Showering in a bathtub when pregnant

[AdrianeMole]

Hi, just wondered if anyone here was pregnant and only has a shower above a bathtub, rather than a walk in shower. That's our set up and I am wondering how confident I am going to be getting in and out of my bath when bigger and in case we have to have a c section. It can occasionally feel slippery. Did you manage this situation OK or have any solutions?

That’s what we have- honestly I managed absolutely fine. Also had a c section- again I took it slowly and didn’t have a really long shower for the first couple of tubes but it was fine. I was way more mobile than I expected to be just a day after the section.

Obviously put a mat on the bottom so it’s not slippery

I have this, 38 weeks and managing fine. I wouldn't like to tackle an unfamiliar version but I'm so used to my own that it's really not a problem. Feel like I'm more likely to fall down the stairs!

This is the set I have and I was fine, just took my time getting in and out, mat down.
Partner helped me in and out from 36 weeks.
I also made sure it wasn't too hot and windows open as it used to make me dizzy, lesson learnt pretty quick!

I think that’s most people’s set up - was definitely mine! Just take it easily and slowly - and yes to a non-slip mat. But if you do decide to have a bath rather than a shower after a certain point, maybe make sure someone’s in the house (fond memories of DH having to come pull me out the bath when I was 39+5 and wedged in like a pig in a trough. How he still finds me attractive I will never know )

Get a bath mat to help your feet grip.

I had two c sections and only a bath shower. And I was enormous towards the end of both pregnancies (one 10lb baby then two 7lb + twins).

I preferred baths to showers when I was massive, as it kept the weight of my feet a bit, but only just fit in as the bath where I lived then was tiny!

Congrats and you'll be fine

I would get a sticky rubber shower mat thing so you don't slip over. I also bought a toddler step to make it easier to step in and out. This was useful as I developed SPD later in the pregnancy. (You will need a step for toddler toilet training anyway, even if that feels MILES away now!).
If you are really concerned you can also buy a sort of stick on grab handle.

If it slippy, put a mat down in the bath.
I didn’t have a c section but as far as getting in and out when heavily pregnant - I didn’t have any issues with this. I did get in and out more carefully, use my hands to steady myself etc but that wasn’t because I physically had to, it was more a concern around falling.

I was fine. Had awful SPD in late pregnancy and a c section, and I don't remember any problems getting in and out of the bath for a shower. Just if you have c section, keep up with your painkillers!

I did find having a bath impossible in late pregnancy, I couldn't lift myself out.

It’s fine! Even my very swish private post natal rooms had showers over the bath in the en suite, and I managed fine after both of my sections.

I do this… 33 weeks but measuring 5 weeks ahead, and it’s still absolutely fine.

You can get these suction cup handles that will stick onto the side of the bath/tiles. Might help getting in and out.
www.amazon.co.uk/Safety-Handle-Bathroom-Suction-Cups/dp/B0734W1GZY?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Yes, this is what we had when I was pregnant with dc1. I never had a problem. I didn't have a c section with that dc, but did have baths for the couple of stitches I had after she was born and also used to get into the bath with her as thought she might be scared on her own the first few times we bathed her. Never even noticed it as an issue

Thanks everyone!
It sounds do-able. Better than last year trying to do the same with a full arm cast that I couldn't get wet which was another story! (ended up washing over a bucket)

I had two incisions bc my emcs went very wrong. I bought a shower stool from Argos, popped it on the bath and hosed myself down whilst sitting.

A bit precarious but I'd no choice as mobility was impaired by the stitches. I couldn't move much at all, although my incisions are very atypical, the shower stool was helpful.

I have had 2 c sections and hysterectomy and for all 3 I had a shower over the bath set up. I used a non slip mat and also got a little plastic stool to sit on so I wasn't standing too long initially and made sure someone was close by if I needed them.

I was in hospital for over a week after my twins were born, so I didn't have to deal with my shower over the bath until I got home. You could try something like this
www.careco.co.uk/item-s-ba06040/saturn-swivelling-bath-chair.htm?utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLACampaigns&gclid=CjwKCAjwoP6LBhBlEiwAvCcthN3ralunn8wDqiyBKhvtV0rzxcO14LJ-3JLVLWK50VN61N94166O7hoCsdgQAvD_BwE

Which would mean you wouldn't need to step into the bath. You may be able to get cheaper ones on ebay.

Would your partner be able to help you get in and out of the bath if you don't have a bath chair? You could also put a standard dining room chair by the bath and hold on to the back to steady yourself as you move in and out of the bath.

I really struggled lifting my legs off the ground, and bending down was very painful for me after my c-section. However, it did improve after the first few weeks.

I didn't get a shower cubicle shower in the house until dd was nearly 2. We only had the electric shower over the bath until then. It was fine all the way through pg, we have always had a non-slip mat.

No pregnancies here but recently broke my arm and had a fear of falling in the bath while showering.

As well as the bathmat, Amazon sell grab rails. They work by suction so just take them off the wall when no longer needed. It might help your confidence.

Ps I didn't have a cast, had surgery on my shoulder and a sling.

I was fine doing this until the day of birth with spd and a baby that weighed 10lb 15oz, I did it with spd and twins too 17lb combined. I'd put both hands on the wall to stabilise myself and we have a good long bath mat. It was harder doing it after my most recent c-section as I had scar rupture and heavy blood loss so low iron and felt pretty crappy for a fair few weeks. No issues now though at 12wk pp, been back in the gym lifting weights since 10wk pp.