Having reached my final trimester I am a waddling, unsightly lump-with-a-bump, wracked with insomnia and nervous anticipation. While wallowing in a hot tub or sauna is off-limits, a spa visit can still have immense benefits. Specialist prenatal treatments promise to alleviate the hard physical and mental work of baby building.

Donald Gibb, an obstetrician at the Portland Hospital, Central London, who has his own Harley Street clinic, the Birth Company, expounds the benefits of massage: “Pregnancy is not a disease, but modern society is neurotic about it and offers ante-natal care that is like a factory line. This, often combined with working throughout pregnancy, leaves little time to come to terms with the natural sensations and emotions of being pregnant. Taking time to be massaged gives women a vital interlude.” In a quest to come to terms with my changing state I tried out the following five spas.

HEALTHY

Grayshott Spa , Headley Road, Grayshott, Surrey.

Maternity USP Ideal for pregnant women looking for exercise and beauty benefits from their visit. The Mother-to-Be Spa Break was developed with doctors and paediatricians.

Facilities Thirty-six therapy rooms, fully equipped gym and exercise studio, indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Ambience An impressive manor-house health retreat. Chic bedrooms; ultra-modern spa.

Experience Excellent, all therapists were confident working with bumps. The signature Mother-to-Be treatment is a 70-minute massage.

Food Very health-conscious. Breakfast and lunch are buffets of fruit, muesli, cold meats, grains and salads; dinner is served from a light, nutritious menu, with organic wines.

In crowd Older women on their annual constitutional; groups of Home Counties wives.

Wallet watch From £395 per person for a two-night Mother-to-Be Spa Break, including all meals and three treatments.

Need to know grayshottspa.com ; 01428 602020

Times recommends

• The real Paul Raymond
• Living in the moment
• Rent out your home and move abroad