Keeping Fit While Pregnant: Your How-To In Vietnam
In Vietnam, health and beauty services such as hair salons, makeup artists, and spas have grown to cater to both women and men. Pregnant women particularly seek these services, either to boost their confidence or to relieve the stress and physical discomfort that can accompany pregnancy. Whether your focus is on aesthetics or general well-being, this article will help you adjust your self-care plan while in Vietnam.
Photo: thegrapevyne.com
Gyms & Fitness
A moderate level of exercise is generally considered beneficial during pregnancy. Yoga is an excellent option if your instructor is experienced enough to adapt practices according to your pregnancy stage. Activities with a high risk of falling or collisions should always be avoided. At reputable gyms, you can receive guidance on safe workouts. Here are some recommendations:
Hanoi
California Fitness & Yoga Center: 88 Lang Ha, Dong Da District (024 32-484-888)
This center offers 200 fitness and yoga classes led by both local and international instructors. It also features a spa and pool for members' use.
N-shape Fitness: 71 Nguyen Chi Thanh (024 6266 0495) and 14-16 Ham Long Street (024 3944 9920)
A favorite among Hanoi expats, N-shape Fitness is an international standard gym with English-speaking instructors and multiple daily fitness classes.
Star Fitness Hanoi: 4th Floor, Garden Shopping Mall, My Dinh (024 3787 5353)
Star Fitness comes highly recommended by both expats and locals for its high-quality facilities and training services.
Ho Chi Minh City
California Fitness & Yoga Center has three locations:
District 1: 28-32 Le Lai (028 6291 5999)
District 4: 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh (028 3826 0999)
District 5: Hung Vuong Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong (028 2222 0299)
Additional locations to consider:
District 2: NTFQ2 Urban Fitness – 34 Nguyen Dang Giai (028 3744 6672)
District 3: L’Apothiquaire Fitness Centre – 64A Truong Dinh (028 3932 5181)
District 7: Hollywood Fitness World - B12-B14 Nguyen Huu Tho (028 6262 4918)
District 10: Lan Anh Club – 291 Cach Mang Thang Tam (028 3862 7144)
Spa and Massages
When choosing hair care and cosmetic products, opt for high-quality brands to avoid chemicals that could be risky for both you and your pregnancy. During the first trimester, consider avoiding hair coloring, curling, or straightening; consult a doctor if you wish to explore these options later on.
Photo: qqbaby.vn
Light massages can be beneficial, but it is crucial to avoid soaking in hot water as it may raise your body temperature, potentially leading to birth defects or premature birth in the early stages of pregnancy.
It is also advisable to steer clear of acupuncture during foot or body massages, as certain pressure points can induce early labor or cause cramps. Always choose a therapist who has experience and expertise in working with pregnant women.
Recommended addresses:
Hanoi: Jade Spa and Clinic, 125 Thai Thinh, Dong Da District (024 3562 2867)
Ho Chi Minh City: Nutrifort Fitness at 2B1 Chu Manh Trinh (District 1 - 028 3825 8560) or 34 Nguyen Dang Giai (District 2 - 028 3744 6672). It is advisable to book appointments in advance.
Food & Nutrition For Pregnant Women in Vietnam
It is never an exaggeration to stress the importance of eating well, both when you travel and when you are pregnant – and now you are doing both at the same time! The general food guides for pregnancy may not necessarily match in this case: say you are often warned against cold cuts or soft cheese, which Vietnam barely has any.
Pregnancy Guide For Vietnam Expats & Visitors
Whether you are travelling to Vietnam for a quick period of your pregnancy, or Vietnam is the place you see your whole pregnancy and childbirth happen, with this guide we hope to provide you with some tips and insights so as you can enjoy both the idea of having a baby and the joy of travelling, all together.
