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Is there such a thing as a bad massage? Well, yes. I’ve had two less-than-enjoyable experiences: Once, I was branded on my back with an overheated rock (a.k.a. “river stone”) at a resort in Cancún; another time, I lost a clump of hair during a particularly rigorous scalp massage. So I have come to respect the art and science of a well-executed rubdown, and figured there was no better time to indulge in some muscle and joint kneading than during my second pregnancy. Besides the purported benefits of putting my swollen and weary self in the hands of a licensed therapist (improved circulation, increased flexibility, reduced swelling and dispelled tension), I looked forward to relaxing away from the demands of work, my husband and our three-year-old daughter. With these incentives in mind, I hauled my nine-months-pregnant body to a variety of locations in Manhattan. Depending on what you’re looking for (some sites were much more low-key than others), the following are all recommended. But first, a few reminders: Always fill out a medical form and discuss your health conditions with your massage therapist; most doctors recommend waiting until your second trimester for a massage since there’s a risk of miscarriage during the first. And always seek treatment from a professional. Don’t sign up for back-room rubdowns at the nail salon—certain pressure points are thought to trigger labor.
1 The Spa at Equinox
The upscale health club has outposts all over town, but this UES location has carved out a calm little niche for its treatment facility. Upon entering the candlelit lounge, I was met by a friendly therapist, Susan, who escorted me to the treatment room. I quickly learned that the hole-in-the-table method, which was popular during my first pregnancy three years ago, has become passé. Susan explained that the approach, even with a sling attachment, puts stress on the mom-to-be’s back. Instead, she had me lie on my side and used cushions to prop me up—I got one to hug and a couple between my legs (what I wouldn’t give to pad up like that at home). Susan gently worked my body from fingertips to toes (no scalp, per my request) and got out the kinks. Throughout, we chattedlike old friends.
Drawback Spa visitors use the same locker room as Equinox members. The hubbub brought back memories of getting ready for high school gym.
Bonus The staff is friendly. And the spa is cool without being ascene.
205 E 85th St at Third Ave (212-396-9611, equinoxfitness.com). $115 for 50 minutes, $165 for 80 minutes.
2 Bliss 49
Boasting three spas in Manhattan, Bliss long ago became the hip gold standard in body treatments. Though booking an appointment can be difficult, I was lucky to score one at the W Hotel location. After navigating through two floors of retail space devoted to hand creams and shower gels, I was shown to the spa—a tranquil, dimly lit sanctum. A female attendant swapped the small robe I was given for a larger one to fit my belly. After putting it on, I headed to the lounge, where I nibbled on sliced cucumber and read Vogue. Besides using the multiple-pillow technique, my therapist, Ben, had a table that reclined automatically—a high-tech feature that allowed me to lie on my back at a comfortable angle. Ben, who had the aura of a Zen master, also paid attention to my skin, which had been feeling itchy and overstretched. He gave my feet a hot-paraffin wax treatment—the liquefied wax was almost unbearably hot, but once it cooled down it was a nicetouch.
Drawback The hall of potions you have to pass through while heading to the locker room feels like a retail onslaught.
BonusThe lounge—with lots of mags and a buffet of cheeses, sliced cucumber, sweets, teas and lemon water—is perfect for a hungry pregnantmama.
541 Lexington Ave between 49th and 50th Sts, inside W Hotel (212-219-8970, blissworld.com). “Great Expectations” massage $160 for 75 minutes.
3 The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The luxe treatment at the spa aerie on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel began as soon as I walked through the door. After sipping mountain berry tea, I was escorted to a changing-room oasis with heated floor tiles and showers. From there, guests have the option of waiting in one of two rooms. I chose the private relaxation room with chaise longues and a view of Central Park (there’s also a special area with a whirlpool and an aromatherapy steam room, but unfortunately bubbles, hot steam and aromatherapy are off limits during pregnancy). Paula’s treatment was my first experience with belly cushions: large, firm cushions that are arranged so that you can lie on your stomach and fit your belly and breasts between them. I worried at first that I was squishing the baby, but my belly was fully supported. I wasn’t, however, a big fan of the “face doughnut”—I felt like I was being smothered. As Paula rubbed me down with apricot-scented mud, I noticed that there was a control for switching the piped-in music to something other than the ubiquitous New Age. And finally, a mango smoothie shot—post-treatment—easedme back to reality.
Drawback It’s expensive—comparable to a down payment on a Bugaboo Chameleon.
Bonus Paula worked on each toe individually; it was the best footmassage of my life.
80 Columbus Circle at 60th St (212-805-8880, mandarinoriental.com/hotel/532000538.asp). Maternity massage $305 for 80 minutes.
4 Euphoria Spa NYC
Located on a child-friendly row that includes maternity boutique Capucine and Tribeca Pediatrics, Euphoria Spa, a cozy and low-frills neighborhood spot, is the Mandarin’s downtown boho cousin. Even though the locker and waiting rooms were both small and the amenities were far less impressive than what I found uptown, I was offered a uniquely refreshing drink of pomegranate water before my treatment. My therapist, Mary, used the belly-cushion system, and her combination of Swedish and deep tissue techniques resulted in one of the more intense massages I received. She was skilled at seeking out tension and pressure points, particularly a knot in my shoulder that she kneaded into submission. Euphoria alsooffers a prenatal facial and a postpartum massage treatment.
Drawback The decor is lacking—it’s a bit scruffy.
Bonus There’s no pretension at this spare refuge.
18 Harrison St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts, second floor (212-925-5925, euphoriaspanyc.com). $120 for 60 minutes.
5 Home masseuse
Karen Weston—whose brochure I found at my ob-gyn’s office—operates out of her apartment in Peter Cooper Village and specializes in prenatal massage. I’ll admit, I was unsure before I got there about getting down to my skivvies in a stranger’s home, but Karen made me feel comfortable from the start. An extra room was outfitted to look like a professional massage facility, complete with a table, books, brochures, candles and the requisite New Age music. Karen has a reassuring, momlike vibe, and we spent most of the treatment chatting. She used the belly-cushion system, but when I told her I’d had problems breathing with the face ring, she rigged something with towels and a pillow so I could lie with my face to the side. Karen asked me how much pressure I wanted and was also the only therapist who offereda belly rub—which, I might add, felt great.
Drawback No luxuries here. Sure, there are books and candles, but you won’t find any fashion magazines or mountain berry tea.
Bonus The service is very private and personal.
212-388-1923, westonkaren@aol.com. $90 for 60 minutes, $125 for 90 minutes. Packages: Three sessions for $255, five for $415. House calls and postpartum visits to the hospital are also available; additional fee for travel.
