Safe Spa Treatments for the Expecting Mom

Whatever spa treatment you are considering while pregnant, do not hesitate to get in contact with your physician if you have any concerns or questions to which spa treatments are safe. Here are some of the safe treatments along with some of the unsafe spa treatments that are available today.

Getting your eyebrows and bikini line waxed during pregnancy is safe. However, your skin may be a little more sensitive now that you're pregnant. The hair removal process may be a little more painful now that you are pregnant. Always avoid bleaches and hair removal creams as these may be absorbed through the skin. The skin goes through several changes during pregnancy such as, rashes, stretch marks, itchiness and acne. Facials and mud masks are relatively safe for pregnant women. However, it is always best if you test the product on a small area of your skin to make sure that there is no irritation. Coco Butter and pure vitamin E Oil have been known to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It is wise to avoid heated treatments such as, sauna baths, hot tubs, hot mud baths and hot seaweed wraps as this will raise your body temperature and could be dangerous for you and the fetus. Avoid steam rooms as well, this will raise your body temperature and will cause fluid loss and dehydration and can be detrimental towards the fetus.

Massages are relatively safe for pregnant women as long as after the first trimester you do not lay flat on the back, this can cause pressure on the vena cava and the pregnant mom can have a sever drop in blood pressure. If you are going in for messages, make sure that you are propped up or lying on your side. There are some pressure points in the arms and legs that can induce labor and these areas should be avoided. Ask your message therapist about this before the message.

Pedicures and manicures are safe during pregnancy, as long as there is no artificial acrylic use; these chemicals are not good for the fetus, as you will breathe them in during their application. If your desire is to get just a regular pedicure or manicure with nail polish, this is okay for both mother and baby. Any use of acrylic should be avoided.

Tanning beds are a big issue, some women will say that they did it and it is okay. However, there is no evidence that tanning beds can harm the fetus, but there is overwhelming evidence from the FDA that the UV rays from the tanning bed causes cancer.

You should never use any aromatherapy oils at all during pregnancy. Although, there is no real evidence that they are harmful, but remember that you will be breathing this in and there is a possibility that this can transfer to the fetus.

If you are in doubt about any of the spa treatments, please contact your health care provider and get assistance from them. Your doctor will have the answers to your questions.

References for this article came from babyandpregnancy.com and whattoexpect.com