Taking baths while pregnant - Dos and Don’ts
There's nothing like a long soak in the bath to unwind and relax after a long day! Pregnancy can be pretty exhausting and unbelievably hard on your body... especially towards the end. So now that you're pregnant, you may be wondering “Can I take a bath while pregnant?” The answer is “Yes”!
You don’t need to say goodbye to those luxurious baths. What a relief, right!?
Baths while pregnant can be a great way to soothe your back and relax, simply keep a few rules in mind.
Pregnancy and bathing safety
Tips and advice
1. Watch the water temperature and keep it below 100°F .
Expecting Mamas shouldn't let their core body temperature get higher than 102.2°F, especially in the first trimester. Overheating can be harmful for the baby and could lead to:
Birth defects and miscarriage, especially in the first trimester.
A drop in blood pressure, preventing proper oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby, which is unsafe at any stage of your pregnancy.
Dizziness and weakness could make you feel faint or sick.
Hot bath, pregnancy and safety – Can pregnant women take a bath?
That’s also why you should avoid saunas and hot tubs, as well as overheating while working out, especially during first trimester exercises. Note that if your body temperature exceeds 102°F for more than 10 minutes, it is considered overheating. Hot showers are fine, but again, keep them short. Taking warm baths while pregnant is perfectly safe though! So get a baby thermometer now, you’ll need one later anyway, allow it to float, then read how hot the water is and adjust it as needed.
2. Be aware of fall hazard!
As your belly gets bigger, your center of gravity begins to drift way off, especially once you can’t see your feet anymore. You have more bump to lift in and out of the bath, so don’t hesitate to ask your partner for help. If you’re by yourself, steady yourself carefully and think about using a bath mat to make sure there’s no water on the floor to prevent pregnancy bathtub hazard!
3. Be aware of bath oil/soap during pregnancy
Pregnancy Bathing Safety – Can pregnant women take a bath?
Many brands sell safe bath oils or soaps to make the most of your bath! They can have very enjoyable aroma-therapeutic benefits... However, some products can alter the vaginal pH levels, increasing the likelihood of yeast infections and vaginal irritation, especially during pregnancy.
A good rule of thumb is to go bubble, color and scent free. You can still create the mood though. Enjoy lighting some unscented candles, play some relaxing music and let your body soak and relax in your warm bath!
4. Use Epson salt every now and then
Can pregnant women take baths with Epson salt? Yes! It’s even recommended by many midwives and obstetricians. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can be a good option to ease aches and pains during pregnancy. It’s not actually salt by the way. It doesn’t contain sodium chloride. In fact, Epsom salt is a crystalized form of magnesium and sulfate, two naturally occurring minerals.
A lot of expecting Mamas swear by it, so add some Epsom salt and get the benefits a lot of expecting Mamas swear by:
promote relaxation and calm anxiety,
help relieve tired, achy and sore muscles,
detoxify the body and flush out toxins,
exfoliate the skin, which will leave you with a youthful glow,
help alleviate hemorrhoids.
5. Choose the right time to bathe
Pregnant women should try to choose the most suitable moment during the day to take a bath. If you work, bathing in the evening after returning from work seems like a great idea. If you’re a stay at home Mommy, you can enjoy bathing while the kids are at school and the house is quiet! Keep in mind that it’s best to not bathe after eating a meal. It could affect the digestion process and lead to nausea.
6. Drink water while bathing
During pregnancy, you should bring your water bottle everywhere you go, so why not putting it next to the bathtub! Enjoy your time in the bath and sip water to avoid the risk of dehydration.
7. Water can NOT enter the uterus!
Pregnant Bathing Safety - Is taking pregnant baths advisable?
Let’s finish with some old wives tales... Some moms-to-be worry that bath water can get into the uterus and harm their developing baby. You don’t need to worry about that... Unless your water breaks, your baby is completely separated from the water you’re bathing in. Your baby is fully protected within the amniotic sac and bath water can’t get in!
Need a real plan to bring your pregnancy fitness journey to the next level? Learn more about my Pregnancy workout routine & wellness plan
Take the time to take warm baths while pregnant!
Sometimes, finding time to zone out and rest seems impossible, especially if you work though the whole pregnancy and/or have other kids at home. But you need to prioritize and make the time to pamper yourself! Allowing some me-time is key to experiencing an enjoyable and healthy pregnancy. Click here for more Pregnancy Tips
Submerging yourself in a warm bath is an amazing way to counteract the stresses and strains - mentally and physically. Soaking in the tub settles the mind, and you may feel your aching body relax as the extra weight is lifted by the buoyancy of the water.
So stop surfing the Internet. We’ve answered the question “Can pregnant women take baths?” and the answer is “Yes”. So disconnect and go get the bath started and safely lower yourself into some nice warm water! Allow your aching body to relax and let some of your pains melt away.
Taking the time to take a bath and close your eyes can do a world of good for pregnant women!
Learn more about healthy pregnancy tips, first trimester exercises, and postnatal exercise plans!