Pregnancy and Spas: What you need to know (Heather, December 9, 2006)

LetsGoSpa has gotten requests for this info in this past, but until now we never had any first hand experience with pregnancy and spas.  Shortly after moving to New York City , I became pregnant.  What better place to be pregnant than in NYC where there’s an abundance of spas, many with services that cater to pregnant women.  Now that I’m in my 3^rd trimester and have had several different spa experiences while pregnant, I thought I would let you know the essentials…

Keep Your Body Temperature Below 103 degrees.  Unfortunately, this means you have to avoid the amenities of the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi while pregnant.  If the jacuzzi temperature is below 103 degrees, then you are free to enjoy it.  Even if it is above 103, you can still put your legs and feet in.  Just avoid prolonged exposure that will raise your body temp (less than 10 minutes).

Avoid Essential Oils.  There is no scientific evidence, but there have been claims that essential oils that are absorbed into the bloodstream can cause premature labor.

The Treatments Essentials.

Facials:  This treatment can be enjoyed at anytime during your pregnancy.  Up through 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is okay to lie flat on your back.  However, after 20 weeks, you should really be on a reclined table.  I experienced a facial in my 1^st trimester at the Bellagio in Las Vegas lying flat on my back and was fine.  But during week 26 of my 2^nd trimester, I had a facial at the Red & White Spa in Soho and became uncomfortable during the treatment.  I had to ask for the table to be reclined upward to its max and for two pillows to put underneath my back and legs.

Body Scrubs:  I had a couple scrubs during my 1st trimester, at the Equinox Spa in NYC and the Bellagio in Las Vegas and enjoyed both.  After 20 weeks of pregnancy I wouldn’t recommend this service if you’re going to be lying flat on your back.  I also had to make sure that the exfoliating ingredients did not include essential oils.

Wraps:  I have chosen not to get body wraps during my pregnancy, for a couple reasons.  One, you’re lying wrapped up and flat on your back for at least 20 minutes and can’t move.  Add to this the excess heat from the wrap and it could make for a very uncomfortable situation.

Manicures & Pedicures:  There has been talk about whether or not these services are safe during pregnancy due to the fumes from the nail polish.  I have gotten several manicures and pedicures at various nail spas in NYC and haven’t had any problems.  Just make sure that the spas are well ventilated and clean.  You may want to bring your own tools or have brand new tools provided for you as they do at the Dashing Diva in NYC.  The last thing you want during an already uncomfortable pregnancy is to contract a fungus.

Waxing:  I am a loyal waxer and will never return to the razor, so luckily waxing is still safe while you’re pregnant.  However, I will warn you that I’ve become more susceptible to ingrown and infected hairs due to the excess skin folding when I sit.  I use a salt scrub, Tend Skin and alcohol to treat.

Pre-natal Massage:  Most spas only allow this treatment in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters.  It has been known to heighten the nausea and vomiting that many women suffer through in the 1^st trimester.  I did have a massage at Exhale Spa in NYC while I was only 5 weeks pregnant and experienced no problems.  But it was before my “morning” sickness came on strong.

Pre-natal massages should never be performed while lying flat on your back or belly.  Some massage tables are contoured for you to lie flat on your belly.  But almost none of the spas I’ve been to had this type of table, including the Peninsula in Chicago, Setai in Miami and Cornelia Day Resort, Great Jones Spa and Lather Spa in NYC.  At all of these spas, I was lying on my side on either a flat or reclined table with plenty of pillows supporting my entire body.  I actually enjoy this much more than lying flat on my stomach with an uncomfortable face cradle that causes my nose to drip and marks on my face when I get up.  Perhaps after I give birth I will request to lie on my side from now on! 

Other than the positioning, the pre-natal is very similar to a non-pregnancy massage.  All parts of your body are massaged one side at a time.  The one exception is your belly; the therapist should never touch your belly.  Another thing to note is that pre-natal massage requires a specially licensed therapist.  So make sure to book your appointment in advance since these therapists are harder to come by.

Edamame:  The Maternity Spa.  They say that New York has something for everyone and it’s true for pregnant women.  Edamame is located within Destination Maternity on Madison Ave at 57^th Street in Manhattan .  So after you finish your shopping for Maternity clothes at stores like Pea in the Pod, Mimi and Motherhood, treat yourself to a relaxing massage or facial designed especially for pregnant women.  You can also bring your non-pregnant shopping buddy as the spa offers regular services as well.  One more thing – Destination Maternity is the ideal place to bring your husband to shop.  They have leather chairs, a flat screen TV, free internet and complimentary beverages right outside the dressing rooms!

There’s also a Destination Maternity/Edamame in White Plains , NY .  I did experience a pre-natal massage there and they had a table contoured for the belly.  However, I felt it put too much pressure on my belly and opted to lie on my side instead.  It was nice to have the back support while lying on my side since the table was contoured.  The pre-natal therapist there was probably the best I’ve had since she really dug into my back to relieve my built up stress.

Spa experiences may have differing effects on different women; I'm giving you my perspective. If you are pregnant and considering going to a spa, please be sure to inform them you are pregnant, ask questions and do your own research on the safety of spa services.  Bottom line, enjoy yourself. This is probably the time in your life when you deserve relaxation the most!