Red Light Therapy, also known as Photobiomodulation or Low Level Laser Therapy involves exposing the body to low levels of Red or Near-Infrared light.
The motive behind is that these wavelengths can penetrate skin and tissue, basically helping in cellular energy production, inflammation reduction, and healing processes.
However, when pregnancy comes into play, the question arises, “Can this light have detrimental effects on the developing fetus? Let’s delve into this;
Can I Use Red light therapy while pregnant?
Red Light Therapy (RLT) has shown potential benefits during pregnancy, such as alleviating depression, managing stretch marks that often occur with weight gain and healing wounds. This form of therapy has even been utilized to remedy sleep issues during pregnancy.
However, despite these potential benefits, the medical community hasn’t universally endorsed whether it’s pregnancy-safe. Therefore, it’s important to err on the side of caution and hold on your laser therapeutic goals at this precious time.
We do not recommend it, and here are our reasons:
Lack of Safety Data
One of the major reasons we don’t advise RTP is the lack of comprehensive safety data regarding its use during pregnancy. The limited research available makes it challenging to assess the potential risks accurately.
Heat generation
Some red light therapy devices may generate heat during the treatment, which could potentially affect your body temperature.
High body temperature is generally not the best thing to experience, especially during the first trimester when the developing baby is most vulnerable.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy involves significant hormonal changes, and it’s essential to ensure that any therapy you consider does not interfere with these natural processes. That is why you might want to stay off this, atleast till your baby comes out.
Skin sensitivity
Hormonal changes will most definitely affect your skin and leave you with skin sensitivities and pigmentation.
These changes might affect how the skin responds to red light therapy and increase the risk of adverse reactions or skin irritations.
Can you use beauty angel red light therapy while pregnant?
The use of the Beauty Angel or any other specific red light therapy device during pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider, preferably your obstetrician or midwife as they can offer guidance based on your health status and medical history.
As mentioned earlier, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the safety of this treatment during pregnancy, and individual responses can vary.
Red light therapy brands, including the Beauty Angel, use red or near-infrared light to stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation, and they may involve exposure to heat and light.
Given the potential concerns related to elevated body temperature, hormonal changes, skin sensitivity, and the lack of extensive safety data, we will advise that you play it safe and avoid it now.
It is important to remember that although beauty treatments may help in maintaining a positive physical appearance, your safety and health alongside your baby’s should always be the primary concern.
And as always, consult with your healthcare provider first when you consider this treatment while carrying a baby.
Benefits of red light therapy for pregnant women
Here are some potential benefits of red light therapy for pregnant women, although these should be considered with caution and in consultation with a healthcare professional:
- Pain relief
- Management of stretch marks
- Skin repair and rejuvenation
- Potential mental health benefits
- Wound healing
It’s important to note that the safety of this treatment during pregnancy hasn’t been concluded, and there are potential risks to be mindful of, as mentioned previously.
Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before considering red light therapy or any other new treatment during pregnancy.
In many cases, healthcare providers may recommend alternative, safer approaches for addressing specific issues or symptoms experienced during pregnancy.
Can I do red light therapy while breastfeeding?
Yes, breastfeeding moms can go ahead and use red light therapeutic treatments as this is considered safe and low risk for general use (excluding pregnant women).
Even laser and phototherapy, which fall in the same light therapy category as red light therapy, are considered acceptable during breastfeeding.They have no known effect to the baby!
But before moving forward with this, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to align the treatment type and frequency with your individual health status.
Is blue light therapy safe during pregnancy?
Blue Light Therapy is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy. This treatment is non invasive and uses visible light, which does not pose the same kind of risk as ultraviolet light or x-rays.
However, even though it is viewed as safe for expectant mothers and their babies, we suggest that you avoid the treatment near the abdomen area when pregnant.
In fact, blue light therapy primarily targets skin cells, so it is not typically associated with systemic effects that could harm a developing fetus.
But there may be some concerns about potential exposure to the eyes or surrounding areas, which could affect vision.
It is crucial to ensure that your eyes are adequately protected from the intense light. Eye shields or goggles should be provided to prevent potential eye damage.
Additionally, any form of light treatment including blue therapy may reduce folic acid levels so it’s important to replenish your stores for folate after having it.
The decision to undergo any medical treatment should be based on careful examination of the potential risks and benefits.
If your skin is causing some distress or discomfort and other treatments seem ineffective or unsafe, then your doctor may determine that blue light therapy is the best option.
FAQs
If you have diseases that make you susceptible to light, it would be better to avoid red light therapy. Individuals with severe bleeding or fever should also avoid this treatment.
It’s generally recommended to avoid any procedure that isn’t medically necessary, including using this treatment on pregnant belly.
There’s currently no solid evidence to suggest that red light therapy adversely affects fertility.
Conclusion
Red Light Therapy is a possible tool for managing some skin conditions and discomforts that often occur during pregnancy, such as stretch marks and joint pain.
Nonetheless, the studies around its impact on a developing fetus are limited. It’s a gray area concerning the direct and long-term implications of the therapy on pregnancy and fetal development.
It’s then recommended that expectant mothers err on the side of caution and if possibly, avoid it while on this delicate journey.
However, if you’re still considering it, then it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
As science expands our understanding of Red Light Therapy during pregnancy, guidelines are likely to become clearer, helping pregnant women make an informed decision.
References:
National Institutes Of Health (Red Light Mitigates the Deteriorating Placental Extracellular Matrix in Late Onset of Preeclampsia and Improves the Trophoblast Behavior)
