Sauna has great relaxation and health-promoting value. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reduces muscle tension and helps detoxify the body. However, not everyone can fully enjoy its benefits. Many people ask themselves: is sauna during pregnancy safe? In view of the numerous physiological changes taking place in the female body at this time, can exposure to high temperatures be harmful to the developing baby and the future mother herself? Find out the answers to these questions.
Sauna and pregnancy – what effect does sauna have on mom and baby?
The effect of sauna conditions on a woman’s body is a matter of special attention in prenatal medicine. During pregnancy, a woman’s body is more exposed to thermoregulatory changes, which can affect fetal development and the course of pregnancy. Too high an ambient temperature causes the mother’s body temperature to rise, often resulting in overheating.
Excessive increases in maternal body temperature (above 39°C) result in reduced oxygen supply to the uterus, which in extreme cases can lead to poor uterine contractility and potentially increase the risk of preterm labor. This risk is especially present in women with an abnormal pregnancy history or those with a history of habitual miscarriages and premature births. Therefore, special care should be taken when sauntering during pregnancy to avoid negative effects on the development of the baby.
Sauna in the first weeks of pregnancy
The first trimester of pregnancy is a time of intense fetal development, when its most important structures and organs are being formed. At the beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a number of hormonal changes, making it more sensitive to external factors, including temperature changes. Many specialists recommend avoiding saunas in the first weeks of pregnancy, since according to studies, too high a maternal body temperature can contribute to fetal development disorders and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Can sauntering during advanced pregnancy be dangerous?
In advanced pregnancy, i.e. in the second and third trimesters, the uterus reaches a considerable size and the woman’s circulatory system is more stressed. In such cases, the risk of overheating complications, such as premature labor, increases. Increased blood volume and higher oxygen demand in a pregnant woman mean that high temperatures in the sauna can interfere with physiological processes and lead to strain on the mother’s heart.
Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, every woman should pay attention to the length of time in the sauna and control the temperature of sauna sessions. For safety, it is recommended that the temperature in the sauna should not exceed 60°C, and the sessions should last a maximum of 10-15 minutes.
Can a pregnant woman use a sauna of any type?
Not all types of saunas are equally safe for pregnant women. Different saunas have different humidity levels and temperatures, which is important for the comfort and safety of the mother-to-be.
Steam sauna during pregnancy
A steam sauna, due to its high humidity and relatively lower temperature (about 40-60°C), may seem like a safer option. However, the humidity makes the sensation of heat more intense, which can lead to faster overheating of the body. A steam sauna during pregnancy can cause breathing difficulties, increasing the risk of fainting. It should be avoided especially by women with circulatory problems or chronic medical conditions. It is recommended that mothers-to-be use a steam sauna only after consulting a doctor, paying attention to the length of the session and overall health during pregnancy.
Dry sauna during pregnancy
A dry sauna, often referred to as a Finnish sauna, is characterized by high temperatures (up to 100°C) and low humidity. The prevailing conditions can lead to excessive heating of the body and rapid dehydration. In using a dry sauna during pregnancy, precautions should be taken especially during the first and third trimesters, when a woman’s body is more susceptible to thermal changes.
Infrared sauna during pregnancy
An infrared (infrared) sauna differs from a traditional sauna in the way it heats the body. Instead of heating the air, infrared radiation directly heats the tissues, which allows for a lower ambient temperature (about 50-60°C). As a result, the infrared sauna is considered safer for pregnant women, as long as the temperature and dwell time are properly controlled.
If a woman used saunas regularly before becoming pregnant and the pregnancy is going well, she may consider an infrared sauna, but it is still advisable to consult a doctor before each sauna visit to assess individual risks.
When should you give up the sauna?
Although sauna use has numerous health benefits, there are situations in which a pregnant woman should avoid saunas altogether. Among the contraindications are, in particular, an abnormal course of pregnancy, a high risk of premature birth, cardiovascular problems, chronic diseases or habitual miscarriages. If the mother-to-be experiences discomfort, dizziness, weakness or headaches after sauntering, she should immediately stop using this type of thermal treatment.
Summary
The use of saunas during pregnancy is a topic of much controversy. Although saunas have health benefits, exposing the body to high temperatures during pregnancy can carry risks for the mother and fetus. Pregnant women should avoid prolonged exposure to high-temperature saunas, and consult their health care provider about the decision to use such procedures. It is also important for the mother-to-be to always keep her body properly hydrated and monitor her well-being during and after sauna sessions.
