Learn how float therapy can gently support comfort, relaxation, and well-being during pregnancy—explore the benefits, safety, and science behind floating in this educational blog for expecting mothers.
Pregnancy brings profound physical and emotional changes. As the body adapts to support a growing baby, many women experience back, hip, and neck pain, muscle soreness, joint strain, swelling in the legs and feet, disrupted sleep, and heightened stress or sensory overload. Since many common pain-relief options are limited during pregnancy, gentle, non-invasive approaches become especially valuable.
One increasingly popular option is float therapy, which offers deep relaxation and physical relief without medication or impact—making it an appealing wellness practice for many expecting mothers.
What is float therapy?
Float therapy—also known as flotation-REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy)—involves floating effortlessly in warm water saturated with over 1,000 lbs of pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). The high salt concentration allows the body to become fully buoyant, creating a sensation of near weightlessness while minimizing pressure on muscles, joints, and connective tissue.
The water is heated to skin temperature, and the quiet, low-light environment reduces sensory input, allowing the nervous system to shift into a deeply relaxed state.
Is floating safe during pregnancy?
When done at a reputable float spa and with standard precautions, float therapy is considered safe for most uncomplicated pregnancies. Unlike hot tubs or saunas, float tanks are carefully temperature-controlled to remain at or just below skin temperature, avoiding overheating. There is no electrical stimulation, physical manipulation, or medication involved.
At Sanctuary Float Spa, we have many expecting women use our float spa throughout all three trimesters. However, we encourage pregnant clients to consult their healthcare provider—especially if they have high-risk conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring close monitoring, or other medical complications.
How float therapy can support pregnancy wellness
Ease sore muscles and joint discomfort
Research on float therapy consistently shows reductions in muscle tension and perceived pain, largely due to deep relaxation and reduced mechanical stress on the body. During pregnancy, as posture shifts and ligaments loosen, muscle fatigue is common—particularly in the lower back, hips, shoulders, and calves. Floating allows muscles to fully release without effort, which may temporarily ease soreness and stiffness.
Reduce strain on the back, hips, and neck through weightlessness
One of the most immediate benefits pregnant women report is the relief of gravitational pressure. Buoyancy reduces compression on the spine and joints, which can help alleviate common pregnancy complaints such as lumbar pain, pelvic discomfort, and neck strain.
Studies on flotation therapy demonstrate that removing weight-bearing stress can significantly improve comfort in individuals with musculoskeletal pain—an effect that is especially meaningful as body weight and center of gravity change during pregnancy.
In a CADTH Health Technology Review published in 2022, researchers examined the existing scientific evidence on floatation therapy for physical conditions, including chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues. Floatation therapy is described as having potential benefits through deep relaxation and reduced mechanical stress on muscles and joints due to buoyancy.
Improve circulation and ease lower-extremity inflammation
Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs is a common feature of pregnancy due to fluid retention and changes in circulation. While float therapy is not a medical treatment for edema, the horizontal, pressure-free position combined with relaxation may support circulation and temporarily reduce discomfort associated with lower-extremity inflammation.
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) has also been studied for its role in muscle relaxation and neuromuscular calm, which may further contribute to feelings of physical ease, reduce stiffness and aches.
Create a soothing, womb-like environment for mother and baby
Beyond physical relief, float therapy offers a uniquely calming sensory experience. The warm water, gentle stillness, and reduced stimulation often evoke a womb-like environment—one that many pregnant women describe as deeply comforting.
Research on flotation-REST shows significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and sympathetic nervous system activation. Lower maternal stress is associated with improved emotional well-being during pregnancy, benefiting both mother and baby. Many women also report feeling more connected to their breath, body, and baby during a float session.
“I tried float therapy for the first time at Sanctuary Float Spa during my second trimester. It was the first time I found complete relief in my low back and hips. I could also tell my baby loved it; he was so active.” – Taylor Hoskins, Verified Sanctuary Float Spa Client
Experience weightless relief during pregnancy at Sanctuary Float Spa
Pregnancy places unique demands on the body, and float therapy offers a rare opportunity to rest without pressure, strain, or stimulation. By easing tired muscles, reducing stress on the back, hips, and neck, supporting circulation, and promoting deep relaxation, floating can be a soothing form of self-care during this transformative time.
At Sanctuary Float Spa, your safety and comfort come first. As a trusted and highly regarded float spa in the Twin Cities, Sanctuary maintains rigorous cleanliness standards, private float suites, pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt, and carefully controlled water temperatures appropriate for pregnancy.
If you’re looking for a gentle and natural way to support your body during pregnancy, we invite you to experience the restorative calm of float therapy at Sanctuary Float Spa.