Many women decide to take some time out from their everyday regime by attending a spa in order to help them relax, have a giggle with friends and generally prepare their body for the birth. However, before you plan your special time away, you should read our quick guide to spa treatments during pregnancy.
Where?
Before booking a spa treat, you should ensure that they are fully registered with fully qualified staff and that they have experience of treating pregnant women.
When?
If possible, you should wait until your second trimester before attending spa treatments. During this time, the risks of miscarriage or early labour are lower than before 12 weeks. You may find that some spas restrict which treatments you can have after your 32nd week of pregnancy.
Do I need to avoid any treatments?
Raising your body temperature too quickly or too much can affect your blood circulation which may restrict the blood or nutrient flow to your baby which may cause problems. A rise in your temperature can also lower your blood pressure which may cause exhaustion or dizziness. You are also more likely to suffer from dehydration if your temperature rises too quickly. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women do not have any heat treatments, these include:
- Steam rooms
- Saunas
- Tanning beds
- Hot springs
- Hot tubs
- Jacuzzis
- Whirlpools
Can I have a massage?
A massage during pregnancy is an excellent way of easing a back pain. It can also be used to help sore hips that many women suffer from during pregnancy. A massage can also be relaxing for you and help to refresh your mind and your body.
However, before you book your massage appointment, you should ensure that the masseuse has experience with pregnant clients and whether there are any specifically tailored massages for pregnant women.
If the spa is properly set up for pregnant clients, they should have a supply of extra pillows and wedges that can be used to get you and your bump comfortable. You should inform your masseuse of any twinges, painful or sensitive areas and your masseuse will be able to help you to find a comfortable position for your massage.
You will need to ensure that if you are using aromatherapy massage that your aromatherapist knows that you are pregnant and how far along you are so that she can ensure that the oils used are safe for you and your baby.
Some pregnant women find the smells of oils over-powering due to the heightened sense of smell, therefore, you may want to ask for unscented lotions and oils to be used.
Your masseuse should also be able to offer you suggestions and techniques that your birth partner could use during labour.
Other treatments
You should remember that your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy and that you skin may react differently to products that you have previously used. Your beauty therapist will be able to use products designed for sensitive skin. She may also perform a patch test before carrying out any treatments to ensure the products do not cause any reaction.
If you are having a manicure or pedicure as part of your spa treatment, you should ensure that the room is well ventilated and if possible your nail technician should use nail polish which is free of formaldehyde and toluene. These chemicals are only dangerous if you have regular contact with them but can irritate your eyes, lungs and throat and it is thought that they may cause problems for your baby. It is safe to have acrylic nails applied whilst you are pregnant although the room should be well ventilated as fumes are often released as they are applied which may cause you to feel nauseous. It is also important to remember that you may be more sensitive to having acrylic nails applied, even if you have had them done before.
Swimming is excellent for both you and your baby as long as the water is not too hot. Ensure that you take extra care getting in and out of the water.
When you attend you spa appointments, it is important that you have your hand held antenatal notes with you in case there is an emergency.
If you have any further questions about spa treatments, you should talk to your midwife or a qualified, professional and reliable spa.
by Jenny, mum to William and James
