Can You Use Red Light Therapy While Pregnant?

There isn’t enough research to say that red light therapy is proven safe during pregnancy, so it’s best to talk with your OB-GYN before using it. If your doctor clears you for treatment, avoid using the light on your belly or lower back and avoid treatments that could raise your body temperature.

Key Takeaways

• Red light and heat are different, since red light therapy is designed to avoid significant heating, while saunas, steam, and heated wraps can raise body temperature.
• First-trimester care should focus especially on avoiding overheating, while positioning and comfort become more important later in pregnancy.
• LED face masks treat a smaller area than full-body red light beds, but you should still follow the device instructions and pregnancy warnings.
• Certain medications, light-sensitive conditions, high-risk pregnancies, and active skin problems may be reasons to avoid red light therapy or seek medical clearance.

What Research Says About Red Light Therapy During Pregnancy

So, is red light therapy safe while pregnant? Research does not yet give us a clear answer. Red light therapy has been studied in adults, but there are no large clinical trials that establish its safety specifically during pregnancy. A 2020 review on cosmetic non-ionizing radiation found a lack of evidence on the safety of near-infrared cosmetic treatments during pregnancy.

The limited research does not show clear evidence of harm, but that is different from proving a treatment is safe for pregnant women. Research on related laser treatments during pregnancy has mostly involved case reports and small case series.

Because the evidence is limited, a cautious approach is recommended:

• Talk with your OB-GYN before starting or continuing red light therapy while pregnant.
• Do not assume that safety findings from nonpregnant adults also apply during pregnancy.
• Consider postponing elective light-based treatments until after pregnancy if your healthcare provider recommends it.

Why Your Belly and Lower Back Should Stay Covered

If your doctor clears you for red light therapy during pregnancy, avoid direct exposure to your belly and lower back. There is not enough pregnancy-specific research to establish the safety of exposing these areas, so taking extra precautions is reasonable.

So, is it safe to use red light therapy on your stomach while pregnant? There is not enough evidence to say that it is. It is best to keep your belly and lower back covered during the session and follow your OB-GYN’s recommendations.

You can cover these areas with:

• Clothing.
• A thick towel.
• Another opaque fabric that fully covers the skin.

Fabric absorbs, reflects, and scatters red and near-infrared light, which reduces how much reaches your skin. The amount blocked varies based on the fabric, thickness, color, and wavelength, so clothing should not be treated as a perfect barrier.

For more details, read our guide on whether red light therapy works through clothes.

Red Light vs. Infrared Heat: Why Heat Matters More

Red light therapy is designed to deliver light without significantly heating your body. Infrared sauna pods, heated wraps, steam rooms, and similar services are designed to warm the body and can raise your core temperature.

During pregnancy, overheating is the bigger concern. ACOG advises avoiding saunas and hot tubs early in pregnancy because they raise core body temperature. ACOG also recommends taking extra care to avoid overheating during the first trimester.

The CDC gives similar guidance. It recommends avoiding hot tubs and other environments that could cause overheating during pregnancy. 

If you are pregnant, skip infrared saunas, heated wraps, steam treatments, and other heat-based wellness services unless your OB-GYN says they are appropriate for you.

For a closer look at the differences, read our guides to Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared Therapy.

Red Light Therapy by Trimester

There are no established guidelines showing that red light therapy becomes safe at a particular point in pregnancy. If you are considering it during any trimester, talk with your OB-GYN first and follow the precautions they recommend.

First Trimester

The first trimester calls for the most caution around overheating. This is when major organs develop, and ACOG specifically recommends avoiding becoming overheated during the first trimester.

If your OB-GYN approves red light therapy, avoid heat-based treatments and keep your belly and lower back covered. Infrared saunas, heated pods, steam rooms, and similar services should be avoided unless your provider specifically clears them.

Second Trimester

The same precautions still apply in the second trimester. Get your OB-GYN’s approval, avoid direct exposure over your belly and lower back, and choose treatments that do not raise your core body temperature.

