It’s almost an understatement to call pregnancy a significant life-changing event. Some changes can be anticipated while others are unexpected.
At the same time, your body and mind face significant challenges. If ever there was a time when you needed pampering for your mental health, this might be it. A spa day? Yes, it might just be the break that gives you the system reset you need so badly.
Cosmetic services are an important part of our overall health offerings at ThriveOB and Women's Wellness in Barrington, Illinois. Dr. Jennifer Moreira and her team are committed to your well-being at all stages of your life.
When you’re pregnant, your spa day can include certain cosmetic treatments. However, there are also others that you should avoid for your baby’s and your own safety. Here’s what you should know.
The short answer to this question is, “sometimes.”
It depends primarily on the treatment in question. When we look at typical spa perks, you have saunas rated “absolutely not!” since warming your core temperature puts your baby at risk, while massage is a solid, “go for it,” that piles on benefits for both baby and mom -- but only when the massage itself is specifically for prenatal patients.
Cosmetic treatments are a big part of the spa experience, and the same generalizations apply. Some treatments are fine, while others are best avoided during pregnancy.
Generally, facials are okay during pregnancy as long as you avoid aggressive treatments like most forms of dermabrasion and some types of chemical peel. In some cases, it has to do with increased sensitivity in your skin while you’re carrying and the unpredictable results that can occur.
Alpha hydroxy peels (glycolic and lactic acid) are safe, derived from plant sources. Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy peel, is not. You want to stick with toxin-free procedures and treatments, since what your body can handle, there’s always a chance your baby’s body can’t.
Hydrating facials are safe, and microneedling may even help you to manage skin changes through pregnancy.
Botox® and dermal fillers are very safe for mom to use normally, but there’s simply not enough research to know decisively if these popular aesthetic staples are safe for your fetus. Leave cosmetic injections until after your baby is born and done breastfeeding. There’s not enough clinical evidence of safety.
The hormonal activity during pregnancy can cause you to sprout hair in places and quantities you’ve never seen before. Gentle waxing is safe for your baby, but your skin might be more prone to irritation than usual. Skip laser-based hair removal until after your pregnancy.
Dr. Moreira and her team are here to help. Be sure to run your cosmetic goals by us to ensure you’re not creating unnecessary risk.
Book with our office by calling 847-868-2908. Schedule your next prenatal visit today, and add cosmetic treatments to your question list. See you soon!
