Introduction
Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing experience, and it’s essential to maintain good physical and mental health while expecting a baby. As part of this plan, many pregnant individuals explore complementary health therapies such as an infrared sauna.
While infrared saunas are generally considered safe for pregnant women due to the low levels of heat exposure and the non-invasive nature of the treatment, it is still recommended that pregnant individuals consult with their doctor before using an infrared sauna.
Using an infrared sauna when pregnant can bring many potential benefits, including deeper relaxation and improved circulation, which can help reduce swelling in the legs and relieve muscle tension or cramps. Additionally, it may be beneficial for skin health during pregnancy due to the cleansing effect of sweating.
However, there are possible risks associated with using an infrared sauna when pregnant, too, including but not limited to dehydration, overheating, or air pollution that may be present in traditional heated saunas. Therefore, all medical considerations are considered before deciding whether to use a near-infrared sauna while expecting a baby.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna When Pregnant
There are several potential benefits of using an infrared sauna while pregnant, ranging from increased relaxation to the potential to reduce swelling. In addition, infrared saunas provide a gentle heat that can deeply penetrate the body compared to traditional saunas. It can relieve some of the common discomforts that come with pregnancy.
Let’s take a look at the potential benefits of an infrared sauna while pregnant:
Improved Circulation
Improved circulation is one of the many benefits associated with infrared sauna treatments during pregnancy. Blood flow increases when exposed to the heat of an infrared sauna and to many other sources of controlled hot temperatures. This enhanced blood flow helps bring oxygen and nutrients to both mother and baby while also helping remove impurities from the body.
This improved circulation can also help alleviate some common pregnancy complaints like edema and fatigue. Additionally, mothers-to-be may have the added benefit of improved muscle tone and increased flexibility from increased circulation in the affected areas due to the heating of muscle tissue deep within the body. All these benefits result in a healthier mother for her growing baby experience.
Pain Relief
Infrared saunas provide several benefits to expectant mothers, including relief from a variety of joint pregnancy pains. The gentle heat of infrared saunas encourages circulation, providing natural pain relief to afflicted areas. In addition, those who suffer from sciatica can find comfort in infrared saunas; the heat relaxes muscles and aids soreness, relieving tension and pressure on the sciatic nerve.
In maternity saunas, where you can adjust the temperature, you can pick a comfortable setting for your individual needs without worrying about sudden spikes in temperature. Infrared waves also help with inevitable back pain caused by carrying extra weight during pregnancy. These waves penetrate deep into muscles that cannot be reached through conventional massage therapy or other treatments offered during pregnancy. As a result, you can relax and feel pampered as your pain is relieved naturally without straining your body or baby.
Stress Relief
Pregnancy can be an incredibly stressful event, bringing with it significant physiological and psychological changes. So, in addition to regular prenatal care, many pregnant women are turning to infrared sauna therapy for immediate stress-relieving and long-term health benefits for their growing babies.
Infrared sauna therapy gives expecting mothers the opportunity to experience a sense of tranquility and relaxation without any pressure or discomfort. Safely harnessing the power of infrared heat, this sauna is ideal for pregnant women as it provides more intense therapeutic heat at a significantly lower temperature than traditional steam saunas.
When pregnant, the calming effects of infrared sauna therapy can be felt almost instantaneously because it helps lower cortisol levels – the hormone responsible for managing stress levels in our body. Studies have shown that reducing cortisol through infrared therapies improves sleep quality without needing medications or supplements, providing great reassurance to mothers looking for a safe and natural way to cope with depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
For pregnant mothers wanting additional assurance about safety concerns, this type of therapy can offer peace of mind since minimal direct contact with infrared light is even required in most cases; temperatures are generally kept at around 120°F (50°C) as opposed to 180°F (80°C). You may talk to your healthcare provider about how much time you should spend in an infrared sauna for the maximum benefits; if you require more guidance – whatever you decide, always ensure you stay hydrated throughout your sessions!
Detoxification
Detoxification is a significant benefit of using infrared saunas when pregnant. Infrared radiation improves the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, including heavy metals, environmental chemicals, and metabolic byproducts. Detoxing is particularly important during pregnancy because it can help protect the baby from harmful substances passed from mother to child.
By exposing your body to infrared radiation, you can reduce accumulated toxins in the circulatory system and excrete them through sweat and other body waste. Also, research has shown that toxins stored deep in your cells are more soluble at higher temperatures, allowing for better removal through sweat. Additionally, detoxifying empowers the immune system and supports healthy central nervous and hormonal systems, which are especially beneficial during pregnancy.
Risks of Infrared Sauna When Pregnant
Pregnant women may consider the risks associated with an infrared sauna before making an appointment. While an infrared sauna can be a beneficial form of therapy, there may be potential danger involved if used during pregnancy. This section will cover all the potential risks of using an infrared sauna while pregnant.
