Is 42c too hot for a bath during pregnancy?

[MsFox]

Just that really.

Am suffering with terrible back pain and a hot bath is the only thing that helps. Glanced at the thermometer and it read 42c... is this too hot?

I'm 20 weeks.

TIA

You'll get different views - eg I was happy to sit in jacuzzi at gym as I asked and it was set to 37-38c, which isn't that hot (and it certainly didn't feel very hot - but many of here wouldn't even use a warmish jacuzzi (I was not worried about cleanliness, as think cleaner than baby pool which has toddlers weeing in it)

One of risks is birth defects - so not sure why you'd want to take the risk.

Yes, the water should be your body temperature - 36.6C max

Ok so 42c is hot then? I've always taken super hot baths so I'm not sure whatr a 'normal' temperature would be.

Oh gosh... is it a substantial risk then?

risk of birth defects apparently baths over 39c esp if for more than 10 mins.

I have this vague notion that 37c is the maximum temperature when pregnant. I have no idea where I've got this from though.

Don't panic, but keep it a little cooler next time. Back pain can be eased by some gentle yoga, if that helps.

I think it may be SPD so hopefully a chiropractor will help and I won't miss my hot baths!

be careful with Jacuzzi's, didn't realise until recently it can affect babys hearing apparantly. not that I have ever used one, but its just one of those odd facts you pick up through life lol. I don't know about birth defects but I do know that if you have it too hot, you are at risk of putting your blood pressure up anyway.

Okay well I'm in big trouble then, I have 'hot' baths on a regular basis because I have been told it is ok.

This is as long as the bath water isn't too hot that you can't step into it (ie. it can be very warm, rather than scalding), keep your bump as much above water level as you can. I've not read about the birth defects thing until now, so that's yet another worry I can add to the list. I thought it was more about ensuring your body temperature didn't go up too much that you are dehydrated afterwards.

Surely the water temperature starts cooling down as soon as you stop running it anyway, so I can't see the problem?

www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hottubs.htm

very hot baths less of a risk than hot jacuzzis as baths cool down whereas jacuzzis maintain the heat.

I thought baths were ok so long as you're not raising your core temp. I've set the temp on our hot tub to 37 degrees and am only immersed for short periods and find the floating very therapeutic. But for bad backs, an ice pack is often better as it reduces the inflammation whereas hot baths and packs can make things worse, despite feeling good initially.