Wellness Trends to Avoid in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide

With a growing emphasis on health and wellness, many trends promising enhanced wellbeing are marketed towards expectant mothers. While some of these trends may seem harmless or even beneficial, not all are safe during pregnancy. Certain wellness practices can pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby. It’s important to be cautious, informed, and consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating any new trends into your antenatal routine.

In this article, we’ll explore which wellness trends should be avoided during pregnancy, why they might be harmful, and how you can maintain a healthy balance in your wellness journey while pregnant.

1. Detox Diets and Cleanses

Detox diets and cleanses often involve extreme restrictions or the consumption of specific juices and teas with the aim of purging toxins from the body. While detoxes are popular in wellness culture, they can be especially harmful during pregnancy.

Why You Should Avoid Them:

Nutritional Deficiency: Detox diets often lack essential nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and folic acid, which are vital for your baby’s development and for supporting your own antenatal health.

Caloric Deficiency: Pregnancy requires extra calories to nourish both the mother and baby. Restrictive cleanses can lead to calorie deficiencies that might result in low birth weight or complications during labour.

Dehydration Risks: Some detox teas contain diuretics, which increase urination and may lead to dehydration, a condition that can cause complications such as preterm labour.

Instead of detoxing, focus on balanced prenatal care that supports healthy digestion and nourishment. Proper hydration, alongside antenatal vitamins and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is the safest way to maintain your body’s wellness during pregnancy.

2. Essential Oils for Internal Use

Essential oils are popular for their natural healing properties and are widely used in diffusers or applied topically. However, a growing trend involves ingesting essential oils to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea or indigestion. This practice, while seemingly natural, can be dangerous.

Why You Should Avoid Them:

Toxicity Risks: Not all essential oils are safe for consumption, especially during pregnancy. Oils like rosemary, sage, and peppermint, when ingested, may increase the risk of uterine contractions or harm fetal development.

Lack of Regulation: Essential oils are not regulated as strictly as medications, so their purity and concentration can vary significantly. This unpredictability makes it difficult to know how much you are consuming, potentially leading to overdose or adverse reactions.

Instead, opt for relaxation techniques such as prenatal yoga or antenatal massage, which are proven to support relaxation during pregnancy without the risks associated with ingesting essential oils.

3. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, which involves exposing the body to extreme cold temperatures to reduce inflammation and promote recovery, has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts. While it may seem like an invigorating treatment, it’s not suitable for pregnant women.

Why You Should Avoid It:

Cold Stress on the Body: Extreme cold temperatures can induce stress on the body, potentially affecting your circulation and leading to complications like hypothermia, which can negatively impact both mother and baby.

Lack of Research: There is limited research on the effects of cryotherapy on pregnant women, meaning its safety cannot be guaranteed. Until further studies confirm its harmlessness, it is best to avoid this trend.

Rather than cryotherapy, consider pregnancy yoga classes or gentle stretching exercises designed for expectant mothers. These practices can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support overall antenatal fitness safely.

4. Infrared Saunas and Hot Tubs

Many wellness seekers turn to infrared saunas or hot tubs for detoxification, muscle relaxation, and stress relief. While these activities might seem soothing, they are not safe for pregnant women.

Why You Should Avoid Them:

Risk of Overheating: Infrared saunas and hot tubs elevate your core body temperature. Pregnant women are more susceptible to overheating, which can lead to hyperthermia, a condition that poses risks such as neural tube defects and other developmental issues in the baby.

Dehydration: Extended periods in hot environments can lead to dehydration, which may cause dizziness, fainting, or complications in pregnancy.

To safely promote relaxation during pregnancy, consider booking an antenatal massage or engaging in gentle meditation practices. These options allow you to unwind without the risks of overheating.

5. Vigorous High-Intensity Workouts

Maintaining an active lifestyle is important during pregnancy, but not all workouts are suitable for expectant mothers. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other forms of vigorous exercise can be too strenuous for a pregnant body.

Why You Should Avoid Them:

Increased Injury Risk: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments to prepare the body for childbirth. This increased laxity in the joints can make high-intensity workouts more dangerous, leading to sprains or other injuries.

Strain on the Cardiovascular System: The cardiovascular system is already working harder during pregnancy to support the growing baby. High-intensity workouts can put additional strain on your heart, potentially leading to complications like preterm labour or elevated blood pressure.

Instead of vigorous workouts, focus on moderate exercises such as antenatal yoga or swimming. These forms of exercise promote antenatal fitness, improve flexibility, and maintain cardiovascular health without the excessive strain of high-intensity routines.

6. Herbal Supplements and Unregulated Wellness Products

Herbal supplements are often marketed as a natural way to boost health, relieve symptoms like nausea, or support energy levels during pregnancy. However, not all supplements are safe for use during this time.

Why You Should Avoid Them:

Lack of FDA Regulation: Many herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning their safety, efficacy, and quality are uncertain. Ingredients that seem natural may have adverse effects on fetal development.

Potential Harmful Ingredients: Certain herbs like St. John’s Wort, ginseng, and goldenseal can interfere with pregnancy, potentially leading to miscarriage or affecting hormone levels.

Drug Interactions: Herbal supplements may interact with prenatal vitamins or prescribed medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing dangerous side effects.

Instead, focus on proven antenatal support through a balanced diet, prenatal care, and antenatal appointments with your healthcare provider. They can guide you toward safe and effective solutions for managing pregnancy symptoms.

7. Cupping and Acupuncture

Cupping and acupuncture are alternative treatments that claim to relieve pain and improve energy flow in the body. While these treatments are sometimes used for pregnancy-related discomfort, they must be approached with caution.

Why You Should Be Cautious:

Unregulated Practices: Not all cupping and acupuncture practitioners are trained in treating pregnant women. Incorrect placement of needles or cups can trigger contractions or even cause miscarriage in early pregnancy.

Pressure Points: Certain pressure points in acupuncture, such as those around the ankles, are known to stimulate uterine contractions, which may be dangerous if not managed by a skilled practitioner.

If you’re interested in these treatments, ensure you’re working with a licensed professional who specialises in pregnancy care. Otherwise, stick to safer forms of pain relief and relaxation, such as antenatal massage or pregnancy-safe stretches.

Conclusion

As tempting as wellness trends can be, it’s essential to prioritise safety over unproven claims during pregnancy. Avoiding potentially harmful practices such as detoxes, extreme workouts, and unregulated supplements can help you maintain a healthy balance.

Always consult your healthcare provider before incorporating any new trends into your antenatal care routine. By focusing on scientifically backed practices and leaning on expert advice, you can enjoy a safe, healthy, and relaxed pregnancy journey.