Can Pregnant Women Get Medical Spa Treatments?
By Kim Dahle | Published on April 14, 2010 | 0 Comments
Anyone who’s ever been pregnant will likely agree that those nine magical months are as wonderful as they are physically and emotionally turbulent. From mood swings to nausea to that not-always-so-gentle kicking sensation, pregnancy can be a whirlwind experience on multiple levels.
Of course, the notion of personal maintenance can be rather challenging when it comes to pregnancy. After all, pregnant women have no choice but to deal with weight gain, breakouts, and other such less than pleasant side effects of hormonal upheaval. As a result, the idea of visiting the local medical spa for a day of pampering is likely to be rather appealing to those whose minds are otherwise focused on the challenges of carrying a child.
While it’s natural for pregnant women to want to indulge in various medical spa treatments, the reality is that certain procedures might be off limits due to the circumstances involved. Kim Dahle is a skin care consultant at Natura Medspa & Laser Center, a facility serving Florida’s Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton areas that offers everything from laser hair removal to weight-loss assistance, and according to her, pregnant women should avoid certain medical spa treatments as they could be potentially harmful to unborn children.
While some professionals in the field might feel differently, in Dahle’s opinion, any process that involves injectable fillers should be avoided during pregnancy. This includes options such as Botox, Radiesse, and Juvederm. Additionally, laser treatments (including laser hair removal) should generally be avoided during pregnancy. Those looking to treat sun-damaged skin or rid themselves of unwanted hair should wait until after they’ve given birth to pursue these options (and in some cases, it is advisable to wait until after breastfeeding as well).
Another medical spa treatment that pregnant woman should avoid is the chemical peel, as the components involved could end up being harmful to a fetus. Along these lines, procedures such as liposuction and Lipodissolve are not suitable for pregnant women (though the latter can often come in handy for those looking to eliminate post-baby pockets of bodily fat).
So which types of medical spa treatments are suitable for pregnant women? According to Dahle, most facials are generally harmless for pregnant women, especially if they do not involve the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, vibradermabrasion tends to work well for pregnant women, as it provides a soothing, massage-like experience for those looking to exfoliate.
Of course, a pregnant woman who is concerned about the safety of any given medical spa procedure should consult with her doctor before making an appointment. Anyone who’s pregnant should also keep in mind that her skin might be more sensitive than usual as a result of those wildly fluctuating hormones; as such, a procedure that would otherwise be painless could be rather uncomfortable.
If you’re in the middle of a pregnancy and could use a break from the daily grind, then visit a local medical spa to see which procedures are appropriate for you. Remember, even if your skin care option of choice is something that needs to be put off until your pregnancy is over, most doctors will agree that there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a nice, relaxing massage; and considering what you’ve been going through, that’s the least you can do for yourself.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.