Hot Tubs/Jacuzzis

[Prettylittlelady]

I’m wondering what is the real risk here? I have one at the gym that I’d like to keep using: Have you used them? Is there an actual risk to baby?

Why risk it? It's only 9 months. Imagine the guilt you'd feel if something happened to the baby and you'd been using hot tubs!

I've got one at home and won't be using it. Not worth the risk

There is little real risk with them. In the first trimester if you use one and get too hot then theoretically it can increase your core temperature which MAY increase your risk of miscarriage.

The other risks are that they may cause you to feel faint or get dehydrated, but after the first 12 weeks the risk of them is related to you rather than a possible risk to the baby.

If you want to use them, I would (and have), but would just avoid staying in too long or getting too hot and make sure you drink enough.

The “why risk it” and guilt attitude even though there is very little real risk is unnecessary and judgemental and pregnancy is restrictive and judgmental enough as it is.

I haven't used them at all during, just one of those things that I chose not to just in case.

It's to do with your core body temperature and it being too raised, also related to steam rooms/saunas. It can cause possible fainting/overheating/dehydration to you which can possibly cause issues for baby as well, especially in the first trimester. I went to a spa at 36 weeks and there was a sign on the hot tub saying for it not to be used pregnant and also signs all over the sauna room area saying a GP should be consulted before using them if pregnant

@EarlGreyT preach!

It's not just to do with core temperature.

It's also a breeding ground for billions of bacteria. I love a hot tub, but after doing a course on legionella, and why you need such a stringent cleaning regime for hot tubs etc, I actually sold mine.... Bleurgh. No need to expose yourself to that when pregnant.

I was using one 3 times a week for 20/30 mins before I got pregnant. Now I will go in for 10 mins only once or twice a week, and only when my OH is there. I looked into the risks but the one I use isn't very hot. I tried to go in the (cooler) steam room the other day for a couple of minutes but it made me feel dizzy and sick so I will definitely be avoiding that now. If I got that feeling in the jacuzzi then I will stop altogether.

Have happily used them when afforded the opportunity throughout pregnancy. Just don’t get too hot/risk fainting.

Commercial ones are kept to a strict chemical and cleaning regimes so very limited risk in terms of bacteria. I would be more cautious in a home one.

I read up on the risks around sitting in hot tubs/baths - the evidence seems quite limited. For me, it was more about having hot baths (which I have pretty hot) because they are one of the main ways I relax and deal with pain/discomfort. The evidence there is relates to the first trimester, in fact even the first 6 weeks or so. It also focuses on when the temperature is above 38 C. I was in my first trimester over the summer so was less bothered about the baths and did reduce these. Since then, I have gone back to regular hot baths, although they are unlikely to be above 38C. I have also used hot tubs occasionally since then, but have generally positioned myself in such a way that most of my torso wasn't in the water and haven't stayed more than about 10 minutes. I am not of the view that I shouldn't because "why risk it". I don't think every decision can be based on this, because so many things you can do might carry a small risk but you have to get on with life and think about your own wellbeing as well.