Key Takeaways
· Red light therapy during pregnancy is considered safe, non-invasive, and an effective way to manage acne, pain, insomnia, and mood swings.
· This therapy uses low-level wavelengths that penetrate the skin, stimulating healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting cell health with no drugs or discomfort.
· Pregnant women can experience relief from common issues: hormonal acne, sore joints, muscle aches, depression, and stress.
· To maximize results, use your red light therapy device a few times per week to daily, keep sessions short (10 minutes per area), and remain consistent for best cumulative effects.
· Always sit at the recommended distance and focus light on desired areas; start slow, build up frequency, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
For everything from skincare to reducing joint pain, red light therapy is all the rage these days. Are you curious about how this treatment can help you through your pregnancy?
If you've been asking questions like "Is red light therapy safe for pregnancy" or "Can you use red light therapy while pregnant?" keep reading. This guide will teach you everything you need to know so you can make safe decisions for yourself and your baby.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Before we dive into the safety of red light therapy during pregnancy, let's address what it is.
Red light therapy uses low wavelength red light to address a wide range of conditions, from wrinkles and acne to chronic pain. These wavelengths penetrate the skin and affect the health of the cells in the targeted part of the body.
Red light therapy goes by a variety of names, including the following:
· RLT
· Low-level laser light therapy
· Low-power laser therapy
· Non-thermal LED light
· Soft laser therapy
· Cold laser therapy
· Bio stimulation
· Photonic stimulation
· Photo biomodulation
· Phototherapy
If you are exploring different home wellness technologies, it’s good to compare infrared sauna vs traditional sauna, especially when considering comfort, temperature control, and space. Both types of saunas can complement red light therapy and provide a relaxing, restorative environment.
You can read more about sauna use and infrared therapy here: The ultimate guide to saunas: types, benefits, and how to choose the right one..
Safety with Red Light Therapy Safe During Pregnancy
No matter what it's called, women need to know that red light therapy is a low-risk, effective tool that can help them through their pregnancies. In fact , red light therapy it's considered to be one of the safest selfcare practices for pregnant women, according to the Naturopathic Doctor News.
Red light therapy is considered to be safe, in part, because it's painless and non-invasive, but it also penetrates the skin deeply and gets to the root of various issues.
What are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy During Pregnancy?
Red light therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol for pregnancy-related problems. However, it can address many of them, including the following:
Acne
Acne is a common complaint among pregnant women. During pregnancy, the body goes through a variety of hormonal changes, including increased production of androgens. Androgens are hormones that cause the skin to produce greater levels of sebum (oil), which leads to clogged pores and more frequent breakouts.
Red light therapy is a safe and effective way to treat pregnancy-related acne. Red light therapy works because it reduces inflammation. It also repairs damage to the skin and soothes irritated tissues.
In addition to treating active breakouts, red light therapy can also help to minimize scarring from former breakouts. As a bonus, pregnant women might notice other skin conditions improve, too, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Many pregnant women also complain frequently about joint and muscle pain.
Between rapid weight gain and rapid changes in body composition (i.e., your stomach is expanding to accommodate a growing baby), it’s understandable that the muscles and joints are undergoing excessive strain. This, in turn, leads to inflammation, cramping, and soreness.
Along with weight gain, hormonal changes, increased pressure on the sciatic nerve (a nerve that runs from the low back down the back of the thigh), and postural changes can also contribute to muscle and joint pain.
Red light therapy’s anti-inflammatory effects can have a positive impact on the aches and pains women struggle with during pregnancy. For those who are worried about overdoing it on painkillers (even over-the-counter painkillers) while pregnant, red light therapy can be a safe, natural alternative.
Depression
Most people are familiar with postpartum depression. What they might not realize, though, is that it’s also possible to experience depression during pregnancy. In fact, one in 10 women reports experiencing symptoms of depression (sadness, difficulty focusing, fatigue, mood swings, etc.) while pregnant.
Red light therapy has an antidepressant effect on many people. This may have to do, in part, with the fact that it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Depression has been linked to increased levels of inflammation in the brain, so it makes sense that red light therapy would help to minimize depression symptoms and improve quality of life for pregnant women. It doesn’t require them to take medications that they might be wary of, too, so it’s a good choice for those who need relief but want to take a natural approach.
Stress
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, but it can also be one of the most stressful.
Taking time to sit in front of a red light therapy device each day (or at least a couple of times per week) gives pregnant women a chance to relax, unwind, and be mindful. This, in turn, can help them to feel less stressed and better able to handle other tasks on their to-do list.
Red light therapy can be a great part of a pregnant woman’s nighttime routine. It can help them relax and feel more at ease before they go to bed, which can help with the insomnia that many pregnant women struggle with.
Pregnancy can sometimes affect sleep patterns and energy levels. If you’re experiencing fatigue or restlessness, integrating sessions in a luxury home sauna can offer relief and a quiet escape, whether alone or with a partner. Plus, you get all the extra infrared sauna health benefits as well.
The gentle warmth and safe environment in an infrared sauna help boost circulation and ease tension. Enhance every session with top sauna accessories for added comfort
Beginner? Find more information here: Beginners tips on how to use a sauna.
Tips for Using Red Light Therapy While Pregnant
Red light therapy is safe during pregnancy. However, to see the best results and stay safe during your treatments, you need to make sure you're using it correctly.
If you're interested in giving red light therapy a try but aren't sure where to start, here are some tips that can help after you've set up your red light therapy device in your home:
· Sit about 15 centimeters away from your red light therapy device.
· For best results, expose your skin and position your body so the light is shining on the body part/parts you want to target.
· Sit for about 10 minutes at a time per area.
· Start low and slow. Aim for a couple of sessions per week, with each session lasting about 10 minutes. Over time, you can work your way up to daily treatments.
· Be consistent. The results of red light therapy are cumulative, and you'll see more noticeable improvements the more frequently you use your red light devices.
Try Red Light Therapy Today
Now that you're better informed about red light therapy and pregnancy, are you interested in giving it a try?
When creating a wellness routine for your home, adding an indoor or outdoor infrared sauna alongside your red light therapy setup can be a game-changer. Many expectant mothers are opting for red light therapy and sauna use to support relaxation, skincare, and holistic wellbeing during pregnancy.
For more inspiration, see our best home sauna collection
Check out Sun Home Saunas and shop for our red light therapy products today. We have a wide range of options, from full-sized sauna panels to portable devices, to help you improve your health and achieve your wellness goals.
Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.
FAQs
Is red light therapy safe during pregnancy?
Yes, red light therapy during pregnancy is widely considered safe, as it’s gentle, non-invasive, and drug-free. It’s a preferred option for many seeking relief from pain and skin issues without pharmaceuticals.
What pregnancy concerns can red light therapy help with?
RLT can address hormonal acne, joint and muscle pain, stress, depression, and insomnia. Its anti-inflammatory effects soothe symptoms and support overall wellness for expecting mothers.
How often should I use a red light therapy device while pregnant?
Start with 10 minutes, 2–3 times per week per area, and gradually increase to daily sessions. The more consistent you are, the better your results will be.
Are there any precautions for using RLT in pregnancy?
Always follow device guidelines, avoid overheating, and talk to your healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy, especially if you have complex medical history.
Can I use red light therapy at home during pregnancy?
Absolutely! Home red light therapy devices make treatment safe, easy, and convenient with many portable models available (ideal for everyday relief and wellness).
