Can I take a bath while pregnant? Is a hot bath harmful during pregnancy?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Many expectant mothers are concerned about the question: "Is it possible to take a bath during pregnancy?". It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer, because it depends on the period, general he alth, well-being at the time of taking a bath.

A wonderful period of life

Pregnancy is a time when a woman blossoms, changes not only externally, but also

internally. This is a reassessment of values, a change in lifestyle. Of course, there are also physiological changes that can cause a lot of trouble.

Pregnancy is often accompanied by swelling, fatigue, back pain, bad mood. How to deal with it? The best and safest remedy is a warm bath. But can you take a bath during pregnancy?There are no medical contraindications for this, but even with excellent he alth, you should be extremely careful. First, you need to lay a special rubber mat so as not to slip. This is especially true for "pregnant women" in the later stages, when the coordination of movements is no longer the same, and a fall can threaten not only a bruise, but also premature birth.

First trimester hot bath

A warm bath in early pregnancy can help you relax and calm down.

The hormonal background at this time is unstable, the woman quickly gets tired, irritated over trifles. After a hard day, when maternity leave is still far away, and the body needs rest, a bath will be a real salvation. It is important not to overdo it and follow the basic rules:

• Water temperature is 37 degrees, never higher.
• Duration of taking a bath no more than 10-15 minutes.
• Use a special non-slip mat, handles that you can hold on to when leaving the bathroom.
• For relaxation, you can use aromatic oils, except for patchouli, basil, cedar, thyme and rosemary. During pregnancy, it is better to give preference to oils of rosewood, orange, sandalwood, eucalyptus, tea tree or sandalwood.
• Try to take a bath when someone other than you is at home and will help you out if necessary. Even if you feel good, you may feel dizzy in the bathroom or suddenly darken your eyes. In this caseyou should immediately leave the bathroom and contact your doctor. Before consulting with your gynecologist, such procedures should not be repeated.

Early Bath Danger

Besides having a great relaxing effect, taking a hot bath during pregnancy can be very dangerous. It can cause both bleeding and miscarriage. The main thing to remember: hot water, no matter if it is a bath or a shower, is contraindicated at any stage of pregnancy. It can cause premature birth, bleeding, miscarriages and other unpleasant consequences.

In addition, a hot bath can provoke developmental disorders in the unborn child, but this applies specifically to the hot bath, which does not have many fans.

A hot bath during pregnancy puts too much stress on the heart, which means there is a serious risk for a woman, because bearing a child is serious work for the heart muscle even of he althy people.

Popular misconceptions

You can often hear that it is strictly forbidden to lie in the bathroom during pregnancy, since any infection in tap water can easily penetrate the baby. Actually, this is not true. And it is not known who could come up with such a delusion, probably the one who skipped anatomy in the 9th grade. During pregnancy, the fetus is reliably protected from environmental influences, and the penetration of infections is impossible, since the cervix is securely closed with a mucous plug, which leaves just before the birth.

So, to the question“Is it possible to take a bath during early pregnancy?” the answer is this: it is possible, and even necessary, if the woman did not have bleeding, there is no uterine tone, and the duration of the bath is no more than 15 minutes. If you follow all the rules, the bath will be a great way to relax after a hard day or warm up on a cold winter evening.

Late Bathing

After the second trimester, when some restrictions can be lifted, toxicosis behind and general he alth is much better than before, the bath becomes a place to relax, have a good time. By adding aromatic oils, you can dream a little about the good, distract from everyday worries.

Many OB/GYNs recommend showering twice a day during pregnancy. Do not use too much pressure, and the water temperature should be around 36-37 degrees.

If there are no medical contraindications, you should not deprive yourself of pleasure, because a bath during pregnancy is a great way to relax.

Rules to follow

Here are the basic rules, following which you can enjoy a warm bath until the first harbingers of childbirth (it is strictly forbidden to take a bath after the separation of the mucous plug):

• Rinse in the shower before bathing while pregnant. This recommendation is due to the fact that the microflora of the vagina of the expectant mother is subject to changes, and in order to avoid the spread of infections, one shouldobserve the rules of hygiene strictly.
• Water temperature is 36-37 degrees, and it is better if you take a bath with cool water, about 30 degrees. A hot bath during pregnancy is strictly contraindicated throughout the entire period of gestation. This can lead to irreversible consequences, both in the early and later stages.
• Before you sit in the bath, take care of the presence of a special rubber mat that will not allow you to slip. This rule should be followed throughout pregnancy, as the bathroom is a room where one careless movement can lead to injury.
• When taking a bath, the heart area should be free of water. Otherwise, you face a sharp increase in pressure, which may adversely affect the well-being of the fetus.
• Remember to take your arms and legs out of the water periodically to cool off a bit. A hot bath during pregnancy is very dangerous, but even water of 36 degrees is warm enough and a long stay in it is undesirable.
• Don't take a bath if no one else is home. Even though your



he alth is great, the mood is great, you should not risk your he alth and the he alth of the unborn child. While bathing in the bath, your he alth may suddenly worsen, your blood pressure may rise, or, conversely, fall, you may slip, because during pregnancy the former grace disappears.

• Don't get carried away with long baths. The whole procedure should not takemore than 15 minutes at any stage of pregnancy.
• Feeling discomfort, change in well-being, stop the procedure immediately.
• The use of aromatic oils, special bath foams and s alts will help you relax, or vice versa, invigorate, relieve fatigue, and improve your mood. The main thing to remember is that you should not use products containing chemical dyes and additives that can cause allergic reactions and skin itching.

Benefits of taking a bath

The benefits of taking a bath for a future mother can hardly be overestimated. To the main question: "Is it possible to take a bath during pregnancy?" most doctors say yes with confidence, unless there are specific contraindications.

Taking a bath improves blood circulation, restores the nervous system, relieves fatigue and tension, eliminates pain in the back and muscles. This list goes on and on. In addition, a warm bath can relieve the uterine tone that women suffer during pregnancy.

Don't forget about essential oils, but don't overdo it. Add a few drops of your favorite fragrance and relax in a pleasant atmosphere.

Contraindications for bathing

There are very few contraindications for bathing - these are hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and gynecological diseases.

No reason to deprive yourself of pleasure

If you have no special contraindications, do not be afraid of water procedures,after all, even doctors to the question “Is it possible to take a bath during pregnancy?” answer unequivocally: "Yes". This is useful not only for the expectant mother, but also for the baby, because he feels every movement, understands emotions. A warm bath will relieve the tone of the uterus, allowing the baby to feel much better and reduce the woman's anxiety, because the closer the expected date of birth, the more excitement about the upcoming meeting with her treasure. But for now, that's all in the future, for now, enjoy the serenity in a nice warm bath.