Discover the Benefits of Floating in a Sensory Deprivation Tank While Pregnant!
Pregnancy is a special time for expecting moms. The physical and emotional changes can be overwhelming and can take a toll on an expecting mother’s mental and physical wellbeing (hello sciatica pain!). Floating in a sensory deprivation tank (also known as a float tank, float spa, or flotation therapy) is an excellent way for pregnant women to find relief from the stress and discomfort of pregnancy. Let’s explore the benefits of floating in a sensory deprivation tank while pregnant, how to prepare for a float, how safe it is, and what to expect during your float.
What is a Sensory Deprivation Tank?
A sensory deprivation tank, also known as a floatation tank, is a lightless, soundproof tank filled with a shallow pool of warm, highly saturated salt water. (Our tanks at Victory Float Lounge are equipped with light and sound options for beginner floaters!) The salt water helps to create a natural buoyancy that allows the individual to float effortlessly without any external stimulation. Floating in a sensory deprivation tank is a form of float therapy which is known to have many health benefits.
Why Floating is Good for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy can be a time of great physical and emotional stress. The hormonal changes and the physical strain that comes with carrying a baby can leave expecting mothers feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Floating in a sensory deprivation tank can provide pregnant women with a much needed break from the physical and emotional stress of pregnancy. By eliminating external stimulation, the tank helps to create a state of deep relaxation and inner peace that can help to reduce stress and promote a feeling of wellbeing.
The Benefits of Floating While Pregnant
Floating in a sensory deprivation tank while pregnant has many benefits. Here are just a few of the many benefits that expecting mothers can expect to experience (boy that was a mouthful):
Improved Sleep: Pregnancy can often lead to sleepless nights, but floating in a sensory deprivation tank can help to promote deep, restful sleep. The combination of the warm water and the elimination of external stimulation helps to relax the body and mind and can lead to improved sleep quality. In addition, studies speculate that floating in such a high concentration of epsom salt allows the body to absorb magnesium through the skin. For those that don’t know, magnesium is referred to as the ‘relaxation mineral.’
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster with potential elevated levels of stress and anxiety. Floating in a sensory deprivation tank can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels by promoting a deep state of relaxation and inner peace.
Pain Relief: The weight of the baby, along with the physical changes that occur during pregnancy, can lead to a variety of aches and pains, especially back pain. Floating in a sensory deprivation tank can help to reduce pain and tension in the body by providing a weightless environment and a sense of calm.
Improved Focus and Concentration: Pregnancy can be a time of heightened emotions and can make it difficult to focus and concentrate. Flotation therapy can help to improve mental clarity and focus by promoting a sense of mental stillness and inner peace.
The Safety of Floating in a Sensory Deprivation Tank While Pregnant
Floating in a sensory deprivation tank is generally considered safe for pregnant women, however it is always recommended to check with your doctor before engaging in any type of float therapy. It is important to keep in mind that while pregnant women may experience many of the benefits of floating, but it takes time in the tank to find the most comfortable floating position. There will be times during your pregnancy that floating on your back is not an option, so please, let our staff know that you are pregnant and we’ll give you some extra floaties to take into the tank. Make sure you try your back and your side, and keep in mind that your most comfortable position may change throughout the course of your pregnancy.
How to Prepare for Your Float
Before your float session, it is important to make sure that you are properly prepared. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your float experience:
Make sure to drink plenty of water before your float session. This will help to ensure that you are properly hydrated and will prevent dehydration.
Avoid eating a heavy meal before your float session. Eating a light meal or snack before your session is fine, but it is best to avoid eating anything heavy as this can lead to feelings of nausea during your float.
Make sure to empty your bladder before your float session. This will help to ensure that you are comfortable during your session and do not have to exit the tank at any point.
Ideally, wear your birthday suit for your float, not your bathing suit. The fewer things touching you or distracting your during your session, the better! Plus, you are always in your own private suite with the shower, so being in the nude is safe and encouraged.
What to Expect During Your Float
Once you are in the tank, your float experience will begin. Our float tanks are equipped with a dim light that can be turned on or off. During your float session, it is important to take slow, deep breaths and to relax your body and mind. We also offer a float track that will play through your entire float experience.
The water temperature in the tank is set to match your body temperature, so you may find that after a few minutes in the tank you can’t feel the water at all! You may also find yourself drifting off into a meditative state as the salt water helps to create a natural buoyancy that allows you to float effortlessly. This is referred to as “Theta state” and it’s a brain state that is associated with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and can allow us access to memories and our subconcious. Pretty trippy, right?
Post Float - Tips for the Best Float Experience
Once your float session is over, it is important to take some time to decompress and re-adjust to your surroundings. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your post-float experience:
Get clean under our rainfall shower heads, and make it as hot as you’d like. Allow the water to bring you back to ‘reality.’
Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your body and allow your liver and kidneys to flush out your body.
Take some time to reflect on your experience and write down any thoughts or feelings that come to mind.
Eat a light, healthy meal to replenish your energy levels and promote a sense of wellbeing.
And, if you have the time, immediately take a walk or sit in nature for a bit. You’ll be surprised at how present and grounded you may be. Take some time to relax and enjoy the feeling of peace and relaxation.
Ready to Float?
If you are interested in trying out flotation therapy, we offer 3 floats in 30 days for $99. We find that three floats in a month (for new floaters) is the best way to ease into the practice and really experience the full benefits of floating. We hope to see you in the lounge soon!