Bathing is a basic daily need, especially for pregnant women, as they need to keep their bodies clean to prevent the spread of germs. On the other hand, bathing is a great way to relax and soothe your body and mind. Therefore, many pregnant women choose to use a massage bathtub at home instead of a regular bath to let the water soothe their sore and tired muscles.

However, using hot tubs during pregnancy is also dangerous to the mother's health and the baby's development.

1. Why Pregnant Women Should Not Use Hot Tubs To Soak?

1.1. Increase the body temperature of pregnant women

Babycenter magazine recommends using hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms for no more than ten minutes at a time while pregnant, or even skipping them altogether—especially if you're just starting your first trimester—because they can raise your body temperature to levels that could be dangerous for your developing baby.

A 2011 study found that women who used hot tubs or jacuzzis more than once in early pregnancy and for longer than 30 minutes had an increased risk of anencephaly, gastroschisis, and spina bifida. The results also showed that women who had high body temperatures before 7 weeks of pregnancy had a higher risk of neural tube defects. High temperatures can also cause miscarriage.

Although warm water can be 98.6 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, this does not mean that you cannot soak in a hot tub. When you soak, your body temperature will rise to dangerous levels because your body is submerged in water and cannot release heat. Conversely, you will not overheat because your skin will continuously release heat when you take a regular bath.

1.2. Pathogens that can spread to pregnant women

Using a hot tub during pregnancy can cause bacteria and germs to grow. Warm water can contain bacteria and is an ideal environment for bacteria to breed, so it is completely unsafe to soak in hot water.

The best way to avoid the above risk factors is to avoid the usual bath routine. Choose a safer massage method, even if you may feel tired or sore due to pregnancy.

1.3. Bacteria

The danger of using a hot tub while pregnant is the germs and bacteria in the water. If you use a hot tub, you should use a disinfectant regularly to remove contaminants. A safe level of chlorine in the water should be around 2-4 parts per million (ppm), and if bromine is used, it should be around 4-6 ppm. The pH should be 7.2–7.8.

2. How Can Pregnant Women Bathe Safely?

Keeping your body temperature below 100oF (38.3oC) is most important.

A pregnant woman has a body temperature of about 99oF (37.2oC). Therefore, the ideal water temperature for bathing and cleaning the body is 98.6–100oF. You should equip yourself with a thermometer to measure the water temperature accurately. When your “angel” is born, this device is also very important.

You can also dissolve Epsom salt in warm bath water to increase the effectiveness of reducing fatigue and pain.

3. 7 Ways to Take a Bath While Pregnant

3.1. Prepare the bath

Have someone help you get into the tub. Ask your husband, family member, or friend to help you slowly get into the tub to avoid slipping and falling when you get in. You should also ask them to help you get out of the tub to avoid falling or tripping.

3.2. Make sure the water is not hotter than 37 degrees Celsius

The water in the bathtub should not be too hot as it can cause health problems.

Measure the water temperature with a thermometer to make sure it does not exceed 37 degrees Celsius.

If you slowly reach out to test the temperature of the water in the tub, you will know that the water is too hot. Reduce the water temperature by adding a little cold water.

3.3. Use towels and rugs in the bathroom to reduce the risk of slipping

To prepare for your bath, lay down a rug near the tub and keep a clean towel nearby. This will reduce the risk of slipping when getting in and out of the tub.

Find a plastic mat with spikes and adhere it to the bathroom floor.

A plastic mat with spikes should be attached to the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping.

3.4. Add apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt to the water

You can add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt and half a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water to make a soothing soak. According to health experts, these natural substances are not harmful to the baby or pregnancy.

3.5. Bubble baths should only be taken twice a month

Taking a bubble bath more than once a month can cause vaginal irritation and infection, whether you are pregnant or not. Avoid taking a bubble bath more than twice a month while pregnant.

3.6. Do not soak in water for more than an hour

To reduce the risk of infection, avoid soaking in the tub for more than an hour. To relax your pregnant body, soak in the water for an hour.

3.7. Pregnant women should have someone help them get out of the tub

Ask your husband or a loved one to help you out of the tub before stepping out, to avoid tripping or falling when your body is wet.

Avoid slipping on the bathtub floor with a clean towel.

Conclude:

It is okay to take a bath, but you should not use hot water if you are pregnant. Hot baths can raise your body temperature to levels that are unsafe for your baby.

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