The question of whether it is safe to go to a spa during pregnancy is very common among expectant mothers. The general answer is that it can be a beneficial experience, provided that appropriate precautions are taken and, fundamentally, a doctor is consulted beforehand. Professional supervision is key to ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.

Gaining an average of 12 kilos in a few months leaves its mark. It’s obvious. But so do the hormonal changes one goes through. In addition, it is a period of time in which, generally, one must give up many of the aesthetic treatments we usually undergo, which also forces us to review our cosmetic routine in search of ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy.

But you don't have to wait for the breastfeeding period or the postpartum period to end to get up to date on beauty. Prevention is the best treatment and we know how to anticipate the traces it intends to leave. These are the problems to focus on now.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMENDED TIMES

• Medical consultation: Before planning a visit to a spa, it is crucial to consult your obstetrician or gynecologist. This is necessary in any trimester to ensure there are no specific contraindications for your pregnancy.





• Second trimester: Generally, the second trimester is considered the safest and most recommended time to enjoy a spa, provided it is a low-risk pregnancy.





• First and last trimester: Most professionals recommend avoiding spas during the first trimester as it is a critical period for fetal development. In the last trimester, strong water jets should be avoided due to the risk of uterine stimulation.

BENEFITS OF SPAS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Thermal waters and adapted treatments in spas can offer multiple benefits, including:

• Stress reduction: They contribute to physical and emotional relaxation, reducing tiredness and mood swings.





• Pain relief: They are effective in relieving back, muscle, joint, and sciatic pain.





• Improved circulation: They help reduce swelling (edema) in the legs and feet and relieve feelings of fatigue.





• Skin care: They improve the skin's elasticity and hydration, helping to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.





• Improved sleep and breathing: They can promote better nightly rest and increase respiratory capacity.





• Blood pressure regulation: Some treatments can help regulate blood pressure.

HOW TO AVOID STRETCH MARKS DURING PREGNANCY

It is the number 1 concern, and they seem inevitable considering the stretching that the skin will undergo, which literally breaks if it is not sufficiently nourished and elastic. Did you know that the skin has to stretch up to 10 times to accommodate the fetus? Does it still surprise you that stretch marks appear on the belly, hips, chest, and even thighs?

Furthermore, to this factor is added the fact that, during pregnancy, there is an increase in hormonal secretion that inhibits the proliferation of fibroblasts—directly responsible for the skin's firmness and smoothness—and as if this were not enough, many of the nutrients present in the dermis are consumed by the fetus, leaving the woman's skin low in natural defenses to cope with the tightness.

Cosmetics can do a lot once you have given birth, but it is better to prevent their appearance by giving the skin an extra dose of nutrition and specific ingredients.

BEWARE OF PREGNANCY SPOTS

They are not a myth, and in fact, there is a specific type of spot known as chloasma or "pregnancy mask." These are spots that are added to those caused by the sun or skin aging and that especially target pregnant women in areas such as the upper lip, the forehead, and some parts of the cheeks.

The cause? A melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which is triggered during pregnancy and is responsible for promoting increased skin pigmentation. Spending most of your pregnancy months in winter does not exempt you from suffering from them, and going out with a high SPF is the only possible prevention.

KEEPING THE CHEST IN PLACE AFTER PREGNANCY

Right now you aren't worried and it is probably firmer, tauter, and fuller than ever, but be careful. It must also be conscientiously hydrated so that after childbirth, or the breastfeeding period, it does not deflate and surrender to the law of gravity. Maximum care must be dedicated once breastfeeding ends, but before that moment, it is advisable to moisturize a lot and protect the skin in the area from the tension it will experience. What you must be especially careful with are the cosmetic active ingredients used.

VARICOSE VEINS DURING PREGNANCY

The swollen legs and poor circulation you will be a victim of during pregnancy may leave you with these unsightly—and uncomfortable—little veins as a souvenir. It is not surprising. The veins in the legs must collect return circulation from the lower extremities against gravity and are equipped with valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these do not work well, blood accumulates in the veins and they become more visible and swell. That is when they reach the rank of 'varicose veins'.

And as if 'swimming against the tide' weren't enough, during pregnancy, a series of factors come together that hinder this path, such as an increased volume of blood circulating through the veins and the distension of the venous walls due to hormonal action.

Lighten your circulation as much as you can with specific products, massages, and by keeping your feet elevated whenever decorum permits.

YOU HAVE MORE HAIR, YES, BUT DON'T GET COMPLACENT

Do you notice your hair is stronger and more voluminous than ever? It's normal, but don't get used to it. During pregnancy, your hair has slowed down its renewal rate and the hair that should have fallen out following its usual course has not. The problem is that, once the usual hormonal cycle is recovered, you will have the feeling that your hair is falling out all at once. This is the so-called 'post-partum effluvium'. It is a completely normal process, but it is logical that it scares you, and it is in your hands not to lose more hair than necessary.

