Between your swollen feet, aching back and dry, itchy skin, there’s never a time you’ll need a spa day more than when you’re pregnant. But is going to the spa safe for moms-to-be? The good news is, yes! However, timing and treatment choices matter. Consult your OB/GYN before indulging, and then let the relaxation begin.
Safe Spa Treatments During Pregnancy
Body Scrubs
Perks: Indulging in body scrubs is a delightful way to enhance circulation throughout your body. The gentle exfoliation stimulates a constant flow of oxygen and nutrients, supporting overall well-being for both you and your baby. The exfoliation also stimulates increased collagen and elastin production in your skin, offering a potential defense against stretch marks.
Precautions: Opt for sugar-based scrubs and hydrating oils to cater to your sensitive skin during pregnancy. Avoid aggressive salt-based scrubs, and ensure any oils used are fragrance-free to prevent any adverse reactions.
Prenatal Massage
Perks: Enhance circulation, ease swelling, relieve back pain, and improve mood, providing a moment of relaxation and comfort.
Precautions: Choose a licensed massage therapist experienced in prenatal massage. Ensure the massage is tailored for soon-to-be moms, optimizing blood flow back to the uterus and placenta. Avoid massage and reflexology on hands and feet, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or certain medical conditions.
Facial Treatments
Perks: Enjoy a calming and hydrating facial to address common pregnancy skin concerns. A well-chosen facial treatment can illuminate your skin, providing relief from issues like acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation.
Precautions: Avoid harsh treatments like microdermabrasion and opt for gentle exfoliating scrubs and enzyme masks. Ensure all products used are toxin-free and safe for both you and your baby.
Manicures and Pedicures
Perks: Manicures and Pedicures are a fantastic way to ensure you have great-looking nails in the photos of you holding your baby for the first time.
Precautions: Use "three-free" nail polishes for a touch of glamour without harmful chemicals. While acrylics are generally safe, consider skipping them due to the chemicals involved. Ensure you choose a salon that maintains high hygiene standards and avoids excessive foot and hand massages, which can potentially induce labor.
Hair Removal
Perks: Experience the benefits of safe and temporary hair removal with waxing and threading during pregnancy. Enjoy smooth skin and shaped eyebrows without compromising your well-being.
Precautions: Postpone laser hair removal until after delivery due to unpredictable outcomes during pregnancy.
Spa Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
Sauna and Heat Treatments
Avoid overheating by steering clear of sauna, hot tubs, steam rooms, and body wraps. Elevated body temperature can pose risks to your baby's development.
Body Contouring Procedures
During pregnancy, it's advisable to avoid body contouring procedures like BodySculp, EmSlim, and CoolSculpting. These treatments involve various technologies designed to reshape the body, but their safety during pregnancy has not been established. The physiological changes that occur during this time make it essential to prioritize the well-being of both the expectant mother and the baby.
Injectable Fillers and Neurotoxins
Avoid injectable fillers and neurotoxins, such as BOTOX, during pregnancy. These treatments involve substances with unknown effects on the developing fetus.
Most Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are beauty treatments that involve the application of chemical solutions to the skin, aiming to exfoliate and improve its texture. However, during pregnancy, it is generally advised to avoid most chemical peels. The reason lies in the potential absorption of certain chemical compounds, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid which are commonly used in chemical peels.
Laser Treatments
The primary concern with laser treatments during pregnancy is the potential absorption of laser energy by the developing fetus. While the extent of this absorption is still a topic of research, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid non-essential laser procedures during this delicate period.
Pregnancy Safe Treatments Offered at HydrateGLo
- Baby Belly Facial
- Pregnancy Facial
- Pregnancy IV
- Body Scrub
- Scalp Treatment
- Mommy-To-Be Half Day Spa Day
- Mommy-To-Be Full Day Spa Day
