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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Taking a bath when pregnant

15 replies

RubyGirl · 23/04/2007 13:19

Does anybody know how hot is too hot when have a bath while pregnant. And how can you tell if the water is too hot? What's the reason behind avoiding hot baths? Any advice welcome!

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Mumpbump · 23/04/2007 13:20

Hot baths can apparently raise the "core temperature" of your body and potentially cause a miscarriage. But no idea how hot is too hot!!

lulumama · 23/04/2007 13:22

too hot is 120 degrees or hotter, ie hot tub or spa tub at health club

can make a baby too hot, you see , which is not recommended

a normal domestic bath is fine, just not so hot you go lobster red when you get in

MrsMar · 23/04/2007 13:23

I had read that particularly during the first 12 weeks you should avoid baths. The baby is developing all it's major bits and pieces then and I think the risk of problems during this development stage are greater if there's an increase in temperature rise. The same applies to saunas and jacuzzis, not allowed during the first 12 weeks, not recommended at any time during pregnancy. I couldn't give you a bath temperature though, sorry, I'm sure someone will come along soon who does know!

MrsMar · 23/04/2007 13:24

sorry x post lulumama... much better advice than i had!

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RubyGirl · 23/04/2007 13:24

Thank you! Can go and relax in a (not too)hot bath now...

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LilRedWG · 23/04/2007 13:24

I asked my MW this and she said that as long as it wasn't too hot for me and, as Lulumama said, didn't turn me into a lobster, then a bath was fine.

PrettyCandles · 23/04/2007 13:26

You shouldn't have a hot bath (ie a soak, a quick dip is probably fine) because of the worry that raising the body's core temperature may be similar to having a high fever, which can cause birth defects. Hot tubs, jacuzzis, etc have the added concern that they have very high concentrations of chlorine, which is bad during pregnancy, and there is a risk of catching infections such as UTIs through these communal baths.

I think max temp should be body temp, ie if it's hot and comfortable it's OK, if it tingles ore makes your skin flush then it's too hot.

cupcake78 · 23/04/2007 13:26

It is your core body temerature that needs to not rise.

I have been told that a hot bath is fine and can even be good for muscles and back pain as long as you make sure heat can escape from your body ie don't be fully submerged - keep a leg out etc and let the bath cool down naturally. Don't keep adding hot water. This is why hot tubs/jacuzzi's are a no no, the water is continually heated so your body has no way of cooling down.

I believe the reason is to do with your babies mental/brain development - overheating can cause problems.

maxbear · 23/04/2007 14:38

Birth pools in labour are normally up to 37 degrees so this should be ok.

PrettyCandles · 23/04/2007 16:25

Birth pool temp is not a guide - being in the birth pool is a one-off event at the end of pregnancy, not a regular activity throughout the development of the foetus. The temp of the birht pool relates to the mum's comfort during labour, and maintaining a steady temp during the baby's transition from inside to outside so that it won't gasp and inhale underwater.

BeachBunni · 23/04/2007 17:26

I was told that too hot is when you have to submerge yourself in inch by inch. I've been swimming a lot lately. Is chlorine unsafe?

EllieKthePA · 23/04/2007 17:29

swimming when pg is recommended. have never heard anything about chlorine being unsafe.

PrettyCandles · 23/04/2007 21:31

Chlorine levels in jacuzzis etc are much higher than in swimming pools, because the warmer temperature and smaller volume of water shared with a larger number of individuals make the water 'dirtier'. IIRC it's not so much the chlorine that is unhealthy, but the product of the chlorine reacting with cosmetics. That's one reason why you're asked to shower before entering the pool: not just for cleanliness but to remove cosmetics from your skin and hair.

wayzee · 24/04/2007 10:34

hiya i had a missed m/c last october & was told in this pg not to have hot baths etc etc for fear of m/c but my mw told me i can have a bath and its too hot if you jump when you put your foot in it you should be able to get in & sit down comfortably without it burning you so really i would say just common sense really havent said that ive only had 1 bath to help my aching body & im 11=+1 i know id rather shower if i can then if god forbid anything did happen i wouldnt be thinking what if....

Original poster

RubyGirl · 24/04/2007 19:44

Thank you all for your helpful advice. I'm sure half of this pregnancy tiredness is worrying about all the things I'm not supposed to do!

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