Hot bath during pregnancy - what are the consequences of bathing?

Often, pregnant women have to hear from friends (especially the older generation) various signs, prejudices, dubious recommendations about how one can or cannot behave during pregnancy; what can be done and what cannot be done. For example, one of these controversial issues is a hot bath during pregnancy: can it be taken during this period, how to properly perform water procedures, how and when they can be useful or dangerous. To get rid of doubts and find out the correct answers to these questions, we suggest that together we look into this topic in more detail.

Can pregnant women bathe in the bathtub?

This issue is not so controversial if we take into account the knowledge and achievements of our time, including medicine and gynecology. It is outdated ideas that bring confusion and uncertainty into it.

Previously, it was believed that if a pregnant woman immerses herself in water (whether in a bathtub or an open pond), the water could penetrate the vagina and cause an infection that would harm the baby in the womb. Now doctors know for sure that this is an absolutely ridiculous misconception, and if water gets into the vagina of a pregnant woman, then the mucous plug in the cervix protects the fetus from its penetration. Neither foreign liquids nor infections can “pass” through it. But when it’s gone (after the water breaks), that’s a different matter.

It turns out that a woman should not wonder whether it is possible to bathe in the bathtub during pregnancy. The answer is unequivocal - it is possible, and even necessary, because maintaining intimate hygiene during this period is extremely important.

The point is different: since the woman is no longer alone, and is responsible for two lives, then this point must be taken into account in every situation. Therefore, a pregnant woman should wash herself in the bathroom subject to certain safety rules for her and the baby.

Doctor's opinion

Taking a bath during pregnancy is not only allowed, but also beneficial. Water procedures relax, improve mood, prevent swelling, and improve immunity. Taking a bath can prevent depression and emotional instability that a woman may encounter as a result of hormonal changes.

However, this use is also associated with increased danger. The risk of injury increases. In addition, exposure to harmful substances and high temperatures can cause a number of negative consequences. A slippery surface can lead to a fall, which in turn can cause miscarriages or various fetal pathologies. High temperature increases blood pressure and can also lead to spontaneous abortion. Oils, fragrances, bath foams, and some medicinal plants are contraindicated during pregnancy. They can have toxic effects on the child.

Following clear rules will help you avoid the negative consequences of taking a bath. The water temperature should not be high. Additionally, it is worth considering the presence of contraindications and diseases. You can't take a bath if no one is home. During pregnancy, patients experience frequent changes in hormonal levels. This can provoke the development of various health problems. The duration of a bath should not be longer than 15 minutes. Prolonged bathing causes increased blood pressure and poor health. The procedure should be abandoned if the woman does not feel well. The water temperature should not be lower than 30 and higher than 37 degrees Celsius. Warming or steaming in the bathroom is prohibited. Too cold water can trigger the development of a cold.

What should a bath be like for a pregnant woman?

Pregnancy, to one degree or another, makes its own adjustments to a woman’s life. Some people have to give up previously favorite dishes, others have to give up their usual clothes, sports, etc.

As for water procedures and in particular taking a bath, the only thing that you should absolutely avoid during pregnancy is hot baths. It is immersion in high temperature water that can negatively affect the course of pregnancy and the intrauterine condition of the baby.

But this does not mean that baths should be abandoned altogether. To avoid negative consequences and risks, it is enough to follow very simple rules:

consult in advance with a gynecologist managing the pregnancy to find out if there are any individual contraindications to taking baths;
the water temperature in the bathroom should not be higher than 37 degrees;
the duration of stay in the bathroom should not exceed 20 minutes;
before immersing yourself in the bath, you should take a shower (but remember that a hot shower is also prohibited during pregnancy);
the body in the heart area should not be completely submerged in water to avoid excess pressure on the heart of the mother and fetus;
When finishing a bath, it is better for a pregnant woman to get out of it only after the water has completely drained.

This is what the procedure is all about. But we should also not forget about other safety points:

It is advisable to lay a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathroom;
do not lock yourself in the bathroom;
not taking a bath when no one else is home;
do not refuse help and support when getting out of the bathroom.

Also, a pregnant woman should understand that water procedures are excluded if she is feeling unwell.

Bath safety precautions

Pregnant women can (and in some cases need to!) take a bath. However, you need to wash carefully, carefully, following a number of rules:

The room should be made as safe as possible during pregnancy: lay non-slip mats on the floor, equip the sides with special pads or even handrails, and there should also be some kind of rough coating inside the bathtub. This will eliminate the risk of falling and injury.
Bath procedures should only be carried out when there is someone at home. The fact is that pregnant women, especially in the early stages, have very unstable hormonal levels. Therefore, the behavior of the body is unpredictable. At this time, a woman can lose consciousness at any moment, feel dizzy, etc. Even a small load can become a trigger. It’s even better to swim under someone’s supervision.
Despite the safety of this procedure, lying in the bath for a long time is not recommended. Maximum time – 15 minutes. This is quite enough to relax and refresh.
When the first signs of discomfort appear (weakness, drowsiness, dizziness), you must immediately stop bathing.
The water temperature should be between 30° C and 37° C. If it is lower, this can lead to hypothermia and a cold. If higher - to premature birth or miscarriage.
When swimming, the chest should be above the water. At least periodically you need to surface. This will avoid attacks of suffocation, overheating and increased pressure. It is also necessary to periodically raise your arms and legs above the water. This will help maintain body temperature at the same level.
For some reason, the gynecologist may prohibit you from taking a bath for some time or until the end of pregnancy. This may be caused by problems with the cardiovascular system, increased tone of the uterus, gynecological features, etc. You must listen to the doctor and strictly follow all his instructions. If prohibited, you can use the shower for hygiene procedures.

