Healthy Spa Visits for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy can be a perfect time for a pampering trip to the spa. The relaxation and enjoyment provided by safe spa treatments can be great for you and your baby. Several spa treatments are safe even beneficial during pregnancy, while others may make you ill, cause harm to the baby, or possibly induce labor.

Massage

A gentle body massage during the first six to eights months of a pregnancy is generally safe. The spa you visit should offer a prenatal massage treatment by a trained therapist who has experience with pregnant women. They should have a table that accommodates a pregnant body or have supporting pillows. By the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy it is not safe to lie on your back for too long. Some spas have a special table with a cutout so you can comfortably and safely lay face down or you can safely lay on your left side. Some essential oils used in massage may trigger labor or cause nausea. Lavender, rose, lemon, and eucalyptus are generally considered safe. Massage during the last weeks of pregnancy may induce labor. Massage is, in fact, one of activities doctors recommend to women who are overdue to speed up the labor process.

Manicure or Pedicure

A manicure or pedicure can be a safe spa treatment while you are pregnant provided you take a few precautions. Deep tissue massage of the hands and feet can trigger labor. Brief gentle massage with lotion is safe. While a manicure and pedicure with pretty nail polish may give you a morale boost, many nail polishes and polish removers include harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toulene. Some of the better nail polish brands don't include these chemicals, and if you want painted nails you should bring your own safe polish. You may also wish to bring your own instruments to avoid any chance of infection or make sure the spa instruments are freshly sterilized. A manicure and/or pedicure should be done in a well ventilated area. You want to minimize your exposure to the fumes, so skip these treatments if it means sitting a crowded fume-filled area.

Facials

A cleansing facial can be a great relaxing spa treatment during pregnancy. The changes caused by fluctuating hormones can cause dry, oily, or acne prone skin and a comforting facial can be a great mood booster. Avoid chemicals peels, hair removal treatments such as waxing or electrolysis, botox injections, or bleaching the upper lip during pregnancy. Any of these treatments may expose you or your baby to harmful chemicals.

Exfoliating Scrubs, Wraps, Saunas, and Tanning Beds

An gentle sea salt scrub is great for exfoliating and rejuvenating skin. You may need to avoid having the skin on your belly treated because the newly stretched skin can be extremely sensitive and prone to irritation. Anything that raises you body temperature can be dangerous, so wraps, sauna, tanning beds, hot tubs, and mud baths are not recommended during pregnancy.

A trip to the spa can be a great rejuvenating experience for a pregnant woman. Some spa treatments that are safe during pregnancy include massage, manicure, pedicure, facials, and sea salt scrubs. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to any chemicals and any treatments that raise body temperature.

Sources:

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/807069.htm

http://blogs.babiesonline.com/pregnancy/spa-treatments-for-pregnant-women/