Spa in Pregnancy: Safe Treatments and Precautions

There’s nothing like a pampering spa treatment to ease your aching back, swollen feet, or dry, itchy skin during pregnancy. But are visits to the spa safe during this time? This is a question pregnant women may have owing to the number of spa treatments available. From massages that target pregnancy-related discomfort to soothing facials and safe skincare routines, there are several treatments that can offer both relaxation and health benefits. However, not all spas for pregnancy are safe, making it crucial to be informed about what is and isn’t recommended. In this article, we’ll guide you through the safest pregnancy spa treatments to enjoy and highlight the essential precautions to take.

When Can You Go to a Spa During Pregnancy?

The second trimester is an ideal time to indulge in spa treatments. The risks are lower, and you have more energy as your morning sickness and tiredness are behind you. Some spas have a policy of not suggesting any treatments to women who are within 12 weeks of their pregnancy, and some restrict treatments to women who are over 32 weeks (1).

You should look for a spa with staff trained to care for pregnant women. When booking an appointment, let them know how far you are into your pregnancy. This will help them tailor a comfortable and pampering session that is suited to all your needs.

Things to Consider Before Booking a Spa While Pregnant

Here are some things to bear in mind before you book a spa treatment:

• When choosing a spa, always opt for a certified one with experts in prenatal spa treatments. This ensures you’re in safe hands and can confidently enjoy your spa experience. Remember to inform the staff about your pregnancy stage.
• A spa treatment is good only when your pregnancy is progressing normally. If you’re experiencing complications or are classified as a high-risk pregnancy, it is not advisable to go to a spa.
• Always discuss this with your doctor. Even if both the conditions mentioned above are checked out, you must consult your gynaecologist before getting spa treatment.
• Hot tubs are strictly off-limits. Any treatment involving hot tubs such as sauna, steam rooms or a Jacuzzi must be avoided as there is significant risk involved for the foetus.

Spa Treatments You Can and Can’t Enjoy When Pregnant

Pregnancy spa treatments can provide much-needed relief from pregnancy’s aches, pains, and stresses. Many existing spa treatments need only minor modifications to make them friendly for moms-to-be. For example, if you’ve been sensitive to smells in the last few months, you can ask for scent-free lotions. Here are some of the spa treatments you must steer clear of.

1. Sauna

A sauna is an enclosed heated room where dry heat is circulated around you to increase circulation in the extremities of your body, such as skin and muscles. It works by increasing the body temperature, which in turn increases circulation in the extremities and expels excess heat.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

A sauna or any type of thermal treatment is unsafe during pregnancy. The treatment can lead to overheating the body, and studies show links between overheating and birth defects in the foetus (2).

Precautions You Should Take

Avoid a sauna or any hot spa treatments.

2. Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are an excellent way to stimulate overall circulation. Scrubs or massages help blood flow more throughout the body, carrying all the vital nutrients and oxygen needed during pregnancy. This helps support both your and the baby’s health.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

Body scrubs are safe, provided they do not use any oils known to be unsafe during pregnancy. They also have the added perk of sparking the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, which can warn off stretch marks and make your skin glow.

Precautions You Should Take

Your skin becomes sensitive when you’re pregnant, so choose gentler hydrating ingredients for scrubs, like sugar-based ingredients, rather than aggressive salt-based ones. Choose scent-free oils for the treatment to avoid as many extra chemicals as possible. Some essential oils, such as tarragon, rosemary, sage, wintergreen, and mugwort, can have a detox effect that can contribute to miscarriages (4).

3. Massage

Massages are great for relieving body aches, improving blood circulation, and relieving stress. Spas that cater to pregnant women offer bean bags or specially modified chairs, so you won’t have to lie down on your belly.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

Not all massages are safe for pregnant women. Emphasis should also be placed on the massage therapist, as the wrong hands that are untrained for prenatal care can harm the baby. Generally, it’s best to avoid a massage in early pregnancy, as many of the oils used in the treatments can cause discomfort. Some spas even recommend against it unless you’re over 12 weeks (8).

Precautions You Should Take

The safest way is to choose a massage treatment specifically designed for pregnant women. You can ask for a massage therapist who is trained and has experience with pregnant clients. Consult your doctor if your pregnancy is high risk or you have conditions such as preeclampsia or hypertension.

4. Facial

Simple facials are fine during pregnancy as long as they consist of massaging, cleansing, and moisturising the skin. Many women experience a natural glow during their pregnancy. For those who face common problems such as dryness, acne, and redness, a gentle facial can make all the difference.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

Facials with simple treatments are generally safe. Harsh therapies, such as certain chemical peels and microdermabrasion types, can do more harm than good. Since your skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy, a harsh procedure can cause breakouts, uneven results and irritation. Gentle exfoliating scrubs involving natural ingredients are safe and soothing.

Precautions You Should Take

Double-check the ingredients in your facial treatments for toxins and compounds that may be harmful during pregnancy. A common ingredient in facial scrubs is salicylic acid, which is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA). BHA in oral forms is known to be harmful to the baby, so it is best avoided. Treatments that use Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), such as lactic acid and glycolic acid derived from fruits, are safe.

