How Safe Are Spa Treatments in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy Safety

Obie Editorial Team

Pregnancy is a great time to get pampered. Spa treatments can alleviate many of the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. Most spa treaments are safe and the results are soothing. There are also those treatments that can be more painful than before becoming pregnant, and some that are just a bad idea. Spa treatments that could increase your temperature too much are potentially dangerous and should be avoided. If there are any concerns it is best to get the approval of your physician before receiving any treatments.

Types of Spa Treatments

Hair removal
The eyebrows and bikini line can be shaped up with different types of treatments. Hair removal on the upper lip, legs and other parts of the body where unwanted hair grows can be treated also. Safe treatments for hair removal during pregnancy are waxing and electrolysis. With these treatments, because the skin may be more sensitive than before becoming pregnant, it may be more painful. During pregnancy it is best to avoid bleaches and depilatories. There have not been enough studies on the affects of the possibility of the chemicals being absorbed into the system.

Facials
Spa facials can help to treat the more common skin complications associated with pregnancy. Acne, itching, rashes and stretch marks are the more common of all skin problems. Caution needs to be taken as pregnancy hormones can cause many changes in the skin and may become more sensitive. Testing the products on an area that is inconspicuous will let you know whether or not there will be any irritation.

Heat Treatments
Mud bath, hot wax, and seaweed wrap use sometimes too much heat during the processing and should be avoided if they potentially elevate your body temperature. Hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms also are heated treatments that are also heat treatments. If exposed to temperatures well over 100 degrees then  these treatments can potentially cause the internal body temperature to increase to above 100.7°F. Temperatures above 100.7°F can be dangerous for both mother and child. Increased blood pressure and dehydration can restrict the blood flow to the child.

Consulting your physician with any questions or concerns is always best.