If there was ever a time you needed an indulgent day at the spa, pregnancy is definitely it. Unfortunately, not all spa treatments are actually safe for pregnancy, whether it’s due to the product used during the treatment, the technique of the therapist, or even the positioning of your pregnant body. In this article we will help you decide which treatments are safe during pregnancy but remember to always consult your doctor before receiving any type of treatment.
Body Treatments
Benefits: Body treatments are extremely relaxing, cleansing, and detoxifying for the skin. Think of a body treatment as a facial for your whole body! These treatments include exfoliation, which deep cleans and detoxifies the body with a moisturizing finish. A body treatment will make your skin look and feel great. It’s smoother, softer and healthier because of added nutrients.
Safety: Body treatments are generally not safe while pregnant. Most body treatments are detoxifying in nature — and you don’t want that when you’re growing another human inside you. Even treatments that aren’t detoxifying, like nut or sugar scrubs followed by a simple body moisturizer, aren’t recommended during pregnancy because you can be really slippery after which can lead to a fall.
Massages
Benefits: A massage is a relaxing and refreshing way to escape the stresses of life, both mental and physical. Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy and can help you reduce stress hormones in your body, loosen your muscles and increase blood flow.
Safety: Prenatal massages are generally considered safe after the first trimester, as long as you get the green light from your practitioner and you let your massage therapist know you’re pregnant.
Facials
Benefits: Facials are great for self care and can do wonders for your skin, from cleansing skin to promoting collagen production to exfoliating dead skin cells.
Safety: Most facials are totally safe for pregnancy unless it includes a peel, which can have chemicals, like salicylic acid, that can be harmful to your fetus. Make sure you find out about all the possible products that may be used in a facial before getting treatment.
Manicures and Pedicures
Benefits: Getting your nails or toes done makes you look and feel pretty. When you’re bloated or uncomfortable, which can happen often during pregnancy, these services can really lift your spirits. They’re short and usually an inexpensive option.
Safety: It is recommended to avoid acrylics or powder dips as they’re highly toxic. It’s been proven that nail technicians who perform these services on a regular basis and do not wear PPE (N95 masks) have a higher incidence of lung problems. We suggest not taking the risk.
It is important to ask both your doctor and spa technician a lot of questions. You just need to check that all the products and treatments are pregnancy-approved. Then you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself.