There are conflicting opinions about thermal spas during pregnancy: some say you can go, but never in the first trimester, while others recommend them.
Let’s try to understand together what’s best to do, whether to visit a spa during pregnancy or avoid pools and whirlpools.
Can pregnant women go to thermal spas?
Pregnancy is a period that brings many changes, both physical and emotional, we know that.
Among the many pieces of advice received during this time, many refer to wellness and tranquility.
And what could be more relaxing than a day at the thermal spa? But is it safe for a pregnant woman to go to the spa? The answer is yes, but with some precautions.
What can you do at the thermal spa during pregnancy?
Thermal spas can offer many beneficial activities for pregnant women.
Balneotherapy, which consists of soaking in water at a temperature between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, can be very relaxing and help relieve the weight of the belly and pressure on the back.
Thermal water is also rich in minerals and has therapeutic properties that can help counter digestive and gastric disorders.
Additionally, walking in pools at different temperatures, a practice known as the Kneipp, can bring relief to swelling, heavy legs, and broken capillaries.
When to avoid thermal spas during pregnancy?
Despite the benefits, there are some times and conditions when it’s better to avoid thermal spas during pregnancy.
In the first place, during the first three months of pregnancy.
Secondly, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or suffer from specific illnesses, you should consult your gynecologist before going to the spa.
Finally, some spa activities, such as whirlpool baths, should be avoided or limited in duration.
Why can’t pregnant women go to thermal spas?
As we’ve understood, it’s not that pregnant women can’t go to thermal spas, but rather that some spa activities might pose risks to the health of the mother and fetus.
For example, temperatures that are too high can cause hyperthermia (like having a fever), a dangerous increase in body temperature.
Additionally, the whirlpool could cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which is dangerous for both.
Why can’t you use the whirlpool during pregnancy?
Whirlpool use during pregnancy isn’t completely forbidden, but should be done with caution.
The duration of the whirlpool session shouldn’t exceed 10 minutes, and the belly shouldn’t be exposed to direct jets, which could be too powerful.
The direct jet can instead be directed at the legs, ankles, back, and cervical area.
As we mentioned, you need to be very careful about potential blood pressure changes, which can cause potentially dangerous falls.
What to avoid at thermal spas during pregnancy?
Thermal mud treatments can be done, but it’s better to avoid applying them to the whole body, particularly on the abdomen.
Additionally, it’s better to avoid specific treatments including:
- Sauna and Turkish bath (caused by excessively high temperatures)
- Treatments and massages with essential oils (can cause nausea and discomfort)
- Thalassotherapy
- Salt room (can have negative effects on metabolism and thyroid)
- Sensory paths (vapor inhalation could pose a risk to the fetus)
- Melmarium
- Calidarium
As always, the best thing is to consult your gynecologist before going to the thermal spa.
Why avoid high temperatures?
Sauna and Turkish bath can pose a risk to the health of the mother-to-be and the fetus due to high temperatures.
These can cause a series of problems, including:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Fainting
- Dehydration
- Circulatory disorders
- Urinary tract infections
- Loss of milk during breastfeeding
We are with you.
At Parentalife, we are committed to providing guides, courses and personalized consultations to help people navigate various aspects of pregnancy and parenthood.
We know that every pregnancy is unique and that every woman needs personalized information and advice.
SOURCES
Chambers CD. Risks of hyperthermia associated with hot tub or spa use by pregnant women. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2006 Aug;76(8):569-73. doi: 10.1002/bdra.20303. PMID: 16998815.