Pregnancy is a perfect time to take advantage of spa treatments, even for women who haven’t enjoyed the benefits of spas before. During the prenatal period, hormonal, physical and emotional changes can all cause pregnant women to feel in need in some tender loving care. And there’s no better place than a spa for soothing sore muscles and bringing out a pregnant woman’s natural glow. With a few precautions, spa visits can be an important part of a woman’s pregnancy routine.
Chemicals
Scented chemicals can trigger nausea in some patients. Clients should alert their therapists if their stomachs began to feel queasy. Most chemicals used in skin treatments, for instance sugar and dead sea salt scrubs or flower based lotions, are plant based and can be safely used during pregnancy.
However, essential oils applied directly to the skin should be used with care since they’re more concentrated. Absorbed by the skin, they can enter the blood circulation. Oils safely used in pregnancy include rose, eucalyptus, lemon, mandarin, sandalwood, ylang ylang, frankincense, and lavender. In general, flower essences are considered safer than herbal oils. Even with approved oils it’s important to avoid extensive skin contact, especially in the first trimester.
It’s also important to avoid bleaching agents or depilatory chemicals used for hair removal. Waxing is considered safe, and both eyebrow and bikini waxes are considered safe during pregnancy. However, changes in body chemistry can cause waxing to be more painful in pregnancy.
The application of permanent makeup isn’t recommended during pregnancy because studies on the absorption of chemicals used in these procedures are lacking. The same goes for tooth whitening procedures, which should be postponed until after delivery.
Studies on hair coloring are also lacking, but the gentler chemicals used today are considered safe if used after the first trimester. Manicures and pedicures are considered safe during pregnancy as long as the room is well ventilated. One precaution is to be aware of changes that can occur when the feet and legs are massaged during pedicures. In reflexology, massaging certain pressure points on the foot may trigger contractions or preterm labor.
Facials and Body Wraps
Pregnancy can cause a number of skin changes, including stretch marks, rashes and acne. The skin can also become more sensitive to chemicals, especially early in pregnancy. While plant-based chemicals, such as milk and aloe wraps, are considered safe, it’s best to test these products on a small area of skin first to check for hypersensitivity reactions.
Pregnancy can take a toll on the skin making dry skin oily and puffy. Facials are excellent therapies for deep cleaning the skin and gently increasing circulation.
Heat
Treatments and procedures employing heat such as mud baths, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, hot wax used over large areas, and heated seaweed wraps should be avoided. These can raise body temperature, causing hyperthermia, and adversely affect both the mother and baby. Hydrotherapy using warm water and also warm baths are considered safe as long as the temperature doesn’t exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hyperthermia refers to an abnormally high body temperature. Normal body temperature averages about 98.6oF (37 C). In pregnancy, a body temperature of at least 101F (38.3oC) can be of concern. However, most studies haven’t shown a concern until your temperature reaches 102oF (38.9oC) or higher for extended periods.
Massage
Massage is ideal for reducing lower back pain, eliminating swelling, and relaxing tired muscles. Mary Jane Minchin, MD, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University school of medicine and the author of A Woman's Guide to Sexual Health emphasizes that attention must be given to positioning during the massage. After around 18 weeks of pregnancy, clients shouldn't lie flat on their backs since the heavy uterus may compress a large blood vessel called the vena cava, causing a precipitous drop in blood pressure.
The best massage tables for use during pregnancy have a cutout for the belly. Alternately, the belly can be propped with pillows or a massage chair can be used. Massage of the abdomen or breasts should be avoided since these manipulations can cause contractions. If strong contractions arise during massage, let your therapist know and avoid massaging the affected area. When scheduling your massage be sure to request a therapist with special training or certification in prenatal massage.
Exercise
Exercise during pregnancy is generally considered safe if it doesn’t raise the heart rate to high levels. Stretching exercises, walking, mild yoga and tai chi are generally considered safe whereas high impact aerobics or heavy weight lifting should be avoided.
Source
Questions and Answers, Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education News, The March of Dimes Association, 2007, accessed Feb 10, 2009.
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