Cryotherapy is not recommended during pregnancy, especially whole-body cryotherapy. The extreme cold used in these treatments can affect your circulation and lower core body temperature, both of which can pose risks to you and your baby.
Clinical research on cryotherapy during pregnancy is very limited. Because of this lack of safety data, most healthcare professionals and cryotherapy providers advise against it as a precaution.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a treatment that exposes the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period. It’s used for a range of purposes, from sports recovery and reducing inflammation to skin treatments and general wellbeing.
There are two types:
- Whole-body cryotherapy- you stand in a cryotherapy chamber for two to four minutes at temperatures as low as -140°C
- Localised cryotherapy– cold is applied to a specific area of the body, such as a joint, muscle, or skin lesion
Risks of Cryotherapy During Pregnancy
Whole-body cryotherapy exposes you to temperatures that the body isn’t designed to handle for extended periods. During pregnancy, the risks are amplified for the following reasons:
- Reduced blood flow– extreme cold causes vasoconstriction, which narrows the blood vessels. This can reduce blood flow to the placenta, which supplies your baby with oxygen and nutrients.
- Drop in body temperature– a sudden drop in your core temperature is considered unsafe during pregnancy.
- Dizziness and fainting– cryotherapy can cause lightheadedness even outside of pregnancy.
- No safety data– there is little to no research on the effects of cryotherapy on a developing foetus.
For these reasons, cryotherapy is best avoided until after your pregnancy and, if breastfeeding, until after that too.
Is Any Type of Cryotherapy Safe During Pregnancy?
Not all cryotherapy carries the same level of risk.
| Type | Risk level | Recommended during pregnancy? |
| Whole-body cryotherapy | High | No |
| Localised cryotherapy | Moderate | Not without GP advice |
| Medical cryotherapy | Low if carried out by a healthcare professional | Only if recommended by a doctor |
| Cryotherapy facial | Lower | Check with your midwife |
Whole-body cryotherapy carries the greatest risk due to the temperatures involved and its effect on circulation and core body temperature. Localised wellness treatments are less intense but still not recommended without medical guidance during pregnancy.
Cryotherapy facials, which use cool air rather than extreme cold, are generally considered the lowest risk of the cryotherapy treatments.
Medical cryotherapy, such as the removal of warts or skin lesions, is a different matter entirely. If a doctor has recommended this during your pregnancy, they will have assessed the risks. Do not attempt any form of medical cryotherapy at home.
Alternatives to Cryotherapy for Pregnant Women
If you use cryotherapy, there are safer alternatives to consider during pregnancy:
- Gentle swimming– cool water provides mild relief for aching muscles and swollen joints.
- Pregnancy massage- certain treatments like deep tissue massages can be safe for pregnant women when done correctly by a qualified therapist. It can help with muscle tension and circulation.
At Concordia Clinic, we offer deep tissue massages that can be tailored to your stage of pregnancy.
- Warm baths– hot baths are not recommended during pregnancy, but comfortably warm water can be soothing.
- Cold compresses– a cool (not ice-cold) compress applied briefly to a specific area can offer localised relief for things like headaches or swollen ankles.
- Rest and elevation– for inflammation and swelling, particularly in the legs and feet, elevating the affected area is a safe option.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage- lymphatic drainage massage can be safe for pregnant women and effective in reducing swelling.
At Concordia Clinic, we offer lymphatic drainage massages. Your therapist will begin with a brief consultation to understand your stage of pregnancy and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Can You Have Cryotherapy After Pregnancy?
People return to cryotherapy after giving birth. In fact, it’s become a popular recovery tool after childbirth, particularly for reducing inflammation and supporting muscle recovery.
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- Get clearance from your GP before returning to or starting cryotherapy after birth.
- If you are breastfeeding, most providers recommend waiting until you have finished.
- Postpartum recovery varies from person to person; what’s right for a friend may not be right for you.
Cryotherapy can be a great addition to your postpartum recovery routine.
Ready to Try Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a safe treatment with many benefits for muscle recovery and inflammation in particular. If you are pregnant, however, it’s best to wait. Once you’ve had the green light from your GP or midwife, it can be a great addition to your postpartum recovery routine.
At Concordia Clinic, we offer cryotherapy tailored to your needs and recovery goals. If you’d like to find out more or book an appointment, get in touch with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cryotherapy cause a miscarriage?
There is no direct clinical evidence linking cryotherapy to miscarriage. However, because cryotherapy affects circulation and core body temperature, it is not considered safe and is avoided as a precaution.
Can I have a cryotherapy facial when pregnant?
Cryotherapy facials use cool air rather than extreme cold and are generally lower risk than whole-body treatments.
When can I start cryotherapy after giving birth?
Most providers recommend waiting until you have had your postnatal check-up and received clearance from your GP. If you are breastfeeding, it is generally advisable to wait until after you have finished before trying whole-body cryotherapy.
Are ice baths the same as cryotherapy?
Ice baths and whole-body cryotherapy both use cold to reduce inflammation and aid recovery, but they work differently. Ice baths submerge the body in cold water, typically between 10–15°C, while cryotherapy chambers use dry cold air at much more extreme temperatures. Neither is recommended during pregnancy.
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