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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Hot baths whilst pregnant

13 replies

EmsyW · 01/03/2018 21:11

Hello all. I am approximately 12 weeks pregnant and was casually reading through my baby book this evening and in the ‘15 week’ section it mentioned about avoiding hot baths, hot tubs and saunas. This has now really worried me as I have had 2 very hot baths since becoming pregnant. I don’t usually have baths as I shower, but I was given some bath bombs for xmas I wanted to use. To make the most of them I wanted to stay in the bath for as long as possible so I remember them being fairly hot and had to get in gradually to adjust to the temp. I stayed in for about 30 mins. I was on my phone so had my arms out of the water. I don’t remember looking particularly red when I got out or feeling sweaty or hot but now I am super worried, worried to the point I feel sick. I have had one scan so far and they said all looked well (it was too early for them to check for downs or date properly so have to go back next week) but I’m so worried that I have caused some sort of brain defect in the baby. I hope I’m just being stupid.

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SomeKnobend · 01/03/2018 21:16

Don't worry - I'm sure it's due to higher risk of fainting, which you didn't so no harm done. Half an hour in a hot bath won't raise your temp that significantly - not like having a fever or something.

ballerini · 01/03/2018 21:16

I heard not to have hottubs or hot baths but the reason for it was because you can have problems regulating your temperature/ staying cool when you're pregnant and you might faint and drown!
If that's the reason then you have nothing to worry about.

Original poster

EmsyW · 01/03/2018 21:24

I read that it can cause neural tube defects such as spina bifida. I know I’m probably worrying over nothing but i just didn’t think. I’m anniyed with myself as I do t ever have baths usually.

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SprinkleSomeSparkles · 01/03/2018 21:30

I've never heard it causes defeats I just read it was down to possible fainting, raised bloody pressure. Hasnt stopped me from bathing in hot baths.

Baby2018 · 01/03/2018 21:38

So my midwife said you can have a warm bath but not very hot bath. You can't go into a sauna or use a hot tub because you can't regulate your internal body temperature that well so bub could get too hot. Im almost 12 weeks and Ive had a bath almost every day with no issues. I just don't have it as hot as I used to do and if I start to feel the slightest bit too warm I turn on the cold tap for a bit. I wouldn't do sauna / steam room/ hot tub because you are not in control of the temp and the heat of a sauna / steam room can really creep up on you.

Original poster

EmsyW · 01/03/2018 22:39

I can’t remember how hot the bath was but I know it was hotter than ‘warm’. Midwife didn’t mention this at all and now I’m really concerned. I have a scan next week so will check them. I know I’m probably worrying about nothing, I am abit of a worrier x

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FranticallyPeaceful · 01/03/2018 23:23

I still have hot baths, I did with last two pregnancies too. Not scolding hot but nice and hot. It only really became a problem at the end of my last pregnancy when I couldn’t get out of the bath and became light headed, so had to make them cooler and also have help on hand to get out. I have a big bath so it isn’t easy to grab the sides really.
Assuming you have the ability to know when you feel dizzy, and assuming you aren’t getting into a bath that’s doing damage to your skin... you and baby will both be fine.
Saunas are dangerous because you can’t escape the heat (unless you leave), there’s nothing to help you cool down and it’s just relentless heat that will bring your core temperature up too much.
I was told hot tubs are an issue mostly because of the bacteria that can live in them due to them staying at the ideal temperature.

Honestly don’t give air to articles that blame SB and other defects on things like hot baths. Those things happen and it is absolutely not the parents fault. It’s a way for websites to get clicks for the most part

Original poster

EmsyW · 02/03/2018 07:57

Thankyou for all the replies. I feel abit more reassured now but you read something on the net and think the worst!

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becki3 · 02/03/2018 08:23

I had hot showers when I was pregnant with my first and I would faint after getting out! So, I agree with the posts above. Try not to worry too much now, as you have no need for extra stress.

Aspenn17 · 02/03/2018 09:04

The telegraph published this article yesterday...

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/01/pregnant-women-can-enjoy-hot-baths-saunas-without-risk-says/amp/

Lovethebubbles · 02/03/2018 09:14

I had hot baths throughout my two pregnancies, both children are fine.

ElizabethLemon · 02/03/2018 09:25

We don’t currently have a shower so I have to have baths and I’m not getting in a cold bath especially in this weather! I think the temperature would have to be incredibly high to cause any problems and you’d probably find yourself too uncomfortable to sit in a bath that hot.

That said I wouldn’t go in a sauna while pregnant because they do make me feel a bit lightheaded.

Original poster

EmsyW · 02/03/2018 10:21

That study in the telegraph is very interesting. Thankyou guys - you have put my mind at ease massively

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