Can you go in the sauna when pregnant?

During pregnancy, it is important to take good care of yourself and find moments of relaxation amid the often turbulent time of expectation. One of the questions many women have is whether it is safe to go to the sauna during pregnancy. Although the sauna is known as a place of relaxation and wellness, there are some important considerations to take into account when you are pregnant. In this post, we take a closer look at the risks and benefits of visiting sauna during pregnancy and give advice on how to safely enjoy the sauna during this special period.

Pregnancy and sauna

It is important to understand that pregnancy is a unique period when a woman's body undergoes significant changes. While some women are fine with sauna visits during pregnancy, for others it can be risky, especially in certain circumstances. One of the main considerations is the increased body temperature that occurs with prolonged exposure to heat, such as in a sauna. This elevated temperature can be harmful to the foetus, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid sauna during this period. Moreover, complications such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes can make sauna visits unsafe, even after the first trimester. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can raise your core temperature, which may affect the development of your baby. Some studies suggest a possible link between overheating and neural tube defects, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. Because of these possible risks, pregnant women should always consult their doctor before using a sauna.

Can I visit the sauna during my pregnancy?

The general advice is not to visit a sauna until 16 weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the high temperatures and their impact on your body temperature. In the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's organs are formed, and high temperatures can have a negative impact on them. After the first trimester, when all organs are formed, if you are used to sauna visits, you can feel free to continue your sauna routine. Besides relaxation, visiting the sauna also has benefits such as stimulating circulation and reducing fluid retention, which is common during pregnancy. Still, avoid staying in the sauna for long periods and keep your sessions short to reduce the chance of dehydration or overheating. It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms and sit on the lower benches where the temperature is less intense.

To minimise the risks and maximise the benefits, it is important to follow some guidelines if you choose to go to the sauna during your pregnancy. It is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor before going to the sauna, especially if you have complications or are unsure about safety. If your doctor gives the green light, you can consider going to the sauna after the first trimester, but keep the visit short and avoid the hottest temperatures. A maximum of 10 minutes in the sauna is usually considered safe to avoid overheating. It is also wise to take someone with you to the sauna who can keep an eye on you and listen carefully to your body; if you feel unwell or get too hot, leave the sauna immediately. 

Remember that every pregnancy is different, and your personal medical history plays a role in how your body may respond to heat exposure. Speak with your doctor about your specific concerns and make safety your top priority.

What should I consider if I am pregnant and want to go to the sauna?

There are some important considerations to take into account before entering the sauna. If you are not used to sauna visits, you should be aware of the impact of the heat on your body. The sauna can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and increased heart rate, which can be uncomfortable for a pregnant woman. It is recommended to sit on the lower bench of the sauna and limit the sauna visit to so 5 to 10 minutes. If you do not feel well, it is important to seek coolness immediately and drink plenty of water. Make sure to avoid hot tubs, steam rooms, and other heated water environments as they carry similar risks. Always monitor the water temperature if you plan to bathe during pregnancy.

Infrared sauna and pregnancy

Do avoid the infrared sauna during pregnancy, as it heats up the body from the inside out. Besides the sauna, there are often other wellness facilities such as hot tubs and bubble baths, for which the same caution applies. Always listen carefully to your body and don't take unnecessary risks during pregnancy. Although some people find infrared sauna helpful for muscle aches, it is best to postpone this until after birth. If you experience any symptoms or discomfort, stop immediately and consult a healthcare provider.

It is important to be conscious about sauna visits during pregnancy and understand the possible risks. 

Final thoughts on sauna use during pregnancy

It is important to be conscious about sauna visits during pregnancy and understand the possible risks. With proper precautions and guidance from your doctor, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of a sauna without compromising your health or that of your baby. Pregnant women should always prioritise safety and avoid overheating, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy.

Using a sauna during pregnancy is not inherently dangerous, but it must be approached with caution. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can increase core temperature and may lead to harmful outcomes, such as neural tube defects — particularly in the first trimester. This is why it is advised to take folic acid supplements, maintain hydration, and avoid long periods in heated water or steam rooms.

Some women may experience muscle aches or other pregnancy symptoms that make them consider wellness solutions like saunas. In such cases, it's essential to understand the possible risks and always consult your medical history with your doctor before using high-temperature environments.

Are you considering wellness alternatives? You might be interested in reading more about the potential of infrared saunas for various conditions like flu and cold symptoms, skin problems, or migraine relief.

If you're interested in the general benefits and safe use of infrared saunas, check our guides on infrared sauna health, sauna maintenance, and optimal temperatures.