Your position may also become important as your belly grows. ACOG advises avoiding long periods flat on your back because the uterus can put pressure on a major blood vessel and cause dizziness or reduced blood flow.

Third Trimester

During the third trimester, comfort and positioning become especially important. A larger belly can make lying flat on your back uncomfortable, and ACOG recommends side-lying rather than back-lying later in pregnancy.

If your OB-GYN has cleared red light therapy:

• Choose a comfortable position that does not require lying flat on your back for an extended period.
• Keep your belly and lower back covered.
• Avoid any service that makes you feel too warm, dizzy, or uncomfortable.
• Stop the session and tell staff if you feel unwell.

Full-Body Red Light Beds vs. LED Masks During Pregnancy

If you are wondering whether LED light is OK during pregnancy, the same basic rule applies to both LED masks and full-body red light beds. Pregnancy-specific safety research is limited, so get your OB-GYN’s approval before using either one.

LED Face Masks

LED masks treat a much smaller area than a full-body bed. They are worn on the face, so your belly and lower back are not directly exposed to the light.

If your OB-GYN approves an LED mask, follow the device instructions and do not use it longer or more often than recommended. You should also check the manufacturer’s pregnancy warnings, since recommendations can vary by device.

Full-Body Red Light Beds

A full-body bed exposes a much larger area at once. If your OB-GYN clears you to use one during pregnancy, take a few extra precautions:

• Cover your belly and lower back with clothing or a thick towel.
• Keep the session short and follow your provider’s recommendations.
• Make sure the treatment does not cause you to overheat.
• Choose a comfortable position, especially later in pregnancy.

Protect your eyes with either option and follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Learn more in our guide on whether to keep your eyes open or closed during red light therapy.

When to Skip Red Light Therapy While Pregnant

Some red light therapy contraindications may be especially important during pregnancy. Skip a session until you have talked with your OB-GYN or another qualified healthcare provider if there is any reason the treatment may not be appropriate for you.

You should avoid red light therapy or get medical clearance first if:

• You have a high-risk pregnancy or your OB-GYN has advised you to avoid elective wellness treatments.
• You take medications that can increase sensitivity to light. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that red light may not be recommended with certain photosensitizing medications. 
• You have a condition that causes light sensitivity, such as lupus. Red light exposure may worsen some photosensitive conditions.
• You have an active or unexplained skin condition in the area you want to treat. A dermatologist can determine whether light therapy could irritate or worsen it.
• Your doctor has told you to avoid red light therapy for any other medical reason.

Also check the instructions for the specific device or treatment you plan to use. Keep in mind that contraindications vary between devices, and pregnancy-specific safety data remain limited.

How SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa Handles Red Light Sessions for Pregnant Clients

Here at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, we do not recommend using our full-body red light therapy during pregnancy. Because research is limited, we believe the best approach is to wait until after pregnancy before booking a full-body session.

Final Thoughts: Red Light Therapy While Pregnant

Research has not yet established whether red light therapy is safe during pregnancy. At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, we do not recommend our full-body red light therapy sessions for pregnant clients.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Talk with your OB-GYN before using any red light or LED therapy during pregnancy.
• Avoid direct light exposure on your belly and lower back.
• Skip infrared saunas, heated wraps, and other treatments that can raise your body temperature.
• Check medications and health conditions for possible light sensitivity.

FAQ

Can you overdo red light therapy?

Yes. More is not better with red light therapy. Always follow the recommended treatment time for your device or facility. Learn more in our guide to how often you should do red light therapy.

Can you use red light therapy while breastfeeding?

There is limited research on red light therapy while breastfeeding, so talk with your healthcare provider before starting or restarting treatments. Your provider can advise you based on your recovery, medications, and health needs.

When can you restart red light therapy after giving birth?

Wait until your healthcare provider clears you to restart red light therapy after giving birth. Recovery times vary, and you may need to wait longer after a C-section or other complications.