…AND OTHER THINGS THEY DON'T USUALLY TELL YOU

1.- Trust your sense of smell! During pregnancy, we are more sensitive to odors—the pituitary gland is especially developed—and the sensations that many aromas transmit to you will be doubled. Take advantage of this 'superpower' to discover the most pleasant body cosmetics.

2.- You will have more pimples and impurities. Sebaceous glands are altered during this period and can cause acne on the face and even the upper back!

3.- Intimate area. It also changes, and a lot! It is a hormonal issue and you have to take special care with hygiene and hydration, as well as maintaining its balance. Don't worry, because there are specific treatments for it.

CONTRAINDICATED TREATMENTS AND PRECAUTIONS

It is vital to avoid certain treatments and take precautions for a safe experience:

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and thermal waters with temperatures above 37-39°C should be avoided. An increase in body temperature can be harmful to the fetus.

• Do not use pressurized water jets: Especially in the abdominal area, as they could stimulate uterine contractions.

• Be careful with massages: Relaxing massages performed by professionals are allowed, but foot reflexology and strong massages in the lumbar and abdominal area should be avoided.

• Water composition: Mineral-medicinal waters may be inadvisable. It is important to consult with the spa and have medical authorization.




• Additional precautions: Sudden changes in temperature should be avoided and it is essential to stay well-hydrated before, during, and after the visit.




• Caffeine. It is true that it is one of the most powerful ingredients in the fight against cellulite, but it is better to postpone it. Although it is not proven via testing, it is a stimulating ingredient that could pass into the bloodstream and reach the fetus.




• Essential oils. They penetrate directly into the bloodstream and the epidermis. Hence their effectiveness, but there are some that, according to experts, should be avoided during pregnancy or during certain stages of gestation. It might be more convenient to avoid them 100%.




• Glycolic acid. It is a regular in peels, but given the extreme sensitivity of the skin during pregnancy, it is better to skip it. You will have time to renew your epidermis later!

In general terms, we think it is the time to switch—if you haven't already—to 'clean ingredients' and ensure that the cosmetics you use are not potentially toxic. Look for the term 'sensitive' on labels—for a few months, your skin will be just like your mood, and opt for the most powerful—and harmless—active ingredients to combat the ravages of pregnancy.

At Beldon, we not only offer you the best free personalized diagnosis, but we also know what is best for you at every stage of pregnancy and all the changes that your skin or hair will experience.

TREATMENTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN MADRID

There aren't many, but at Beldon we have more than one capable of relieving all the symptoms and preventing the most relevant aesthetic symptoms:

SPECIAL MASSAGE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN MADRID

It is specially designed to relieve physical and psychological discomfort during this stage. It adapts to each stage of gestation and in each one, it treats the most affected areas.

The main objective of the massage for pregnant women is relaxation and the relief of the expectant mother's discomfort, also contributing to improving circulation. It has an immediate relaxing effect that helps relieve the tensions generated during pregnancy, improving circulation and fluid retention, and the products used are specifically chosen for each stage.

Benefits of the Special Massage for Pregnant Women:

• Improves circulation, resulting in a greater supply of nutrients to the baby through the blood.




• Relieves muscle pain typical of these stages of gestation. Legs, upper back, feet...




• Prevents swelling and cramps.




• Helps with digestion and sleeping better.




• Reduces nausea.

RECOMMENDED COSMETICS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

If you have any questions, through our online advice we can recommend the most suitable treatments.

Photo Reverse by Esthederm

• Anti-spot facial treatment that protects the skin from the sun while simultaneously preventing tanning, while offering high sun protection for pigmented skin, fading and preventing spots and progressively lightening them.

Bakuchiol Peptides by Medik8

• This is a soothing conditioning serum that calms the skin, helping to visibly reduce inflammation and redness. A gentle and natural plant-derived alternative to retinol, with brightening peptide precursors that stimulate collagen production and minimize spot formation.

Impurity Stop Ampoule by Dr. Schrammek

• Its combination of keratolytic and antibacterial agents helps to effectively counteract inflammation in blemished and oily skin and regulates sebum production, preventing acne and breakouts on the back.

These are some of the products we recommend at Beldon Beauty to better understand how to care for your skin during pregnancy. However, you must remember that "not everything is suitable for everyone" and each skin type should receive exactly what it needs in each particular case. Request your free consultation! Our team of professionals is entirely at your disposal.

In summary, visiting a spa can be a very positive and beneficial experience for pregnant women from the second trimester onwards. The key is to always have medical approval and supervision and to carefully choose treatments, thereby ensuring the well-being and safety of both mother and baby.