Body Wraps & Pregnancy
Body wraps are performed by applying a mixture of ingredients to your body, then wrapping up in a sheet or strips of cloth. This process is designed to get rid of excess fluids and tighten and soften your skin. It is important to evaluate the safety of any product used during pregnancy to determine how it could affect you and your unborn baby.
Safety
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, Babycenter recommends that you avoid body wraps 1. If you plan to get a body wrap, talk to your doctor first. She may recommend a safer alternative or option.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, Babycenter recommends that you avoid body wraps 1.
- If you plan to get a body wrap, talk to your doctor first.
Dangers
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The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery states that the goal of a body wrap is to create a thermal blanket that promotes sweating, getting rid of fluid that is in between the spaces of your body tissues 2. This can cause you to become dehydrated, even if you drink water during the wrap. Dehydration can increase your uterine activity and cause contractions. You can also become overheated during a body wrap, which can increase the risk of neural tube defects in early pregnancy.
- The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery states that the goal of a body wrap is to create a thermal blanket that promotes sweating, getting rid of fluid that is in between the spaces of your body tissues 2.
- This can cause you to become dehydrated, even if you drink water during the wrap.
Ingredients
The ingredients used in body wraps at spas or home kits can irritate skin, which is more sensitive during pregnancy. You are also more sensitive to smells during your pregnancy, and some scents can cause headaches and make you feel nauseated or lightheaded. Some body wraps contain essential oils, which can be toxic on your skin and dangerous during pregnancy.
- The ingredients used in body wraps at spas or home kits can irritate skin, which is more sensitive during pregnancy.
- You are also more sensitive to smells during your pregnancy, and some scents can cause headaches and make you feel nauseated or lightheaded.
Safe Options
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If you want to get a body wrap for a relaxing experience, Babycenter recommends opting for a facial or body scrub instead. These services can be soothing and are generally safe. If you feel that you need to lose weight or want a tighter appearance during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your options.
Recommendations
Ask your doctor before using or trying any beauty regimen during pregnancy. Some products contain ingredients that can be absorbed into your skin and harm you or your baby.
Related Articles
References
- Babycenter: Is It Safe to Get a Seaweed Wrap When I’m Pregnant?
- Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery: Body Wraps
- Brown A. TripSavvy. Everything You Need to Know About Body Wraps. Updated May 1, 2020.
- Laser Medi-Spa. Body Wrap Treatments. Body Wraps Eliminate Fat and Cellulite.
- Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (Fir): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012;4:255-266. doi:10.1515/plm-2012-0034
- Tsai S-R, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017;170:197-207. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.014
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Can You Sweat Toxins out of Your Body?. March 8, 2019.
- Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK. Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing: a review of the evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93(8):1111-1121. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.008
- Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:1857413. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
- Molotsky I. The New York Times. U.S. Starts Warnings on Health 'Money-Wasters'. December 12, 1984.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition.
Writer Bio
Rose Welton is a journalism major and a freelance writer. Her education is focused on nutrition and early childhood studies, making her an expert when it comes to writing about health and children's growth and development. She has written numerous articles and blog posts on various topics for online publications and has also worked on an Internet news team.