If you still have doubts about whether it is possible to take a bath during pregnancy, it is better to contact a gynecologist and consult with him. He will give detailed instructions and determine what type of hygiene procedures will be optimal.

The benefits of a bath during pregnancy

Taking a bath is not the only way to perform all the hygiene procedures a woman needs. A shower is a more common and quick way for most people to freshen up.

So why can’t pregnant women do without a bathroom during this period? For some, this may be a matter of preference, but for others, the beneficial effects of the bath on the body and body are very useful. What can be the benefits of a bath for pregnant women?

Emotional relaxation . A calm atmosphere and the warmth of water enveloping the body allow a woman to forget about her fears and worries, improves mood and sleep;
Physical relaxation . Due to the fact that the body weighs less in water, in the bath a woman’s body can rest physically from the daily stress. At the same time, all muscles relax, and a bath during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester allows you to reduce the tone of the uterus to avoid premature birth;
Improving blood circulation . Warm water increases the rate of blood circulation through the vessels, which in turn improves metabolism, saturation of tissues with oxygen, and prevents fetal hypoxia;
Fighting swelling. Improved blood circulation activates the kidneys, which promotes faster removal of excess fluid from the body.

Is it possible to take a bath with salt

During a normal pregnancy, some women fly on vacation to the sea to swim in sea water, which perfectly relaxes the spine and keeps the body afloat. The salty air helps you breathe deeply and relax not only your muscles, but also your thoughts. Those expectant mothers who do not have the opportunity to go to the sea will enjoy a warm bath filled with salt water during pregnancy. Salt pushes the body to the surface, thereby further relieving fatigue, has a beneficial effect on the skin, and promotes cleansing.

What are the dangers of a hot bath during pregnancy?

It should be noted right away that a pregnant woman can expect danger from taking a bath if any of the previously listed rules are not followed. But it is the high water temperature that poses the greatest danger:

a hot bath in the early stages can cause pregnancy failure;
in the 1st trimester, an increase in the mother’s body temperature as a result of overheating in the bathroom can cause deviations in the baby’s development;
in the later stages, high water temperature can cause oxygen starvation for the baby;
It is also impossible to take a hot bath in the last months due to the threat of premature labor.

The dangers of a hot bath in the early stages of pregnancy: consequences for the fetus and mother

High water temperature causes an increase in blood pressure in a pregnant woman. A hot bath has a similar effect on a child. Therefore, doctors categorically prohibit taking a bath with excessively high water temperature. The consequences of taking a hot bath are:

disturbances in fetal development when water is heated to 38.5 degrees;
premature birth due to overheating in the last period of pregnancy;
miscarriage or intrauterine death of the baby when the temperature rises to 39 degrees.

High water temperature poses the greatest danger at the initial stage of pregnancy, as it leads to increased uterine tone and an increased risk of miscarriage. In the latter stages, this procedure is safe if the water in the bathroom is not too hot. However, women with increased uterine tone are contraindicated from taking a bath, both in the early and late stages of bearing a child.

It is better for people in an “interesting situation” to postpone the use of hot water for hygienic purposes until the postpartum period. On the Internet, women often ask whether a hot bath will help in the event of conception, if there is a need to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy.

High temperatures really have a negative effect on the fetus, causing it to wither. But it is also important to understand how such a procedure is harmful for the expectant mother.

A woman’s body is inextricably linked with her baby, and if something happens to one of them, the other will also suffer. Due to prolonged exposure to highly heated liquid, a pregnant woman may experience severe bleeding and severe abdominal pain.

Pregnancy is considered a period of various prohibitions. Many women don't even ask if they can take a bath. They are sure that lying in the bathroom is absolutely forbidden. In fact, doctors disagree with such a ban. Despite this, women are afraid to lie down even in a relaxing warm bath, although this is just a prejudice.

It is worth noting that some doctors do not recommend that pregnant women lie in a hot bath, as there is a risk of miscarriage. But infection is impossible. Statements that hot water can introduce harmful microorganisms to the fetus or that a bath will definitely lead to a miscarriage should not always be taken seriously.

First of all, you need to remember about physiology. The cervix is tightly closed by a mucus plug, and the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid. It is she who protects the baby from various microorganisms. Accordingly, you can safely lie in the bathroom without fear of possible infection. The main thing is that the water is not too hot.

Bath during pregnancy and aromatherapy

During pregnancy, a woman is very sensitive to various kinds of odors. In most cases, this is a disadvantage in combination with early toxicosis. But sometimes smells can be used to benefit a pregnant woman’s well-being.

For example, you can use essential oils for aromatherapy while taking a bath:

oils with the aromas of citrus, bergamot, rose and tea tree, sandalwood and eucalyptus are best suited for expectant mothers;
The aromas of cypress, cedar, rosemary, basil and thyme cannot be used in aromatherapy for pregnant women;
for an aroma bath for a pregnant woman, a couple of drops of essential oil are enough;
The aromas of rose, chamomile and linden flowers, ylang-ylang and neroli have a calming effect.

Aromatic baths have no restrictions on the duration of pregnancy, but before you start taking them, you should consult a gynecologist.

Aromatherapy for pregnant women

Essential oils can be used, but not all are suitable. It is believed that oils that have a tonic effect can increase the tone of the uterus. These are cedar, juniper, thyme, basil, patchouli and rosemary oils. They should be avoided.

But there are also oils that have a positive effect: orange, petitgrain, rosewood, lemon, sandalwood, eucalyptus, neroli and some others. If the oil is not on the list of contraindications, inhale its aroma. The most pleasant smell is the one that suits you at this moment. The body knows what it needs. But to be completely sure, you should consult your doctor.