Is it Safe to Take a Hot Bath While Pregnant?

Pregnancy brings great joy and excitement, but also nerves and confusion over what is safe and what isn't -- particularly for first-time moms. Daily occurrences that you wouldn't normally have to think twice about, such as preparing a meal or taking a bath, have to be analyzed to make sure they pass the safety test. If you're a bath lover, the good news is that you don't need to give up your leisurely soaks in the tub while you're pregnant.

  1. How Hot Is Too Hot?

    • Temperature is key when it comes to safe bathing during pregnancy. Ob-gyns recommend keeping your bathwater temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A bath thermometer can help you achieve the right level of heat. If you don't have one, dip your toe in the water. If it feels too hot, it probably is. If you can comfortably step into the water, however, it's likely to be fine.

    Dangers of Overheating

    • If your bath water is too hot, you may harm your baby's growing cells, warns ob-gyn Catherine Lynch, writing for BabyCenter.com. Hot water increases your heart rate, which restricts blood flow to your baby and could put her under stress. Remember that while you may be able to cool off by sweating, your baby can't. Sip lots of water while you're in the bath to avoid overheating and dehydration.

    Bath Time Benefits

    • You don't have to forgo baths altogether while you're pregnant. In fact, a bath can be a great way to relax. Moms-to-be often find that they have tired muscles and swelling, aches and pains -- particularly in their back, pelvis, legs and feet -- and soaking in the tub can provide relief, provided the water isn't too hot. Feel free to add a relaxing bath oil or bubble bath to the water. Your cervix is closed, so these products won't make contact with your baby.

    Hot Bath vs. Hot Tub

    • Though tub baths are safe, a hot tub is another matter entirely. They are often programmed to maintain a water temperature of around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and it only takes 10 to 20 minutes of sitting in a hot tub for your body temperature to reach 102 degrees. A pregnant woman should never let her body temperature go above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, says The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A bath at a comfortable temperature is much safer for pregnant women than a hot tub. Even if the bath water is fairly hot to start with, it begins to cool quickly (unlike a hot tub), reducing the risk of overheating.

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