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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Test early - before spa weekend? What risks are there?

42 replies

Jellybabie3 · 05/01/2017 09:05

So this prob a stupid question but i am going to throw it out there anyway...
OH birthday next week on cd28. Hes been really run down and we have had not much time together over xmas (during the day) so i decided to book a long spa weekend starting on his bday and ending on 15th (cd2 potentially). I clearly didnt think the dates through as the day we go is the day before AF/testing is due. The plan was obviously to relax have a massage, wine and use the facilities including sauna, steam room and hot tub and test if no AF arrival when we get back. Ideally i dont want to test early to avoid any false hope on squinters. But now i hear spas are not good whilst pregnant and there are others online suggesting MC as a result of overheating.

What do i do? Test before i go and if BFP boycot treatments (i obv wont have medical certificate for a pregnancy one) and all facilities? Or wait til i get back? I guess i dont really understand what risks there are?

Btw i appreciate i am probably answering my own questions (i obv dont want to risk anything)
Positive opk 31st dec cd15
Dtd cd8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17

OP posts:
user1467976192 · 11/01/2017 10:06

A massage can cause miscarriage however if you let the massuse know you are pregnant they can modify the massage to avoid any pressure points that put the baby at risk. It is advised to avoid massage in the first trimester.
I am currently halfway through a massage course and personally wouldn't massage a pregnant person however someone with more experience may well do, in the future I want to study massage and aromatherapy in pregnancy so I can practice safely

colourmylife · 11/01/2017 10:05

I'm in the exact same position as you. Going away this weekend for my birthday and we have a hot tub and have read conflicting advice online.
I had pink/light brown watery spotting on 8dpo and cramps ever since so there is a chance I'm pregnant. I'm going to test beforehand and if I'm pregnant I will check how warm the water is in the hot tub (it's an outdoor wood fired one so can't imagine it getting really hot) and maybe just sit with my legs dangled in. Don't want to risk anything. Good luck

JaxingJump · 11/01/2017 10:01

Ps. I'd have the massage with zero qualms. But it's your call if you think it's a risk. You could tell the masseuse to use pregnancy friendly oils, there's plenty. And again, I doubt the massage itself can cause a miscarriage.

JaxingJump · 11/01/2017 09:59

Whatever you feel comfortable doing in terms of heat will be fine I'm sure. So much scaremongering! How to people in hot countries survive!

Of course don't scald yourself but if you are comfy and warm in a jacuzzi the jets won't expel the (unconfirmed) foetus out of you contrary to popular belief. Instinct if what is ok and what is not goes a long way OP.

Original poster
Jellybabie3 · 11/01/2017 09:57

So i need to do FRER

OP posts:
user1467976192 · 11/01/2017 09:47

Can't have a massage, it increases the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester and the use of essential oils can cause harm to the baby or increase the risk of miscarriage

Original poster
Jellybabie3 · 11/01/2017 09:45

Im still in a pickle of what to do. AF due saturday. ICs have been negative so far. Is it worth doing FRER? I have no symptoms of AF. Just a heavy feeling on both sides (odd) this morn. Obviously i dont want to have massage on fri if theres a chance i could be preg but at the same time i dont want to cancel everything if AF slams me on sat morning....

OP posts:
Original poster
Jellybabie3 · 05/01/2017 17:47

Yes thats true. We have our massages already booked in as the hotel is fully booked. I guess if i do get the BFP i will just tell them and hope they have someone qualified to do something different or i will cancel. I just read somewhere you need a doctor s note and clearly i wont have one!! Ah well. Better to get the BFP for sure and the weekend is for OH really. As long as i am still allowed an afternoon tea....i am literally hoping for a BFP i may not even get but atleast i am prepared now.

Just found out the sweetner i use in tea is also not advised for pregnancy so its been an eye opening day!

OP posts:
MakeLemonade · 05/01/2017 17:12

You could do a manicure or a pedicure, a head massage or facial should be fine too. They will have a plain oil that can be used. Just ask for no essential oils.

Original poster
Jellybabie3 · 05/01/2017 17:03

Ok thanks for the info.

OP posts:
thatsnotmybear · 05/01/2017 16:28

Massage and the use of essential oils isn't recommended in early pregnancy either I'm afraid! I'd booked a spa day with a friend then found out I was pregnant and had to swap my massage for a facial. I'm a fan of hot baths too but made do with warm ones during pregnancy (hot baths after birth are excellent though!)

Original poster
Jellybabie3 · 05/01/2017 13:23

Anyone know how hot baths can be then? Im used to really hot, really long baths Blush

OP posts:
Original poster
Jellybabie3 · 05/01/2017 09:41

Ok i guess i test before we go and if i get a BFP boycott the facilities -minus the heated pool which is 29C. Massage should be ok though?

OP posts:
INeedNewShoes · 05/01/2017 09:19

I personally wouldn't risk it any saunas/jacuzzis. If you do find out you're pregnant you'll worry about the effects.

Also, women who have fertility treatment are told to avoid overheating and baths during the two week wait which suggests that there must be evidence to suggest the conceiving/early pregnancy and hot water are not a good mix.

BreatheDeep · 05/01/2017 09:17

www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2402.aspx?CategoryID=54

The problem is they may raise your core temperature and that may harm a developing baby. But there is no concrete research of this. You can use a hot tub or sauna for short periods of time though. Also be wary of fainting as the temperature can cause that too.

INeedNewShoes · 05/01/2017 09:16

I think there's more to it than that.

From babycentre website:

Getting too hot at any stage of your pregnancy can make you feel faint and dizzy, and may be harmful to your growing baby. It’s especially important not to get too hot in your first trimester, when your body isn't as good at regulating its own temperature.

www.babycentre.co.uk/a623/preventing-overheating-during-exercise#ixzz4UsRHrFW2

Crumbs1 · 05/01/2017 09:12

No, miscarriage is not caused by being warm. The risk with hot tubs/saunas is lowering of blood pressure and fainting- pregnancy predisposes you to this anyway.

Alcohol also poses a potential risk of FAS but you need an amount to cause that.
The greatest risk is that if coincidentally you miscarried, you would assume it was the Spa and blame yourself. Something like 1 in four pregnancies miscarry so there is always a risk in early days.

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