Floatation Therapy During Pregnancy: A Gentle Embrace for Body and Mind

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. From sore backs to sleepless nights, the physical and emotional demands can be intense. That’s where floatation therapy comes in, offering a safe, serene, and soothing escape for expecting mothers. At Iowa Salt Pods, we provide a tranquil space designed to support your well-being throughout your pregnancy.

What Is Floatation Therapy?

Also known as sensory deprivation therapy, floatation therapy involves lying in a pod filled with warm, Epsom salt-saturated water. The solution allows you to float effortlessly, relieving pressure from joints and muscles. For pregnant individuals, this can be a game-changer.

Let’s dive into the key benefits—and why floating might be the best thing you do for yourself and your baby.

🌸 Top Benefits of Floatation Therapy During Pregnancy

1. Relieves Pregnancy-Related Pain

As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts, it’s common to experience back pain, hip discomfort, and sore joints. Floating allows you to experience weightlessness, which takes the strain off your body. Many pregnant clients at Iowa Salt Pods have found relief from:

• Lower back pain

• Pubic symphysis discomfort

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Swollen feet and ankles

One mama even said she felt like she “got her body back for an hour”—and that’s priceless.

2. Reduces Stress and Promotes Better Sleep

Pregnancy hormones can send emotions on a rollercoaster. Floatation therapy supports your mental well-being by reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosting oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that also plays a big role in labor.

The calm, quiet environment of the float pod triggers theta brainwaves, which are associated with deep relaxation and meditation. This can help reduce anxiety, balance your mood, and even help you sleep better at night.

3. Deepens Connection with Your Baby

Here’s something truly magical: many women report feeling a stronger connection with their baby during and after their float session. Some even say they can hear or sense their baby’s heartbeat in the pod’s silence.

In a world filled with distractions, the float pod offers sacred stillness—a chance to be fully present and bond with the little life growing inside you.

💬 A Doula’s Perspective: Diana Kay’s Experience

Diana Kay, DONA Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator, knows the importance of maternal care. With over two decades in massage therapy and extensive experience in birth work, she was immediately captivated when she tried floatation therapy at Iowa Salt Pods back in 2017.

“I got hooked after my first float and signed up for a membership right away,” she shares. “I started recommending it to all my pregnant clients.”

At a recent pregnancy roundtable, Diana shared valuable insights about how floating can positively impact pregnancy:

• Relaxin, a pregnancy hormone that softens ligaments, affects the entire body—not just the pelvis. This can increase joint instability, and floating offers much-needed support and relief.

• Stress hormones like catecholamines can interfere with oxytocin, the hormone responsible for labor. Reducing stress during pregnancy can potentially support a smoother labor.

• Using support tools like pool noodles or head halos in the pod can enhance comfort, even allowing some moms to float face-down without discomfort.

As Diana beautifully puts it, “Just feeling that weightlessness can be such a relief from carrying that extra weight of pregnancy.”

🤰 Is Floatation Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?

Absolutely—but as with any wellness practice during pregnancy, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider first. Most float centers, including Iowa Salt Pods, recommend floating during the second and third trimesters, when morning sickness has eased and your belly is growing rapidly.

Our float pods are maintained at skin temperature (around 94–95°F), ensuring comfort and safety throughout your session. We also provide extra float tools and adjustments to support your unique body during this special time.

🌟 Ready to Float Your Stress Away?

If you're pregnant and feeling the weight—literally—of growing new life, give yourself the gift of rest, relief, and relaxation with floatation therapy.

At Iowa Salt Pods, we’ve created a space where your comfort is our top priority. Book your session today and discover why so many moms-to-be say floating was one of the best parts of their pregnancy journey.

📞 Call us at 641.664.3831 or visit our website to schedule your float.