find out that my Sujivana therapist received ample training on pregnancy massage basics to know the difference.
Am still thinking if I should find time to color my hair, notably the gray areas which have been showing, LOL. The stylist at the adjoining Sujivana Salon said it is okay for them to do mine, because they use substances which are free from harmful ingredients like ammonia.
I’ve also checked my pregnancy book which told me that most beauty procedures are okay, like waxing and body scrubs. Best to clear with your doctor and generally avoid doing those in the first trimester. I am certainly more at ease now as I approach the third trimester. But mostly am just relieved that amid a culture of superstitions, there are pregnancy-friendly establishments around 
