Spa Treatments During Pregnancy: What you can and cannot do

When you're pregnant, one of the most appealing things you can think of is a relaxing spa day and massage to ease your aching and changing body.

As someone who was recently pregnant and navigated the spa during this time, I am here to teach you what to expect at the spa: what you can look forward to and what you may have to pass on.

Ultimately, it will be up to your esthetician's discretion on what services they feel comfortable providing & the training they have received, so be sure to let the spa know when you book your pregnancy status.

Pro Tip: Let the spa know when you book your pregnancy status. They will likely ask you what trimester of pregnancy you are in.

Treatments by Type

Facials

• The facialist will adjust their treatment for pregnancy. Many gentle facials are safe in pregnancy, including hydrating facials, gentle cleansing and exfoliation (such as dermaplaning)

  • Add-ons such as facial steam, most face masks, and ice globes are okay in pregnancy.

  • Most gentle chemical peels such as glycolic acid are okay to use on skin

  • Natural and organic products are preferred for skin (although some essential oils could cause a reaction or sensitivity)

• What you cannot get: Microdermabrasion and any abrasive facial lasers, this is because your skin is more susceptible to discoloration (such as Melasma) due to hormonal fluctuations.

  • Most injectables: neurotoxins, filler, etc. are not indicated in pregnancy and nursing (many med-spa treatments should be avoided)

  • Add-ons: such as high frequency should be avoided in pregnancy due to insufficient studies understanding the potential risks they can pose.

Massage

• Go ahead and book: That prenatal massage. Make sure the provider has had training in prenatal massage. They often come in different durations, often 30, 60, or 90 minutes of pregnancy bliss for those aches and pains.

  • How is prenatal massage different? As you know, a standard massage is often face-down on a massage table. Since this isn't possible, a pregnancy message often involves lying on your side on a treatment table under a blanket. The provider will work on your back, side, and front, and then have you flip over onto your other side to repeat the process.

    • The prenatal massage may use more gentle manipulation than a standard massage. The provider may advise to avoid certain areas of the body.

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage may be provided during pregnancy when performed by a trained provider. This is a great option to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

• Avoid: Deep tissue massages, hot stone massages, and any massages that require lying on your stomach.

• Controversial: Reflexology massage of the feet. Some providers will refuse to provide this service, and others will. Some people believe that manipulating certain points of the feet during pregnancy can induce labor, but there are no studies to prove or disprove this claim. Personally, a foot rub during pregnancy is something I really enjoyed and did not run into any issues, but you should always ask your doctor.

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Other

• Okay to enjoy:

  • Salt rooms and caves

  • Body scrubs and most body treatments

  • Manicures and pedicures

  • Head spas

• Avoid:

  • Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs (any external heat sources)

  • Infrared saunas

  • Certain products (discussed below)

Skincare Ingredients to Ask About

Even if a facial is labeled “gentle,” ingredient awareness matters.

Common ingredients to ask about or avoid include:

• Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives)

• High-dose salicylic acid

• Certain essential oil

Bottom Line

• Check with your doctor before booking any treatments to make sure they are right for you

• Notify the spa when you book to ensure they provide the appropriate services and products

• Avoid too much heat. Remember that treatment beds are often heated and it is important that you speak up if you need the temperature turned down, or prefer to turn it off

• Remember for facials that you'll be lying on your back for a period of time, so make sure you're comfortable doing that

• Relax and enjoy your well deserved spa treatment!