Using A Foot Spa When Pregnant? Here’s What You Should Know…

Whilst expecting a baby is a happy occasion, there are unfortunately some areas that can cause you pain and discomfort. Due to hormonal imbalances any pain can be magnified leading to stress and tension. And the last thing you or your baby need is stress.

One area that often gets overlooked when you are pregnant is the feet. Yet we should really look after our feet as they are supporting the whole of our body. Using a foot spa is a great way to relieve stress, ease pain and improve blood circulation.

How Will A Foot Spa Benefit You When You’re Pregnant ?

There are many ways that a foot spa can bring you relief when you are expecting a baby.

Reduces Oedema

Usually during the third trimester women can start to develop swollen feet and lower legs. This condition called oedema, can be extremely painful. A gentle foot spa session can relieve the pain and even reduce the swelling.

Refreshes Aching Feet

A 20 minute foot spa can rejuvenate tired, painful feet, relaxing the muscles and improving blood circulation. 

Relieves Insomnia

It is often difficult to sleep during pregnancy, try having a relaxing foot spa session for around 20 to 30 minutes before retiring. You will find you drift off to sleep much easier and sleep deeper too.

Reduces Stress

Any doctor will tell you increased stress levels are not good for mother or baby, to relieve stress try having a nice relaxing foot spa session with lavender oil. This is known to reduce cortisol levels which reduces stress. Lower stress levels also reduce the risk of premature birth.

Relieves Headaches Caused By Tension

Stress leads to headaches, these tension headaches are almost impossible to clear. Try a soothing lavender oil foot spa. The aroma of the lavender oil is known to calm and soothe and the gentle vibration of the foot spa along with the warm water will relax you and ease that bothersome tension headache.

Before Using A Foot Spa During Pregnancy

You should consult your doctor before using a foot spa during pregnancy as you may be at risk of blood clots or other serious ailments. If  there are certain areas of the leg that have reddened, swollen or warm spots particularly on the lower legs consult your doctor immediately.

Avoid  any strenuous massage on areas around your ankles, foot spas should be fine but check with your doctor first. If you have a history of blood clots, consult your doctor before using a foot spa.

The main takeaway here is, it should be perfectly ok for you to enjoy a nice relaxing therapeutic foot spa, but to be on the safe side, consult your doctor first.

What Essential Oils Should You Avoid When Pregnant

There are certain essential oils that can cause contractions during pregnancy and should be avoided at all costs. They are:

• Arnica
• Basil
• Bitter Almond
• Calamus
• Camphor
• Clary Sage
• Clove
• Melilotus
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Nutmeg
• Oreganum
• Birch (sweet)
• Boldo Leaf
• Broom
• Buchu
• Coriander
• Costus
• Deer Tongue
• Elecampane
• Fennel
• Horseradish
• Juniper Berry
• Cassia
• Cedarwood
• Chervil
• Cinnamon
• Thyme
• Tonka
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood
• Parsley
• Penny Royal
• Pine
• Rosemary
• Rue
• Sassafras
• Savin
• Savory
• Tansy

Essential Oils That Are Considered Safe To Use During Pregnancy

These should be used sparingly but are considered safe to use during pregnancy, if in doubt check with your doctor first.

• Bergamot
• Lavender
• Mandarin
• Roman Chamomile
• Eucalyptus
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Sweet Orange
• Tea Tree
• Ylang Ylang
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Lime
• Patchouli
• Rosewood
• Sandalwood

This is not a conclusive list but it gives you a good baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions