Pregnancy spa adapted treatments for pregnant women

Pregnancy spa: which treatments to choose during your pregnancy ?

For mothers-to-be, spa breaks can be a perfect way to take care of themselves. If you want to pamper yourself, you will find out here how the right spa treatments, such as massages, moisturising treatments or lymphatic drainage, can help you relax both physically and mentally during pregnancy. When planning your pregnancy spa day, you will also learn about all the necessary precautions one should take when it comes to preserving the health of the mum-to-be and her baby.

Pregnancy spa day: what treatments are suitable for pregnant women?

Once the first trimester of pregnancy is over, many pregnant women seek out spa treatments specially designed for their well-being. These treatments, performed by qualified therapists, provide relaxation and safety for the mother-to-be and her baby.

In fact, spa and thalassotherapy treatments can be extremely beneficial for pregnant women and, contrary to popular belief, many of them can be carried out without harming the baby. Before indulging in serious pampering and booking any treatment, expectant mothers should obtain approval from the attending physician. However, most women will be able to benefit from a wide variety of pregnancy massages, moisturising treatments, relaxation sessions or lymphatic drainage, as these treatments have been adapted to meet the specific needs of pregnant women.

What is a pregnancy massage? Physical benefits of massage and moisturising treatments

Pregnancy massages and moisturising treatments offer a multitude of benefits for the physical well-being of expectant mothers, from improving blood circulation to reducing pain.

• Prenatal massage: This is one of the most popular spa treatments for pregnant women. Performed by therapists trained to treat expectant mothers, this gentle, soothing massage relieves muscle pain and offers deep relaxation. These massages are specially designed to avoid excessive pressure on the stomach and foetus.

• Moisturising care: During pregnancy, the skin becomes more sensitive and can be prone to dryness. Moisturisers specially formulated for pregnant women provide deep hydration while remaining safe for both mum-to-be and baby by not using essential oils, for example. These treatments help prevent itching and preserve the skin's elasticity, helping to reduce stretch marks.

• Lymphatic drainage: This is a gentle technique designed to reduce the feeling of heavy legs often experienced during pregnancy. It promotes lymphatic circulation, which helps to minimise fluid retention and relieve the discomfort associated with blood vessel pressure. However, it is essential to plan a medical consultation before using this treatment to ensure its suitability depending on your situation.

The mental benefits of pregnancy spa breaks

Spa treatments during pregnancy are not only beneficial from a physical point of view, but they also have a profoundly positive impact on the mental well-being of pregnant women, as well as many other benefits.

Prenatal massages are renowned for their ability to soothe the mind, promote relaxation and release endorphins, and can greatly reduce the stress associated with being pregnant. Relaxation rituals or prenatal yoga, for their part, are recommended to improve sleep quality by supporting muscular and mental relaxation. Meditation and deep breathing can also be incorporated into the sessions, creating a space for reflection and allowing the mother to connect with her unborn child.

Why can't pregnant women go in hot tubs or enjoy the sauna and steam room?

During pregnancy, it's essential to take certain precautions when it comes to spa treatments. Some of them, such as the sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, are strongly discouraged, if not prohibited, due to the potential risks of overheating. As a matter of fact, heat can generate stress for both the mother and her unborn baby. Using specific essential oils can also be dangerous during pregnancy. They should therefore be avoided, whatever the prenatal treatment.

Before planning a spa treatment during pregnancy, make sure to book an appointment with your doctor. Your health professional will be able to give you specific advice on the treatments that are right for you. In some spas or thalassos, on-site doctors or therapists will be able to answer any questions you may have.

How do I choose a spa treatment during pregnancy?

Spa treatments during pregnancy must be adapted to the mother-to-be and her unborn baby. That's why the most important criteria are trust and personalisation.

It is therefore essential to choose a mum-to-be-friendly spa for your spa day, which will provide experienced therapists trained in treating pregnant women. The staff must be familiar with the necessary precautions and appropriate techniques to guarantee the safety and well-being of expectant mothers.

When booking your spa day, please feel free to discuss your specific needs and concerns, and ask questions about the different treatments and how suitable they are for pregnant women. The therapists will have answers to all your questions so that you can enjoy your treatment in complete serenity.

How to make the most out of your spa experience during pregnancy

To make the most of your spa experience during pregnancy, consider incorporating gentle complementary activities into your wellness routine. Prenatal yoga is an excellent option that will allow you to strengthen your body. It will also help you to improve your posture, relieve common aches and pains and help you relax. It can be adapted to your stage of pregnancy and is an excellent way to prepare for childbirth.

Swimming is another activity that goes very well with pregnancy as it relieves pressure on the joints and helps make you feel lighter. It also improves blood circulation. 

Finally, once that baby is born, pampering yourself does not have to stop, thanks to the Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa's Mum & Baby programme, which can last from a weekend to a few days. Developed in collaboration with doula Laura Baril, a professional trained to provide emotional and practical support to mums after childbirth, the programme aims at helping new moms to adapt to their new role as parents and care for their baby. Thus, the programme offers essential support to mums to ease their transition to parenthood, creating an environment conducive to healing, well-being and mutual fulfilment.

Through this programme, personalised appointments can be made with the doula. It also allows you to benefit from well-being sessions, a nutrition appointment, as well as spa and thalasso treatments. These special mother-baby sessions aim to strengthen the bond between you and your newborn baby, while encouraging relaxation and postnatal recovery.

FAQ

Can you go to a spa when pregnant?

Yes, a pregnant woman can go to the spa. However, special precautions must be taken. After the first trimester of pregnancy and with the agreement of their doctor, expectant mothers can enjoy specially adapted spa treatments, such as prenatal massages, moisturising treatments and lymphatic drainage, which offer deep relaxation and comfort while looking after the well-being of both mother and baby. It is important to choose reputable spa facilities, communicate openly with therapists and follow medical recommendations for a pleasant and relaxing spa experience.

Why are certain spa treatments forbidden to pregnant women? 

Certain spa treatments are forbidden to pregnant women because they may be unsafe for both mother and baby. For example, treatments such as saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis, by exposing the body to high temperatures, can cause hyperthermia and increase the risk of complications for the foetus. What's more, certain essential oils used in spa treatments can be harmful to pregnant women. It is therefore essential to follow medical recommendations and choose treatments specifically designed for expectant mothers, thus guaranteeing their well-being and safety during pregnancy.

Where can I enjoy spa treatments during pregnancy? 

To enjoy your spa break during pregnancy in complete safety, make sure to choose a pregnancy-friendly spa which will have treatments specifically designed for pregnant women. Many hotels and thalassotherapy centres, such as the Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa , offer treatments specially designed for pregnant women, as well as a Mum & Baby programme to support women in their new, post-pregnancy life as a parent.

Why can't you have a hot bath when pregnant?

There are several reasons why you should avoid taking a hot bath while pregnant. Firstly, exposing your body to high temperatures, such as that of a hot tub, can increase the risk of hyperthermia, which can be harmful to the developing baby. In addition, hot baths can cause a drop in blood pressure, sometimes leading to dizziness and potentially dangerous falls for the mother-to-be. Finally, staying in a hot bath for a long time can lead to dehydration, which can be even more dangerous during pregnancy.