Pregnancy is an amazing experience! While some embrace it, others fear the alterations that can affect their bodies during their pregnant months. So it comes as no surprise that you might want to pamper yourself to a spa treatment when you are pregnant.
With having to deal with dry, itchy skin, and the annoyance of swollen feet, a spa experience will be a welcome treat to many during these months.
Whilst those who are pregnant know that there are exercises and food that should be avoided, what about when it comes to safe spa treatments during pregnancy?
In this article, we shall take a look at 7 spa treatments that are safe to experience during pregnancy, and we shall also look at some to avoid.
So, let’s get to it.
A Facial
A facial is something that a lot of people like to carry on with when they are pregnant, especially if they are suffering from skin issues like acne.
However, whilst they are safe to do whilst pregnant, do avoid anything harsh like chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Your skin is super sensitive at this stage, so you will want to treat it with kindness, otherwise, you might find that your skin will become more painful than usual with a slower healing time – ouch!
So, look for things like a gentle scrub, or mask, and a massage will be great too! Basically, anything that isn’t going to be pumped with chemicals or scratch the skin.
Reflexology
Whether you believe it or not, it is said that certain pressure points in the hands and feet can bring on contractions which may cause labor – however, if you find a reflexologist who is trained in avoiding these areas in pregnant women, then it is safe to have this treatment.
It can help to relieve pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, so it is maybe just what you need.
You can read more about the benefits of reflexology in a blog by Amy O Mara, a Female Health Coach
Prenatal Massage
If you would really like a massage, then you will be happy to know that it is perfectly safe to have one – though, there is a but.
If you do plan to have one, always seek out a professional who deals with prenatal massages.
A regular massage may cause stress to the body, and the place where you lie will not be designed for you.
A prenatal massage requires you to lie on a pillow on your side, and the massager will know exactly how to be safe and keep you comfortable.
The position is great, allowing blood flow to the placenta and uterus, however, if you are suffering from preeclampsia or high blood pressure, always consult your Gynecologist first.
Manicure And A Pedicure
If you love to have your nails done, then you will be happy to know that it is perfectly safe to do so. So long as you avoid having a massage (it has been known to induce labor), then it will be fine.
The other thing to be aware of is to avoid chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl-phthalate.
There are many brands that offer safe alternatives on the market.
Leg Treatment
It’s not surprising at all that you may want to seek out a leg treatment.
Fluid retention in the legs is a common issue during pregnancy, so having a leg treatment will relieve any discomfort you might be experiencing.
A ‘tired leg’ massage will target the area, and may even do the feet too, though proceed with caution in the latter.
Again, if you can, seek a professional out who deals with pregnant women. This way, you will know that the treatment is as safe as it possibly can be.
However, if you have noticed some varicose veins appearing during pregnancy, make sure the massage isn’t too harsh. These may disappear a few months after delivery.
Body Scrub
A body scrub is a lovely way to stimulate the blood through your body and to keep the skin super smooth.
Making sure that oxygen is flowing through the blood is vital for a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Remember that your skin is extra sensitive, so go for something like a gentle sugar scrub.
Also, avoid anything that includes tarragon, mugwort, sage, wintergreen, and rosemary. All these have been known to bring on a miscarriage when used on the body.
Detoxifying ingredients are not needed and can be dangerous for the baby.
Depilation
Whether you choose to remove body hair or not, it’s totally up to you.
If you feel more comfortable doing so, or find that hair has sprouted unexpectedly (thanks to hormones), then you will be pleased to know that it is absolutely safe to remove it during pregnancy.
Waxing, threading, and shaving are completely safe. It is best to avoid something like laser treatment to remove the hair. It is likely to be a waste of money and time due to pregnancy being a cause of affecting the way your body responds to the treatment.
Do let the aesthetician know that you are pregnant, so they can not only be as gentle as possible, but they may need to pose you in a slightly different position to wax.
What Treatments To Avoid During Pregnancy
There are a few treatments to avoid when pregnant such as a sauna, a body wrap, a hot bath, and any detoxifying body scrubs, contrast hydrotherapy, essential oils, and steam rooms.
Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Final Thoughts
If you are pregnant and looking to treat yourself (alone or with family and friends) to a spa treatment, then you are in luck. There are plenty of treatments available that are super safe.
So long as you seek out a professional that deals with pregnancy, and steer clear of a few treatments, then it should be fine to take a relaxing moment to pamper yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? Make that appointment to enjoy utter bliss now.
