Hot Baths during Pregnancy: Is it safe to take hot baths/tubs while I’m pregnant?
Pregnancy is a joy for a woman yet it has its own challenges. From the cravings, the weight gain and the backaches, it is the hope of a pregnant woman to simply relax and cool down the body. One way would be having a hot bath.
Hot baths are a great way of relaxing and rejuvenating the body. Every pregnant woman desires to just soak in a hot tub and get some relief from the aches during pregnancy. It sure sounds like a good way to do so. However, there are risks that are associated with having hot baths during pregnancy.
Why hot baths during pregnancy are risky
Hot baths increase body temperature!
As the word defines it, a hot bath is literally a “hot” bath. It could lead to your body temperatures raising above 101°F which is a very high temperature for pregnant women. Such high temperatures, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, have been shown to serious health implications like an increased risk of birth defects.
During your pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advices that your core temperature should not go beyond 102.2°F. Furthermore, according to the organization, it is not advisable for a pregnant woman to become overheated in a hot tub, saunas or hot baths.
Consider the fact that hot tubs are designed to maintain a water temperature of 104°F. Essentially, the hot tub can raise your body temperature in 10 or 20 minutes. Water is circulated and re-circulated through the tub in order to maintain that temperature.
Lastly, your center of gravity shift during pregnancy which means that you could easily be thrown off balance. Be careful as you enter and leave the hot tub to avoid slipping and getting yourself hurt.
How can you reduce the health risks of using a hot tub during pregnancy?
- Always re-program your hot tub in order to minimize the temperature
- Limit the time you spend in the hot tub to about 10 minutes
- Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the hot bath
- Always monitor your body temperature
- Pay attention to warning signs e.g. becoming uncomfortable or minimal sweating
If possible, you can completely avoid a hot tub and go for a hot shower. A hot shower is not uncomfortable or scalding. It is safe and relaxing as well. With a hot shower, your body is less likely to overheat. In addition, the water in a hot shower cools off unlike water in a hot tub or a hot tub. Hence you stand no risk of overheating.
Related: WHICH BEAUTY TREATMENTS ARE SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
It is no secret that hot baths during pregnancy are relaxing and very inviting. However, the safety of both you and your unborn child as at risk if you don’t have baths the right way. Hot baths will still be there after you deliver. Wait for that moment to enjoy it.
Yes, pregnancy comes with aches all over your body. But it will be unfortunate if you disregard the risks of having a hot bath during pregnancy and endanger your baby’s life and well-being. All the pain would have been for nothing. Be patient and wait for the right time to use a hot tub.
Have you announced your pregnancy yet?
If not, here are a few creative ideas for pregnancy announcement:
PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IDEAS FOR HUSBAND
PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILY
PREGNANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IDEAS AT WORK
