Sauna during pregnancy: tips for safe enjoyment

The sauna is an oasis of relaxation, where stress seems to melt away in the warmth. During pregnancy, the need for this calming environment may increase, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Let's look at when and how you can safely enjoy the sauna during this special period.

First 16 weeks: avoid the sauna

It is strongly discouraged to visit the sauna in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, the baby is at a critical stage of development. Exposure to high temperatures in the sauna can potentially be harmful to cell division and increase the risk of diabetes miscarriage enlarge.

After 16 weeks: sauna with precautions

After the first trimester, a sauna visit is possible, but with caution. Here are some tips:

1. Maximum 10 minutes: Limit time in the sauna to a maximum of 10 minutes to avoid overheating. Longer exposure can cause artificial fever, which can be dangerous for the baby.

2. Choose a lower temperature: Go for saunas with temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius for a maximum of 20 minutes. Avoid saunas with extremely high temperatures.

3. Sit lower in the sauna: Choose the lowest bench to absorb less heat.

4. Infra-red sauna: Avoid the infrared sauna during the entire pregnancy because of possible harmful radiation.

5. In complicated pregnancy: In case of a complicated pregnancy it is advisable to avoid the sauna completely. Consult you midwife for personal advice.

Swimming and other baths

Whirlpools, Jacuzzis, Hot Tubs, and Herbal Baths

As long as your waters have not yet broken, you can use bubble baths, jacuzzis, hot tubs and herbal baths. Do you go to a spa in a jacuzzi, hot tub or herbal bath? Then limit this to a maximum of 10 minutes in a bath at 41 degrees and 15 minutes in a bath at 39 degrees.

Broken membranes – don't bathe

The chance of infections increases when the waters have broken. From the moment your waters break, you are no longer allowed to take a bath, not even at home. If, in addition to your waters having broken, you are also having strong contractions at that moment (the midwife will assess this when she has made a home visit), you can take a bath. Please note: this is only allowed if the midwife indicates this.

Plunge pools

Avoid immersion baths during the entire pregnancy. The extreme change from hot to cold is not desirable during your pregnancy.

Report your pregnancy

When visiting the sauna, it is always wise to report that you are pregnant. In this way, alternative treatments suitable for pregnant women can be offered, and some spas even offer special pregnancy treatments.

Keep these guidelines in mind and enjoy the relaxing benefits of the sauna during your pregnancy.