Babymoon!
A Baby-what?! It’s like a second honeymoon, for soon-to-be mommies and daddies. Designed as a leisure trip for expectant couples, this latest trend in travel concepts gives soon-to-be parents some precious couple-time before the baby chaos sets in. It’s a vacation that allows for some memorable moments of peace and tranquility, plus a little pampering if you have it in your budget. Many hotels have added special treatments to their list of hotel and spa amenities just for these unique guests. Look for prenatal spa treatments, golf clinics for the dad-to-be and romantic activities catering to the babymooning couple. After this rejuvenating experience, you’ll be ready to take on the challenges of parenthood. (If baby’s already made three, consider this: Many babymooners take post-natal trips as a way to slow down, bond with their new baby and ease the transition into parenthood. Plenty of spas and getaway destinations offer new-family-friendly packages designed for these babymooners too.)
Visit www.babymoonfinder.com to check out babymoon destinations.

Massage
If you’re craving a massage, we recommend finding someone who specializes in pregnancy massage. Even then, don’t be surprised when you’re turned away in your first trimester. (Most therapists decline to work on clients in the earliest stage of pregnancy simply because miscarriage rates-and liability questions-are so much higher then.)
For tips on prenatal massage, we talked to a local massage therapist who also happens to be in her third trimester. “I do what I love and believe in what I do! Massage is just what you need when you're expecting. I received it regularly from the very beginning!” She cautions that certain essential oils can stimulate uterine contractions and are therefore contraindicated during pregnancy. And after 16-20 weeks, women should avoid lying on their backs for too long, since the extra weight of the growing baby can prevent proper blood flow. Spas usually have a belly table on hand for women in their second trimester, so you can lie on your stomach comfortably with your pregnant belly resting in the hole in the table.
Some spas may also turn you away during your third trimester, but if you do get a prenatal massage in the third trimester, expect to sit up or lay on your side. “Depending on the person, deep tissue to the back can still be okay, although the legs can be more prone to varicose veins and clotting, so pressure should be gentle on them! Some people are more sensitive during pregnancy, and it really should be about nurturing.”
Last, but not least, don’t be shy about communicating your needs. Speak up if you’d like a gentler-or more vigorous-approach, or if you start to feel uncomfortable. Your practitioner will be glad for the feedback and happy to respond to it.

Reflexology
A deeply relaxing, non-ticklish treat for your feet, reflexology can calm and soothe a number of pregnancy complaints. A holistic therapy rooted in ancient Eastern medicine, it's based on the theory that certain points on the feet and hands connect to specific organs and systems in the body through energy pathways. Reflexologists use pressure techniques on these reflex points, and this pressure stimulates the related system in the body, clearing congestion and freeing up the flow of blood and energy.
Reflexology can ease a variety of problems, including poor circulation, backache, morning sickness, constipation and general soreness, pain or fatigue. (Reflexology is also sometimes used with orthodox medicine for more serious problems like high blood pressure or pregnancy-induced diabetes.)
Many women have used reflexology to encourage labor when they were overdue (you know-that point where you feel like you’re carrying a kindergartener in utero). Some women even use reflexology during labor as a form of pain relief, and others tout its potential to reduce labor time down to just a few hours! Sound nice? Be prepared to wait until you’re safely through your first trimester (only because most practitioners want to avoid any question of liability during that first term, when miscarriage rates are statistically higher). Then look for a reflexologist who specializes, and has experience, in maternity reflexology. The sessions will cost, of course, but it’s something a trained practitioner can teach you to do for yourself (or train your significant other to do for you), offsetting a big portion of the cost, and empowering you in your pregnancy. Besides, who wouldn’t be happy to pay for pampering that might help put an end to early morning sickness?

Journal
Being pregnant means you’re not only carrying a baby (or two!), but you’re also carrying around hundreds (even thousands) of thoughts and feelings, worries, hopes, wishes, questions, insights and revelations. Pamper yourself mentally, and emotionally, by making time to get all those thoughts and feelings down on paper. Journaling can not only take a load off your mind, but it can also help you deal with the problems pregnancy poses, savor this special experience and record the moments and milestones you’ll want to reflect back on as your child grows.
All you need is some paper, a pen and a little time on a regular basis (we know that last one is easier said than done, but it’s so worth it). Of course, dedicating a notebook to your pregnancy journaling will help you keep organized and let you track your transformation (and your baby’s) from week to week. You might also consider splurging on a pregnancy journal. A quick search at your local bookstore, or on Amazon.com, will turn up several titles to choose from. Moments and Milestones Pregnancy Journal is one we like. Created by a mother-daughter team, this new release from Amacom Books, subtitled “a week-by-week companion,” comes already organized by trimester. It offers questions to help you dive into the blank page and delve into your own thoughts and feelings. Each chapter opens with an inspiring quote about motherhood, and includes sections for marking each week’s wonder as the baby grows and develops, plus suggestions for small indulgences that every woman can grant herself during this time. This book also offers practical guidance, with a section devoted to planning for a new baby, a special page for the baby’s first sonogram photo, a “baby gear” list, a sanity-saving birthing plan, a labor record, a page for selecting a name, a list of invaluable questions to ask when leaving the hospital, and a page for the baby’s first picture.