The importance of maternal care cannot be overstated, as pregnancy can cause a lot of changes to a woman’s body. Fortunately, about 76.7 percent of pregnant women in the US receive early and adequate prenatal care which can help prevent birth defects, as well as any serious health complications for the mother. Yet this may not be enough to address the general feeling of discomfort during pregnancy which is often simply tolerated. Pregnant women may get spa treatments in order to alleviate common pregnancy symptoms such as aches and pains, or changes in skin health. However, they must ensure that these are appropriate for expecting mothers to ensure their wellbeing and safety.
Which Spa Treatments Are Safe for Pregnancy?
With all the usual discomforts experienced by women during pregnancy, it is natural that many of them may want to indulge in spa treatments to increase their sense of wellness and relaxation, to relieve stress and have better sleep, and to feel like they are pampered or being taken care of. To ensure the safety of undergoing these treatments, expecting moms must first check in with their OB-GYN so that they can receive specific guidelines from their doctor and confirm that they do not have any risk of complications. Precautions must always be taken when performing these treatments on pregnant women.
Pregnant women should limit their use of saunas because this can raise the body temperature to levels that are unsafe for the baby. On the other hand, skin, hair, and nail treatments are generally safe, as long as they avoid the use of certain chemicals that are harmful for the baby. Spas or beauty clinics that cater to pregnant women always make sure that their treatments are non-invasive, and use only organic ingredients that are proven to be safe for pregnancy. Pregnancy-safe skin treatments such as hydrating facials can help pregnant women feel relaxed and taken care of. Moreover, these treatments can make them feel more comfortable in their own skin by treating common pregnancy symptoms such as dry skin, broken capillaries, spider veins, and excessive acne caused by fluctuating hormones.
Ensuring the Safety of Prenatal Massage
Pregnant women may want to try prenatal massage therapy to relieve muscle tension, ease joint pains and swelling, reduce stress, and even improve labor outcomes. But because applying pressure on certain areas of the body may trigger contractions and premature labor, it is essential that pregnant women seek a licensed prenatal massage therapist. These trained professionals will provide special equipment and massage chairs that are specifically designed for pregnant women, and they can properly position their clients to prevent strain to the uterine ligaments. They can also watch out for important symptoms and may follow contingency protocols to ensure the safety of the procedure.
Prenatal massage therapy may not be suitable for all women, so it’s best to consult an OB-GYN before setting an appointment with a massage therapist. Women who have risk factors such as hypertension, preeclampsia, bleeding, pre-term contractions or other medical conditions are generally advised to avoid massage therapy. And while the American Pregnancy Association says that women can safely have a massage at any point during a pregnancy, some women may prefer to practice greater precaution by avoiding it during their first trimester, which is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage.
Symptoms of discomfort are common during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean it has to be tolerated under all circumstances. There are some treatments pregnant women can have to alleviate some of their symptoms. The important thing to remember is that certain guidelines must be followed to ensure the safety of these procedures during pregnancy.
