Growing An A-list Bump

Sun Herald

Sunday July 27, 2008

Natasha Granath

Famous mums-to-be pamper their way through pregnancy. Why shouldn't you? NATASHA GRANATH finds out how.

THE hottest accessory on planet celebrity right now is the baby bump, with the gossip mags filled to bursting with glowing mothers-to-be gracing red carpets.

And while the infanticipation may now be over for Angelina, Jessica and Nicole, other stars including Minnie Driver, Gillian Anderson and, reportedly, Naomi Watts will keep us bump-watching for a while yet.

The good news is that all this focus on babies and bumps has given pregnant women the world over carte blanche to act like a diva. Jessica Alba was often seen popping out of the day spa before baby Honor arrived, so why can't we?

It's time to don your maxi dress and be pampered like a star.

You can't reach your own toes so get someone else to do the buff and polish with a pedicure. And your skin is hormonal, so book yourself in for a facial.

The pregnancy buzz has overhauled what we're eating and buying, too. Hot on the heels of the craze for organic food are organic beauty products, with special emphasis on purity during pregnancy. Cate Blanchett and Kate Moss were said to favour Dr Hauschka's Rose Day Cream (www.drhauschka.com.au) when it came to moisturising and Jurlique (www.jurlique.com.au) has beautiful all-natural washes and body creams ideal for mums and bubs. Avado also has a range at Coles which is free of synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, cleansers and sulphates.

Sodashi (www.sodashi.com) products are 100 per cent organic and found in the world's top day spas, including the plush Skibo Castle in Scotland where Madonna and Guy Ritchie married.

West Australian founder Megan Larsen says because the products are free of toxins they are safe to use during pregnancy - a time when stimulating products should be avoided.

But the Australian Medical Association warns there are some beauty treatments pregnant women should stay away from. Dr Andrew Pesce says needles are not on - and that includes Botox.

And while there is little evidence that beauty therapies are harmful - he says most skin treatments allow for very little absorption - it is always best to check with an obstetrician or GP first.

There is also evidence exposure to high temperatures is dangerous in at-risk pregnancies.

"So, as a precaution, avoid saunas, spas, solariums and heat-related weight-reduction therapies," he says.

Pregnancy is a good time to keep up the exercise routine, though. Think of svelte Nicole jogging with her personal trainer three months into her pregnancy with Sunday Rose.

Midwife and personal trainer Monica Rich, who helped Channel Ten newsreader Tracey Spicer exercise through a difficult pregnancy, says it is good for pregnant women to stay fit but they need to take it easy and get plenty of rest as well.

Pregnancy-appropriate yoga, Pilates, fit ball work, walking, swimming and water aerobics are all great options.

Sadly, the high heels need to go in the cupboard for at least nine months to protect your lower back. "It's a good idea to just stay in a maintenance mode - even if you go out just go for a walk, that might be all you can do," Rich says. "Strenuous or high-intensity exercise is not recommended and women really do need to see their obstetrician or midwife about what exercises they are going to do."

Strength training is good prep for holding a baby and Pilates helps the muscles used in an active birth.

"You need to be careful you don't overstretch, though, because of the hormone relaxin, which makes your ligaments more supple during pregnancy," she says.

Importantly, don't be too ambitious about maintaining a great body.

"Women do need to think about their baby and remember they have plenty of time to get fit after the birth," Rich says. "Celebrities do set an example but they're not always the role models we need to promote."

Pre-baby beauty an A-list

From the ground up

This could be the most indulgence your feet will ever enjoy. Ella Bache's Earth Break for Feet includes reiki, Ayurvedic massage and a mint star anise mask. It is $60 for 40 minutes at Ella Bache salons and David Jones. For stockists, phone 1800 789 234.

Best face forward

You'll be hopelessly devoted to the day spa at Gaia Retreat in Byron Bay. It's co-owned by Olivia Newton-John and guests have included Delta Goodrem. There are pregnant-friendly treatments and facials on offer from $125 for an hour. Phone (02) 6687 1216 or see www.gaiaretreat.com.au.

Banish stretch marks

They are annoyingly quick to appear and take forever to go away, so get in early and banish stretch marks forever. Victoria Beckham swears by Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil, $68.20, 1800 802 036. Or head to the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel and try the frangipani wrap, which is great for nourishing dry, hormonal skin, $145. Phone (02) 9250 3388 or see www.fourseasons.com.

Let it all go

Pregnancy takes a lot out of a girl. Wind down with a soothing massage at the Hyatt's day spa. It has therapists trained in pregnancy massage, at $145 for an hour. Phone (02) 9241 1234 or see www.hyatt.com.

Tone up

Madonna and Uma Thurman credit Pilates with getting their post-baby bodies back into shape. Pilates4U has classes around Sydney and instructors trained in pre-natal exercise. A 10-visit term is $160. Phone (02) 9907 8478 or see www.pilates4you.com.au.