The question of whether it's 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 the appropriate precautions are taken and, most importantly, that 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 just a few months leaves its mark. That's obvious. But so do the hormonal changes you go through. Furthermore, it's a period when you generally have to forgo many of the cosmetic treatments you usually undergo, and it also requires reviewing your skincare routine to find ingredients that aren't recommended during pregnancy.

But you don't have to wait until the breastfeeding period or the postpartum period is over to catch up on your beauty routine. Prevention is the best treatment, and we know how to anticipate the signs of aging. These are the issues 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 because 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 tailored spa treatments can offer numerous 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 legs and feet and relieve the feeling of fatigue.





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





• Improved sleep and breathing: They can promote better night's rest and increase respiratory capacity.





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

HOW TO PREVENT STRETCH MARKS DURING PREGNANCY

It's the number one concern, and they seem inevitable considering the stretching the skin will undergo, which literally tears if it isn't sufficiently nourished and elastic. Did you know that the skin has to stretch up to 10 times its original size to accommodate the fetus? Are you still surprised that stretch marks appear on the belly , hips , breasts , and even thighs ?

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

Cosmetics can do a lot once you've given birth; it's better to prevent their appearance by giving your skin an extra dose of nutrition and specific ingredients .

BEWARE OF PREGNANCY STAINS

They're not a myth, and in fact, there's a specific type of blemish known as melasma or "pregnancy mask." These are the blemishes that appear in addition to those caused by sun exposure or skin aging, and they particularly affect pregnant women in areas like the upper lip, forehead, and some parts of the cheeks.

The culprit? A melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which surges during pregnancy and is responsible for increasing skin pigmentation. Spending most of your pregnancy in winter doesn't exempt you from developing them, and wearing high SPF sunscreen is the only possible prevention.

KEEPING YOUR BREASTS IN PLACE AFTER PREGNANCY

You're not worried about it now, and it's probably smoother, firmer, and fuller than ever, but be careful. It also needs to be thoroughly moisturized so that after childbirth or the breastfeeding period, it doesn't become depleted and succumb to gravity. Maximum care should be given once breastfeeding ends, but before then, it's advisable to moisturize well and protect the skin in the area from the stretching it will undergo. What you do need to be especially careful about is the cosmetic ingredients you use.

VARICOSE VEINS DURING PREGNANCY

The leg swelling and poor circulation you'll experience during pregnancy can leave you with these unsightly—and uncomfortable—spider veins as a reminder. It's no wonder. The veins in your legs are designed to collect blood returning from your lower extremities against the force of gravity and are equipped with valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves malfunction, blood pools in the veins, making them more visible and swollen. This is when they become known as varicose veins.

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

Improve circulation as much as possible with specific products , massages , and by elevating your feet whenever decorum allows.

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

Is your hair feeling stronger and fuller than ever? It's normal, but don't get used to it. During pregnancy, hair renewal slows down, and hair that should have fallen out naturally hasn't. The problem is that once your hormonal cycle returns to normal, you might feel like your hair is falling out all at once. This is called postpartum hair loss. It's a completely normal process, but it's understandable that it can be scary, and you can control how much hair you lose.

…AND OTHER THINGS THEY DON'T USUALLY TELL YOU

1. Trust your sense of smell! During pregnancy, we are more sensitive to smells—our olfactory receptors are especially developed—and the sensations you experience from many aromas will be doubled. Take advantage of this 'superpower' to discover the most pleasurable body care products.

2. You'll have more pimples and blemishes. The sebaceous glands become overactive during this period and can cause acne on your face and upper back!

3. Intimate area. This also changes—a lot! It's a hormonal issue, so you need to be especially careful with hygiene and hydration, as well as maintaining its balance. Don't worry, there are specific treatments for this.

CONTRAINDICATED TREATMENTS AND PRECAUTIONS

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

• Avoid extreme temperatures : Saunas, Turkish baths, jacuzzis, and hot springs with temperatures above 37-39°C should be avoided. An increase in body temperature can be harmful to the fetus.

• Do not use high-pressure 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 not be suitable. It is important to consult with the spa and obtain medical authorization.





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





• Caffeine. It's true that it's one of the most powerful ingredients in the fight against cellulite, but it's best to postpone its use. Although not proven through testing, it's a stimulant that could pass into the bloodstream and reach the fetus.





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





• Glycolic acid. It's a common ingredient in peels, but given the extreme sensitivity of the skin during pregnancy, it's best to avoid it. You'll have plenty of time to renew your epidermis later.

Generally speaking, we think it's time to switch—if you haven't already—to 'clean ingredients' and make sure the cosmetics you use aren't potentially toxic. Look for the term ' sensitive ' on labels—your skin will be in the same mood as yours for a few months—and opt for the most potent—and harmless—active ingredients to combat the effects of pregnancy.

At Beldon, we not only offer you the best free personalized diagnosis , but we also know what suits you at each stage of pregnancy and all the changes 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 symptoms and preventing the most relevant aesthetic concerns:

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 pregnancy and treats the most affected areas at each stage.

The main goal of prenatal massage is relaxation and relief from discomfort for the expectant mother, while also improving circulation. It has an immediate relaxing effect that helps alleviate tension generated during pregnancy, improving circulation and reducing fluid retention . The products used are specifically chosen for each stage of pregnancy.

Benefits of Special Massage for Pregnant Women:

• It improves circulation and results in a greater delivery of nutrients through the blood to the baby.





• It relieves muscle aches and pains common during these stages of pregnancy. Legs, upper back, feet…





• It prevents swelling and cramps.





• It helps with digestion and sleep better.





• It reduces nausea.

COSMETICS RECOMMENDED FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

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

Photo Reverse by Esthederm

• Anti-blemish facial treatment that protects the skin from the sun and at the same time prevents tanning while offering high sun protection for pigmented skin, reducing and preventing blemishes and gradually lightening them.

Bakuchiol Peptides by Medik8

• It's a soothing conditioning serum that calms the skin, helping to visibly reduce inflammation and redness. A gentle, natural, plant-derived alternative to retinol, with brightening peptide precursors that boost collagen production and minimize the appearance of dark spots.

Impurity Stop Ampoule by Dr Schramek

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

These are some of the products we recommend at Beldon Beauty to help you better care for your skin during pregnancy. But remember, "Not everything is suitable for everyone," and each skin type should be given what it needs in each particular case. Request your free consultation! Our team of professionals is at your service.

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