Sauna during pregnancy

Many pregnant women keep asking themselves whether it is safe to go to the sauna. Even if it is basically healthy, it should be with you Sauna use during pregnancy however, note a few things in advance. It should be noted that the sauna cannot automatically be recommended for every pregnant woman; There are certainly aspects that speak against taking a sauna.

Sauna with a baby ball?

In the end, nothing speaks against it during the Pregnancy in the sauna to go. Especially women who regularly used the sauna before their pregnancy can continue to pursue their hobby without any problems. This is because those pregnant women are already "trained". The body already knows the sauna and will not "cause problems" when a person grows up in it.

However, if you have very little experience, you should exercise caution first. Especially because of the hormonal change, the circulation can very well play a trick. Since the pregnant woman has an additional circulatory load anyway - due to the unborn child - the sauna can certainly increase the load. For this reason, it is advisable that “inexperienced women” avoid the sauna for the first three months.

Thereafter, if the pregnancy is normal, there is nothing against a sweat cure. Anyone who has concerns should ask their doctor or gynecologist for advice in advance. The latter can assess the risk based on the course of pregnancy.

What are the advantages of a sauna?

Regular saunas naturally promote health. The body temperature rises to feverish temperatures and the body subsequently activates its immune cells. The surface of the skin heats up, the blood vessels widen and the muscles can relax. The cardiovascular system improves, diseases are fought in advance and the joints and respiratory tract are improved.

All of these aspects are especially helpful for pregnant women. Furthermore, due to the loss of fluid, the pregnant woman prevents water retention or existing edema can be reduced. The sauna also relaxes the muscles. This is of enormous benefit, especially for the upcoming birth process.

If the pregnant woman has regularly used the sauna before pregnancy (and also during pregnancy), she will sometimes have an easier birth than those women who have always avoided a sauna. The sauna not only helps the body, but also the psyche. Here the pregnant woman can actually relax 100 percent.

Risk of going to the sauna

However, if the pregnant woman suffers from circulatory problems or if no experience could be gained before the pregnancy, she should avoid the sauna in the first few months. The sauna should also be avoided if the pregnancy is at risk or if pregnancy complications have occurred.

Even with high blood pressure, kidney problems or varicose veins, it is advisable not to use the sauna until the child is already born. Anyone who is shortly before their due date should also avoid the sauna. The temperatures - in connection with numerous aromatic additives - can trigger contractions.

Tips for sauna-goers

In the end, it does not matter whether the pregnant woman is “trained” or not - it is important not to overdo it with the sauna. The following points should therefore be considered:

• No high temperatures: it is advisable to use the lower benches. It gets less hot here. A vivarium or a bio sauna are sometimes a suitable alternative to the Finnish version.

• Do not overdo it: one sauna visit per week is sufficient; There should be no more than two sauna sessions per visit.

• The right preparation: If you take a warm footbath before going to the sauna, you stimulate blood circulation and subsequently prepare your body for sweating.

• The cycle: if you are lying down, you should get up carefully. The risk of circulatory problems is higher during pregnancy.

• Avoid the plunge pool: Those who like to cool off in the plunge pool after the sauna should rather take a cold shower during pregnancy. First the legs, then the arms and then the back and then the stomach!

• Of course, hygiene is particularly important. Infections must be avoided at all costs, especially when you are pregnant. If you go to a public sauna, you should always use a fresh towel.

• After the sauna, it is important to relax and drink enough at "normal temperatures". In this way, the lost liquid can be "replenished".

Steam bath or sauna?

Many women find low temperatures - between 50 and 60 degrees - more pleasant. The steam bath is an alternative. Temperatures of a maximum of 50 degrees are reached here. However, it must be mentioned that many pregnant women - even though the temperatures are lower in the steam bath - have greater problems with their circulation when they use the steam bath.

The reason is the damp heat, which puts more strain on the circulation. It is important that - regardless of whether you are trained or not - the signs of the body are recognized. Anyone who does not feel well or is of the opinion that they have or are getting problems with their circulation should refrain from using the sauna entirely. If you are unsure, you should therefore contact your doctor in advance.