Sauna and Pregnancy: What You Should Know First
February 22, 2026
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Considering sauna use during pregnancy? Learn key safety considerations, common recommendations, and why medical guidance is essential.
Q: How is a traditional sauna different from an infrared sauna?
A: The proper definition of a sauna is a room where water is used to generate steam, so technically the infrared experience is not a sauna at all. Infrared does not warm the room but instead penetrates the body with infrared rays. It does so at a low temperature and is helpful in relieving sore joints and muscles. The wet/dry effect of a traditional sauna is a total body experience, providing joint and muscle relief as well as a host of other health benefits.
Q. Why is a traditional sauna experience considered good for your health?
A. Any health benefits attributed to sauna usage are linked to the fact that sauna rooms get hot. Sauna health benefits include improved circulation, lower blood pressure, enhanced immune system, respiratory relief, detoxification, burned calories, better skin tone, and joint and muscle pain relief.
Q: How long should I stay in the sauna to experience maximum benefits?
A: Studies suggest that a 15-20 minute session is optimal for health and longevity, but it’s important to honor your body and not overexert yourself. Many people prefer to do multiple shorter rounds in the sauna, with breaks in between.
Q: What should I do while I’m in the sauna?
A: The sauna is a great opportunity to go inwards or to connect with others in the space. Sauna time in its Scandinavian roots is really a social event; people come together to share their day, their troubles, their lives. There is something special about a hot room that really opens people up to connecting on a deeper level. As the heat rises, the sauna also turns into quite a personal experience. Focusing on staying calm and relaxed is important as your heart rate rises, which can help you quiet the mind and go inwards.
Q: Why is wood used on sauna interiors?
A: Dense materials like ceramic tile or stone transfer heat more efficiently and would burn your skin at typical sauna air temperatures, around 185ºF. The cell density surface of softwoods like cedar feel much cooler than sauna temperature and are comfortable to sit or lean on.
Q. What’s the difference between an electric and a wood-burning heater?
A. The overall experience is similar whether heating with electric or wood. An electric heater is standard with every sauna we sell, and we also have wood-burning options. The wood heater will require that you vent the heater out the top or back of the room as well as provide an appropriate firewall around the heater. Electric heaters are more user friendly and lower maintenance.
Q: Why is sauna venting necessary?
A: It is important to move fresh air through the sauna for health and proper heater function. This also helps prevent mold and mildew and stagnant air. The best vent locations are near the heater, just off the floor. The heater will draw in the cool air off the adjoining room floor.
Q: Where are Theraluxe saunas manufactured?
A: Our outdoor saunas are produced locally in Surrey, British Columbia. Indoor saunas are constructed on-site.
Q: What is Shou Sugi Ban?
A: Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient Japanese architectural technique that was used to preserve wood by charring the surface with a hot flame. As our highest luxury wood finish option, the process involved charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning off any soot or burnt debris on the surface, and finally finishing the boards with an oil. This results in a beautifully dark unique wood finish.
Q: How long does a traditional sauna take to heat up?
A: Usually 30 to 40 minutes with a properly sized electric sauna heater. Some sauna heater controls allow the user to preset digital ‘ON’ times or up to a 9 hour dial pre-set timer to automatically pre-heat the sauna. For example, the sauna could turn on 1 hour before and be warmed and ready to use when you get home from a day of winter activities.
Q: What should I do after using a sauna?
A: Immediately after the sauna, you may also want to cool down with a cold shower or a jump in the ocean. Once you’ve cooled down a little, make sure to soap off in the shower before taking off. We sweat out many toxins during a sauna, and a good scrub down is in order to remove the toxins from your skin (and prevent re-absorption). Also, hydrate! Sweating a lot will deplete your water and mineral stores, so make sure to drink more than usual for the rest of the day.
Q: What kind of sealant do you use on the wood?
A: The general rule is never apply any coatings or sealants to sauna woods. The chemicals used in wood coatings will break down from sauna heat and release dangerous gasses. Also, the soft sauna woods need to ‘breathe’, by slowly absorbing the sauna heat and humidity and then releasing it when sauna is cooling off. The only proven safe sauna wood treatment is pure paraffin oil which is non-toxic, colorless and odorless. Paraffin oil is used on sauna paneling and benches to add a layer of surface protection that helps keep excess moisture and dirt from absorbing into wood fibers.
Q: How high should the ceiling be in my indoor sauna?
A: As everyone knows, heat rises so saunas don’t typically have vaulted or cathedral ceilings. The usual height is 7 feet, so it is comfortable head room to walk in. Some sauna rooms with 3 tier benches will have a 7′ 6″ ceiling for comfortable seating height on all 3 tiers. If you absolutely must have a higher ceiling it is recommended to adjust bench heights accordingly and use step benches if necessary so the top bench level is in the upper level of heat near the ceiling. We do not recommend a height of over 8′.
Q: How often should a sauna be cleaned?
A: A residential home sauna should be cleaned after every 10 sessions or once a month. Commercial saunas in gyms or clubs usually need daily or weekly attention depending on usage. A biodegradable sauna cleaner should be used to neutralize bacteria and other organisms that eventually break down the wood fibers.
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