Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Hot Baths?!

9 replies

JumpingForJuly · 08/02/2011 20:09

I'm 18+6 with my first baby and have just read that hot baths can cause birth defects.
For the last two ish weeks I've been having boiling hot baths and now I'm feeling so worried, that I've harmed the baby Sad

Has anyone else heard of this or been having hot baths during their pregnancy?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
GreenwichJayne · 08/02/2011 20:16

I have not heard about hot baths causing birth defects. I do know it is not good to raise your body temperature too much during pregnancy.

Saying that I have had a couple of hot baths and nothing bad has happened - I'm 24 weeks. One of my friends said she did throughout her pregnancy and everything was fine.

I would just suggest you still have baths as they are great for relaxation but maybe not so hot!

emsyj · 08/02/2011 20:46

I had scalding hot baths all through - they are my daily ritual and couldn't do without them.

I am not an expert and wouldn't give you advice, but what made me feel ok about it was reading that saunas and steam rooms are dangerous because they maintain a high temperature and that can raise your core body temperature, which is the thing that can harm baby. But - hot baths are different because the water starts off hot but then cools. I read that it would be very difficult to raise your core temperature in a hot bath because the water cools too quickly.

I did try not to have the water so hot that it made me light headed, but certainly it was hotter than DH could stand and made me go a bit pink.

Original poster
JumpingForJuly · 08/02/2011 22:05

I think I'm the same,I have the water absolutely boiling and love my baths so do have one everyday a piping hot one as opposed to a cooler shower.

Its reassuring to know that other women have done it and nothing bad has happened, I'm such a worrier and with it being my first I think Im panicing even more.

Feel so much better to know that others have done the same though.

Definately cooler water from now on Smile

OP posts:
PipPipPip · 08/02/2011 22:11

Not sure about birth 'defects' - I thought there was a teeny weeny increased risk of miscarriage.

I'm certainly not an expert. But I think if you're feeling fine then no harm has been done :)

I think the main thing is to use your own body as a guide. If you are feeling faint/sweaty/dizzy/pink/odd then the water is too hot. But if you're feeling fab and relaxed, then it is probably fine.

NOTE: I'm not an expert though :)

coco2901 · 08/02/2011 22:22

I'm 30 weeks and have been having regular hot baths, its the only thing that helps my aching back... bit late to stop now I guess...

LoopyLoopsPoopaScoop · 08/02/2011 22:25

NHS says not over 32 degrees, not because of birth defects, but because raining your core temperature can cause miscarriage or early labour.

LoopyLoopsPoopaScoop · 08/02/2011 22:26

I love a hot bath too, but am certainly taking no chances after a stillbirth. :( Many things that I was a bit cavalier about last time I am being anal about now. (eg. cheese, cured meat etc.)

Original poster
JumpingForJuly · 09/02/2011 22:17

Thanks for all the advice, I feel so much more reassured, didnt realise how much of a worrier having a baby would turn me into.

Definately going to use cooler water, don't think I could give up my baths, Ive been using baby oil to in the bath to try and combat the stretchmarks so will carry on but use cooler water.

Sorry to hear that Loopy Sad, completely understand why you would now be anal about things, hope this pregnancy goes well for you.

OP posts:
Penelope1980 · 10/02/2011 05:50

I asked my midwife this just two days ago as was worried, and she said hot baths are fine Smile

New posts on this thread. Refresh page