Can You Do Cryotherapy While Pregnant? Benefits and Risks
Cryotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular form of self-care, but one question many women ask is can you do cryotherapy while pregnant?
While cryotherapy treatment has been known to help reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being, it may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, skin cancer, and yes — even expectant mothers — should look for alternatives to cryotherapy.
In today’s post, we’ll try to answer two questions: can you do cryotherapy while pregnant and is cryotherapy safe for the baby?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of doing cryotherapy during pregnancy, we’ll consider alternative methods that could provide similar results without compromising your health or safety.
Table of Contents
Can You Do Cryotherapy While Pregnant?
Cryotherapy during pregnancy can provide a range of health benefits for expecting mothers such as alleviating discomfort, better sleep quality, and less stress and unease.
Relief from Pain and Discomfort
Many expectant mothers endure low back pain and hip pain from the extra load they are carrying. Cryotherapy has been found to be an effective way to reduce this discomfort. The cold temperatures help to numb the area and reduce inflammation, allowing for greater mobility.
Better Sleep Quality
Stress levels often increase during pregnancy as well as fatigue caused by hormonal changes and lack of restful sleep at night. Research has indicated that cryotherapy may lead to more restful sleep by decreasing cortisol concentrations in the body, thereby boosting sleep quality.
Less Stress
Pregnancy is a time filled with many unknowns, which can lead to increased stress levels among expectant mothers. Cryotherapy sessions can help decrease feelings of anxiousness while also promoting relaxation as they calm the mind and body. This allows for more peace of mind when preparing for childbirth.
Cryotherapy during the gestation period can bring forth a range of advantages, from relieving discomfort and improving sleep quality to reducing stress and tension. Nonetheless, pregnant women should consider the potential risks before embarking on this treatment regimen.
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Risks of Cryotherapy During Pregnancy
Cryotherapy during pregnancy may have potential side effects that should be considered before trying the treatment. Common reactions to cryotherapy treatments include wooziness, queasiness, migraines, and skin discomfort. Before beginning any new treatments during pregnancy, it is essential to consult your OB-GYN on how to do it safely.
It is also important to consider possible interactions with medications or supplements that you are taking while pregnant. Some medications may interact with the cold temperatures used in a cryotherapy session and could cause adverse reactions in both mother and baby. Again, talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions.
Certain conditions may contraindicate cryotherapy during pregnancy. These include cardiovascular diseases that involve blood pressure, circulation, and heart rate.
Additionally, women who are more than 20 weeks into their pregnancies should avoid using cryotherapy as it could potentially harm the fetus if not monitored closely enough by an experienced practitioner.
Pregnant women should cautiously evaluate all potential treatments as the dangers of cryotherapy during late-term pregnancy can be significant.
Precautions to Take Before Trying Cryotherapy During Pregnancy
If you are interested in cryotherapy or any other alternative treatment, talk to your OB-GYN or midwife. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on which therapies are beneficial and safe for your pregnancy journey.
When visiting a cryotherapy facility, wear the right apparel and safety gear and follow all safety instructions. Stay away from extremely cold surfaces like metal rods or handles to prevent frostbite. Always ask questions about any additional safety protocols they have in place before beginning treatment.
Alternatives to Cryotherapy During Pregnancy
Heat therapy is a popular alternative to cryotherapy during pregnancy. Heating pads and hot baths can be used to soothe pregnancy-related aches and reduce stress levels.
Taking a hot bath can be especially beneficial after a long day on your feet. Make sure that the water isn’t too hot — the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends keeping it at 104°F (40°C) or below. Heating pads should never be placed directly on the skin but rather used over clothing or towels to prevent burns.
Therapeutic massage and acupuncture can also help expectant mothers deal with the discomfort of pregnancy without the potential risks of cryotherapy.
Massage is known for improving circulation which can help with the swelling of the hands and feet, alleviate muscle tension throughout the body, promote relaxation, and soothe backaches during pregnancy.
Acupuncture has likewise been shown to have similar effects. It could be beneficial for reducing nausea as well as anxiety levels or headaches/migraines related to hormonal fluctuations during this time. However, caution should be taken when engaging in such practice — only a trained professional who understands how needles affect pregnant bodies should perform these procedures.
Finally, exercise and stretching routines are safer options for expecting mothers compared to cryotherapy.
Exercise not only helps keep muscles toned but releases endorphins which can lift moods naturally. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, and pilates are all recommended activities for expectant moms who want safe ways to stay active without putting themselves at risk. Stretching before bedtime is also a great way to relax tense muscles so you get better sleep.
Conclusion
Can you do cryotherapy while pregnant and is it safe?
It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of trying this therapy when you are expecting. Consult with a medical professional prior to engaging in any type of therapy during pregnancy.
There are safer alternatives to cryotherapy such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, and low-impact exercises that offer similar advantages without the dangers for mother and baby. Ultimately, each woman must decide if cryotherapy while pregnant is right for her based on individual circumstances.
Smart Living Now offers reliable and up-to-date resources to help the modern family stay healthy and independent. Learn more about cryotherapy during pregnancy, including safety tips and alternative treatments.