5. Manicures and Pedicures

Neatly-made hands and feet will always make you feel good. Some women love having great-looking nails in their first picture with their babies. And, yes, manicures and pedicures occasionally are a safe way to pamper yourself.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

They are mostly safe unless they are using chemical substances known to harm the baby. Avoid cuticle cutting, acrylics and polishes that contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP). DBP is known to cause congenital disabilities in mammals (8).

Precautions You Should Take

If you can, bring your own instruments to the spa or request the aesthetician use fresh equipment. Although the chances of contracting an infection through equipment are rare, it’s best to avoid the risk. Choose nail polish brands that are free from toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde. A foot spa during pregnancy is fine as long as it doesn’t involve reflexology during the massage. Reflexology is unsafe for pregnant women.

6. Hair Removal/ Waxing

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your hair to grow faster than usual. You might also notice hair growth in unexpected places. Thankfully, many of the waxing and threading procedures are safe temporary solutions.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

It is relatively safe to wax or shave your legs during pregnancy. Your heightened skin sensitivity and pumped-up blood vessels may make it more painful than usual (7).

Precautions You Should Take

Inform the spa that you have a baby bump so they can offer you the right kind of seating to help ease the process. One day before waxing, prepare your skin using a gentle exfoliant and moisturiser to let the wax peel off more easily. Have your post-wax soothers ready. Use simple soothers such as aloe vera gel, a simple cold press or unrefined coconut oil.

7. Hot Tubs and Tanning Beds

Hot tubs cause the body to heat up during the treatment; similar to a sauna, they should be avoided. Tanning beds use Ultraviolet light to induce a tan on the skin. Prolonged skin exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cancer and causes the skin to age faster.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

Both hot tubs and tanning beds are unsafe during pregnancy. Hot tubs can cause your body’s core temperature to rise above, which is known to cause birth defects in babies, such as neural tube defects (NTD) and hernia. The exact effect UV rays have on the foetus isn’t clear. However, some studies link prolonged UV exposure to a lack of folic acid in the body. UV rays break down folic acid, which can result in congenital abnormalities (6).

Precautions You Should Take

It is advisable to avoid these during pregnancy.

8. Body Wrap

A body wrap is a procedure in which an herbal mix or mineral preparation is applied to the skin. The body is then wrapped in strips of cloth or a sheet to hold it in place. The supposed benefits of the process include skin softening, tightening, detoxification, and temporary weight loss.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

The body wrap is unsafe during pregnancy. One objective of the procedure is to increase body temperature to advance sweating. Since this can increase the core body temperature, it can harm the baby.

Precautions You Should Take

It is best to avoid this treatment during pregnancy.

9. Hair Treatment

You’ll have enough on your mind during the second and third trimesters to remember to take care of less important things. Your hair is one of those things. Eventually, it leads to dandruff or lacklustre hair. A hair spa during pregnancy might be just what you need to lift your spirits.

Safe and Unsafe During Pregnancy

Hair treatments are safe as long as they do not involve oils that are heavily scented or known to harm the baby. Hair colours, dyes, and relaxants should be avoided as they contain unsafe chemicals (5).

Precautions You Should Take

Avail your services from a reputed spa with experts trained in prenatal spa treatments. If you’re highlighting your hair, choose ammonia-free, natural or vegetable dyes. Not all aromatic oils are good for you during this period, so select chamomile, jasmine, or spearmint for stress relief hair treatment.

FAQs

1. Is aromatherapy safe during pregnancy?

Aromatherapy can be safe if used cautiously. However, some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Stick to mild, pregnancy-safe essential oils like lavender and consult with an expert before using them (3).

2. Are there any dietary considerations for spa treatment for pregnant ladies?

While most spa treatments don’t directly involve diet, it’s wise to stay hydrated and avoid treatments that might trigger food allergies or sensitivities. Inform your spa about any dietary restrictions or allergies you have to ensure all products used are safe.

Pregnancy is a great time to pamper yourself at a spa. However, knowing what spa treatments are safe during pregnancy is crucial to ensure your comfort and your baby’s health. Always consult your doctor when in doubt.

References/Resources:

1. Pampering in pregnancy: massages, facials and spas; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/exercise-and-fitness/pampering-pregnancy-massages-facials-and-spas#

2. Can I use a sauna or hot tub early in pregnancy?; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/can-i-use-a-sauna-or-hot-tub-early-in-pregnancy

3. Guideline for Aromatherapy use in Maternity care; Aneurin Bevan University Health Board; https://wisdom.nhs.wales/health-board-guidelines/aneurin-bevan-file/guideline-for-aromatherapy-use-in-maternity-care-abuhb-ft-1088/

4. Walls. D; The Safe Use of Essential Oils; International Childbirth Education Association; https://icea.org/the-safe-use-of-essential-oils/

5. Hair Treatments; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582739/

6. Health things you should know in pregnancy; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/health-things-you-should-know-in-pregnancy/

7. Which beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy?; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/social-life/which-beauty-treatments-are-safe-during-pregnancy

8. Patel. S; Be safe when pampering yourself during pregnancy; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; https://utswmed.org/medblog/pregnancy-massages-safety/

Also Read: 

Manicure & Pedicure in Pregnancy
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe in Pregnancy?
Is it Safe to Wear Makeup during Pregnancy?
Is Taking Botox Treatment Safe when Pregnant?
Doing Hair Rebonding or Perming while Pregnant

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