Overheating
When pregnant, there is a potential risk of overheating if exposed to an infrared sauna for too long. It can be dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause an imbalance in the body’s temperature regulation. Therefore, pregnant women should always discuss any activities they plan to participate in while pregnant with their doctor or midwife before proceeding.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to overheating due to their increased body temperature, so it is important to limit the time in an infrared sauna per session and regularly hydrate by drinking plenty of water. It is best to avoid spending extended periods in temperatures over 33 degrees Celsius, as this could cause complications and put a strain on the unborn baby. Additionally, it may be wise not to use the same sauna that other people have used prior; this may reduce the risk of catching illnesses from others and limit the chance of dehydration resulting from excessive sweating.
It is also recommended that pregnant women do not lie down inside an infrared sauna as this could allow heat to concentrate more heavily on their abdomen, which may cause discomfort for them or harm to their babies. Finally, breathing must be kept regular throughout your time inside an infrared sauna; deep breathing can decrease oxygen levels, which can be dangerous when expecting a child.
Dehydration
One potential risk to consider when using an infrared sauna during pregnancy is dehydration. Infrared saunas heat the body indirectly, increasing perspiration and possibly losing minerals and electrolytes due to sweating. In pregnancy, these losses can place undue strain on the body and even increase the chance of heat stroke.
Women must remain hydrated while using a sauna – drink water before, during, and after each session. If you feel uncomfortable, quench your thirst with cool water outside of the sauna instead of inside because it’s important not to overheat your body when pregnant.
Low Blood Pressure
Pregnant women should know the risks of low blood pressure associated with infrared saunas. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a significant concern while pregnant and can result from passing too much fluid from the bloodstream to tissues within the body. It can lead to many affected organs, including the brain and heart, not receiving enough oxygen – which can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and faintness, especially when standing up after sitting or lying down.
These effects can be amplified when individuals who suffer from hypotension use an infrared sauna due to their deceptive temperature compared with traditional steam saunas. Even though you may feel cooler using an infrared sauna, your core temperature will still rise, making it easier for you to overheat or dehydrate. Pregnant women should stay well-hydrated in an infrared sauna session, monitor any signs of feeling faint or dizzy, and exit immediately if these symptoms arise. It is strongly recommended that women should consult their healthcare provider before engaging in any activity in an infrared sauna during pregnancy.
Best Practices for Infrared Sauna When Pregnant
While an Infrared Sauna (IRS) can provide many health benefits for pregnant women, it is important to take extra precautions when using an IRS during pregnancy. In addition, you should follow some best practices to ensure your IRS experience is safe and enjoyable.
This article will discuss the risks and benefits of using an infrared sauna when pregnant and tips on doing so safely.
Keep Sessions Short
When indulging in a sauna session, pregnant women should keep the duration of their sessions short. Generally, 15 to 20 minutes is the recommended amount for optimal results. During a session, a woman should leave the sauna to cool down before entering again or prolonging the duration. Moreover, the heat setting can be adjusted to feel more comfortable and should be monitored throughout a session.
Staying well-hydrated using an infrared sauna is crucial as it helps regulate internal body temperature during and after use. In addition, monitoring one’s heart rate on an app or device that tracks exercise can help ensure peak performance without exceeding perceived limits.
Monitor Temperature
Pregnant women must monitor their temperature while in an infrared sauna. Many infrared saunas are equipped with a thermometer and should not exceed 140°F. Pregnant women should also limit their time in the sauna to prevent overheating and dehydration, limiting their sessions to no more than 15 minutes.
Pregnant women should also get up and move around every few minutes to regulate their body temperature during a sauna session. Additionally, pregnant women need to use an infrared sauna to ensure that the room has proper ventilation so that the humidity level does not become too high, increasing the risk of overheating and dehydration.
Drink Plenty of Water
When using an infrared sauna while pregnant, it is crucial to drink plenty of water. Because saunas can increase body temperature, dehydration is a risk. The benefits of an infrared sauna are achieved much more quickly than those of a traditional steam sauna, and dehydration could occur before the usual signs like thirst or headaches become noticeable. Dehydration can cause cramping, fatigue, headache, and other ill effects that could be detrimental to the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy.
To reduce the risk of dehydration while using an infrared sauna while pregnant, drink a glass or two of water before entering the sauna, and then be sure to sip chilled water throughout your session. If you are uncomfortable due to warm temperatures, pouring cold water over your body can help to cool you off without raising your core temperature too quickly. Additionally, adding electrolyte-rich beverages such as coconut water is beneficial for replacing sodium levels that may deplete during extended time in a hot environment.
You should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea during an infrared sauna session as these could increase heart rate and body temperature too quickly for comfort. Generally, it is best to consume only plain, clean, purified, or spring water before entering an infrared sauna for optimal rehydration benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research on using infrared saunas when expecting is still in its early stages, and further research needs to be conducted. Therefore, if a woman is pregnant and decides to use an infrared sauna, she should discuss this decision with her healthcare provider and receive guidance on how much time to spend in a sauna and what temperature setting to use.
Additionally, precautions should be taken to reduce dehydration risks or overheating while using an infrared sauna. However, an infrared sauna can benefit an expecting woman when used within safe guidelines.