a day at the spa // so SPA at the sofitel london st. james

In these last 25 weeks, I’ve learned that the daily aches and pains of pregnancy are no joke. They might not be constant, and they might not start right away. But at some point during your nine months, you will experience leg cramps. Or foot cramps. Or hip pain that makes you want to curl up in a ball and sleep until the baby shows up. I’ve tried everything, but nothing has been nearly as indulgent or relaxing as my prenatal massage at So SPA at the Sofitel London St. James.

Lucky for me, my hip pain arrived extra early. It was there at 14 weeks, in fact, before you could even really tell I was pregnant. My consultant referred me to a physio, who diagnosed me with pelvic girdle pain. She promptly realigned my hip, which had rotated out of place. I felt fixed when sent me on my merry way. Then it slipped right back out about 6 weeks later.

Pregnancy is super glam, you guys.

Since then, I’ve been back to the physio a few times. I also started a pre-natal yoga class (OBSESSED, if anyone needs a Notting Hill recommendation). Plus, I have an appointment with an osteopath in the very near future. And while all have helped with the pain in some capacity, only the massage made me truly zen.

photo via the Sofitel St. James

When they invited me to experience one of their maternity treatments, I obviously didn’t have to think twice. Available in 60 minutes or 90 minute sessions, the Pregnancy Massage focuses specifically on the lower back. This is ideal, since that whole area seems to go hand-in-hand with my wonky hip. Also on their menu is a 4th Trimester Healing Hour, which helps you “remember how to be one person again”. Clearly, I already have this on my radar for February 2016.

For this appointment, I arrived early on a Saturday morning in September. Upstairs in the hotel was hustling and bustling, but downstairs in the spa was completely quiet and serene.

photo via the Sofitel St. James

I walked into a beautiful room, and was led to a couch where I filled out a form detailing my ailments (basically just: I’m pregnant, help me). This was all done while nibbling on a chocolate-covered apricot and sipping a cup of tea.

photo via the Sofitel St. James

After I was finished, I changed into my robe and slippers. Then they led me into the massage room, and I was definitely curious to see what the set-up would entail. This was actually my second prenatal massage — the first was a gift from the hubs that I promptly cashed in on at 14 weeks, the earliest most spas will agree to see you. That arrangement had me sitting on a stool and leaning against a massage bed for most of it. While the massage itself was amazing, the set-up wasn’t the most comfortable position for a full hour.

I was relieved to learn that this time, my masseuse wanted me to lay on my side with a pillow in between my legs, and switch sides halfway through. She also had me lay on my back for about 15 minutes at the end, but made it clear that this would only happen if I was comfortable. I was totally fine, because the table would be propped up so that I wasn’t flat. I think now I’d probably ask to just stay on either side until the end.

The only product used was natural grapeseed oil. As my masseuse said at the beginning of the treatment, I was in charge throughout the entire process. I believe she used the phrase “pregnant queen,” which I’ve been trying to get the hubs to adopt. He doesn’t seem to be taking to it? She also noted that though my form said I preferred a medium touch, she was going to go lighter on my legs. Apparently, it’s not advised to increase circulation before 30 weeks. I was even more assured that she knew what she was doing after hearing this. It was pretty clear she’s accustomed to handling pregnant clients.

After my treatment was complete, I made my way back upstairs feeling completely and totally relaxed.

The hubs joined me for one final cup of tea before we got started on our day. As we elbowed our way through the crowds on Regent Street, I realized: I didn’t want to punch any tourists in the face! I felt totally zen!

So, the lesson? All Saturdays, especially ones that might involve errands on Oxford Street, should start with a morning massage at the spa.

No, I kid. The real lesson is this: if you have ANY pregnant ladies in your life who will be in London before giving birth, book her a treatment at the So SPA. They’ll thank you for it. Just don’t blame me if they ask you to call them Pregnant Queen after.

xo!

the romantic

– Thank you to So SPA at the Sofitel London St. James for inviting me to experience the Pregnancy Massage. All opinions are, as always, my own.