Sauna during pregnancy

The benefits of sauna during pregnancy:

One pregnancy is a normal process that demands a lot from the female body, but pregnancy is not an illness!

In this respect, it is no problem to continue going to the sauna even during pregnancy. Provided the mother and the infant everything is going well and there are no concerns from the treating gynecologist.

As a trained sauna-goer, you know what to expect and whether you could have circulatory problems. However, if you've never been in a sauna before, you should definitely take it slowly, especially at the beginning of one Pregnancy can cause problems with the circulatory system due to the hormonal changes and more strain on the mother's circulatory system lead. In this case you should avoid it for the first trimester.

When you go to the sauna, the body activates its defense cells due to the high temperatures and the blood vessels expand. This relaxes the muscles very pleasantly. There is an additional benefit for pregnant women in that any edema (water retention in the tissue) that may be present decreases.

By relaxing the deep muscles, the pelvic floor muscles also benefit, often resulting in a shorter and lighter one birth.

The body also releases feel-good hormones (endorphins), which results in a positive mood.

When should you not go to the sauna as an expectant mother?

However, there are also crucial reasons why you should avoid going to the sauna as a pregnant woman:

• Anyone who suffers from circulatory problems, especially in early pregnancy in the first trimester.
• If you don't have any sauna experience, it doesn't make sense to start now.
• Women who suffer from high blood pressure, varicose veins or kidney problems are also not allowed to use the sauna.
• It is not a good idea to go to the sauna shortly before giving birth, as the high temperatures and aromas of the infusions can lead to premature contractions.

What should you consider if you want to visit the sauna?

A few conditions should be met so that a visit to the sauna is risk-free:

• Better than the Finnish sauna at 90 °C is to go to a bio sauna or a vivarium. You should also sit or lie as low as possible.
• More than one sauna visit per week and more than two sauna sessions are not recommended.
• Keep your time in the sauna short, five to ten minutes are enough, for experienced sauna goers no more than 15 minutes.
• After sitting or lying down, stand up slowly, first moving your legs.
• Instead of the plunge pool, it is better to use a hose with cold water to shower first your legs, then your arms and finally your back and stomach.

By the way, the temperature doesn't bother the baby as long as you don't extend the visit for too long. But it is particularly important pay attention to hygiene, because infections during pregnancy can lead to problems. After visiting the sauna, you should treat yourself to rest and relaxation drink a lotto compensate for fluid loss.