Perhaps you are considering a morning of relaxation in a spa now that the discomfort of pregnancy is more palpable or it has even been given to you by your friends to enjoy a couple’s plan before the baby is born. But is hydrotherapy during pregnancy appropriate?
Water therapy has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for illness and injury, but has gained popularity with the development of spas. Dr. Sandra Ortega Wilkes, a gynecologist at the Vithas Castellón Hospital, tells us about its benefits and the precautions to take.
A relaxing therapy
Spas or spas are fundamentally based on hydrotherapy and temperature variation, although they are not only that, since they offer a wide range of treatments associated with mesotherapy, aromatherapy, germotherapy …
“A spa is a relaxing therapy activity that uses the mineral and medicinal properties of water.” This is how the gynecologist defines it, who highlights the importance of “achieving physical and mental relaxation in order to enjoy pregnancy.”
Among its benefits, it highlights that future moms can benefit from the relaxing properties of hydrotherapy and thus:
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By moving freely, the drainage of hand and leg edema is favored.
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The heat relaxes the lumbar muscles relieving sciatica and low back pain, reducing cramps.
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Floating in the water provides a pleasant sensation that minimizes the typical discomfort of pregnancies.
It is not contraindicated, but with precautions
Dr. Sandra Ortega explains that there is no absolute contraindication to enjoying a spa day as long as a low-risk pregnancy is carried out: that is, there is no threat of abortion, bleeding, threat of premature birth, twin pregnancy … .
But it also points out some precautions to take:
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Jets with different intensity should be avoided especially in the abdomen, since some of greater intensity could trigger uterine contractions. Although of low intensity and not very long (incapable of triggering a premature birth) it can generate discomfort and insecurity.
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Better to wait for the first trimester of pregnancy to pass. In hot environments, with high temperatures, enclosed, pregnant women suffer hypotension due to vasodilation, restricting blood flow to vital organs and therefore to the fetus.
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No saunas and Turkish baths , since the temperatures are very high. In the same way, immersion in high temperatures must also be moderate and when we talk about modeling it is to avoid very long and prolonged stays in very hot water: they should not exceed 10 minutes.
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Opt for gradual temperature changes , since sudden changes can lead to hypotension, even dizziness and cause the pregnant woman to fall.
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To prevent the appearance of vaginal and urinary infections , which are more frequent when a woman is immersed in hot water, it is advisable to change the swimsuit after leaving the spa to avoid spending time wet. It also helps to go to the bathroom to urinate frequently and to stay hydrated.
And what about massages?
There is no problem if they are relaxing massages performed by trained professionals. The most indicated are prenatal massages, specially designed for the well-being of the future mother. Like a normal massage, it aims to relax the mind and body and relieve pain, but taking into account the peculiarities and changes that occur in the pregnant woman, adapting the technique.
Thus, the prenatal masseuse will know and take into account that, during pregnancy, the center of gravity shifts, causing the neck, back and shoulders to be subjected to greater tension. The same occurs in the lower back, which, during these months, becomes overloaded due to weight gain.
Oils and creams that are suitable for pregnant women and that do not include harmful chemicals should also be used.
And it concludes with a clear warning: if you have any doubts, it is better to consult a gynecologist.
Photos | iStock
In Babies and More | Relaxing massages during pregnancy, Perineal massage during pregnancy: what benefits it has and how to do it
