Saunas in early pregnancy?

[LittleMyDancingForJoy]

We're off to Finland for our holidays tomorrow and have just discovered I'm pregnant...only about four weeks gone so early days.

Saunas are a big part of Finnish life, so am I barred from them at this stage, or is it ok to steam myself?

At least it's not winter, so there's no jumping in the frozen lake afterwards.....!!

I think they are a no no. Your blood pressure can be affected with the heat. I'd steer clear, but I'm no expert. Maybe someone in the know will be able to help.

I'm Finnish
i've always had saunas throughout my three pregnancies all the way to the end
everyone does it there and there are no health warnings against them

I had a feeling that was the case....poo.

Finns even give birth in saunas, they like them so much!

ooooo, a proper Finnish person!

really? they don't advise against them? NHS Direct is most sniffy about them on their website.

I don't think anyone gives birth in saunas anymore though....

Nope, they don't. Never did anyone I know any harm.

Seems like a hot place to do all that pushing!

Congratulations littlemydancingforjoy

I went on holiday to Sweden earlier this year and concieved whilst there - and used the saunas. My doc said I shouldn't worry about it. But to be on the safe side don't stay in for very long or go in when very hot - I'd take advice before you go if you can. (I wonder what the Scandinavians do, and if they have different advice to us!)

Z.x

if it gets too hot and uncomfortable I just get out
listen to your body and you'll be fine
make sure you use a vihta!

I've never been very good at hot hot hot saunas, anyway, so I'd probably wuss out before it got very hot.

i'm a bit paranoid as we lost a baby at 20 weeks in Feb (severe heart defects) so I'm a bit anti risk, iyswim.

what's a vihta?

OK, drowninginlaundry has answered my question already - lots of posts all at the same time there! I guess it's the same as drinking, eating seafood etc - it's us to up to make the final judgement on what is safe and what isn't.

Enjoy your holiday

Z

I know jacuzzi's(sp) are not recommended.

Just back from Helsinki and wanted to say thank you, esp drowninginlaundry - really enjoyed the saunas, never stayed in very long but it was lovely.

no vihtas available though