Going to a spa while pregnant
Part of the Spabreaks.com Guides
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey as well as a time of great change - physically, emotionally, and practically. Taking the time to enjoy its different stages and take care of your wellbeing, from skin changes to tired feet, is essential. A spa day is a wonderful way to do all of that, but it’s important that you find the right experience for you. Not all spa experiences are suitable for expectant mothers, and equally there are lots of treatments, therapies, and facilities that will help to maximise a spa day or break for mums-to-be. This guide will help you navigate the dos and don'ts, so you can enjoy a safe and soothing spa experience during pregnancy.
Can you use a spa when pregnant?
Yes. Many spas offer treatments specifically designed for pregnant women, ensuring both safety and relaxation. However, it’s essential to choose the right treatments and, where necessary, consult with your doctor before booking. Most spas will also ask you to fill out a health questionnaire to ensure the treatments you choose are recommended for you during pregnancy. Always tell your spa therapist if you are pregnant before your treatment. Generally spas will recommend that you avoid treatments and hot facilities in your first trimester, unless specified otherwise.
What spa treatments are safe when pregnant?
With more emphasis on baby showers and dedicated pregnancy spa treatments, the world of spa offers more experiences tailored to mums-to-be than ever before. The key recommendation is to look for spa treatments that are described as pregnancy spa treatments or prenatal spa treatments. Most spas will offer treatments to pregnant women after the first trimester, such as:
Prenatal massages: Typically using light pressure and products that have been tested for safety during pregnancy, prenatal massages are specially designed for mums-to-be.
Prenatal facials: Dedicated pregnancy facials can help rejuvenate your skin and address pregnancy-related skin changes.
Prenatal scrubs and wraps: Dedicated prenatal scrubs and wraps are gentler than standard treatments, and can help to relax the body and rejuvenate the skin.
Manicures and pedicures: Standard manicures and pedicures are generally considered safe during all phases of pregnancy.
What spa treatments should you avoid when pregnant?
The following are not recommended for any stage of your pregnancy:
Hot stone massages: Any deep tissue massage is generally not recommended during pregnancy, that includes hot stone massages both because of the intensity and the added heat.
Saunas and steam rooms: High temperatures are not considered safe during pregnancy.
Aromatherapy: While some essential oils are relaxing in pregnancy, others are not confirmed to be safe, so it’s important to make sure your therapist knows you are pregnant before your treatment.
Intense body wraps or scrubs: These may be too harsh for your skin and body during pregnancy.
Hot tubs: The intense heat is not recommended during pregnancy.
Spa days while pregnant - Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a pregnancy spa break?
Pregnancy is the perfect time for a relaxing spa experience, but it’s important to choose the right treatments and experiences for your changing body. With the right precautions, you can enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating day at the spa. Ready to unwind? Book your pregnancy spa day or babymoon spa break now to pamper yourself.
Pregnancy spa day recommendations
COMO Shambhala prenatal massage at COMO Metropolitan Hotel
A specialised 75-minute treatment for mums to be, using specially designed support cushions to hold your bump. COMO Metropolitan London’s own highly qualified therapists created the treatment, which has its roots in Balinese techniques. The Prenatal Massage is a specially designed treatment suitable for all stages of pregnancy after the first trimester, and includes a footbath, full body massage and relaxing facial massage. Pregnancy support cushions are used throughout to ensure total comfort.
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Pregnancy Massage at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa
A special massage for mums-to-be (over three months pregnant), this pregnancy spa treatment at Pennyhill Park is designed to calm, ease feelings of discomfort and relax both mum and baby. First they make you comfortable. Then they massage your lower back, legs and arms using a relaxing pregnancy oil. For added comfort, especially in your third trimester you can also choose from their pillow menu, which includes pregnancy, cool and microfibre pillows.
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Mother Gaia at Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall
Available as either a 60 minute or 90 minute experience, Mother Gaia at Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall in Devon, is a beautifully gentle, relaxing treatment that’s perfect during and after pregnancy. The nurturing treatment exfoliates the back and is followed by a specifically designed massage focusing on alleviating muscular aches on stressed areas, helping you to feel relaxed and restored.
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