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This article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD. Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.
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Experts say shorter baths are safer when you're pregnant because they reduce your risk of a vaginal infection.[1] Studies show that a long, hot bath may lead to hyperthermia, which could be harmful to your baby.[2] However, you likely don't need to worry that your baths are harmful, so there's no reason you can't relax in the tub as long as you do it safely. You deserve some self-care, and the warm water from your bath may be just what you need to soothe your sore muscles.
Steps
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Have someone available to help you get in and out of the tub. To avoid slipping and falling as you get in the full tub, ask your partner, a family member, or a friend to assist you as you lower into the tub. You should also ask for help getting out of the tub so you don’t accidentally fall or trip.
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Make sure the water is no warmer than 98 °F (36.7 °C). A bath that is too hot can lead to possible health issues and complications, so keep the bathwater warm but not scalding hot.[3] [4]
- Check the water with a thermometer to confirm the temperature is no higher than 98°F.
- If you have to "ease in" to the bath, it's too hot. Let it cool off or add some cold water.
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Use a bath mat and a towel to avoid slipping hazards. Prepare for your bath by laying down a bath mat by the tub and keeping fresh towels close by. This will cut down on slipping or tripping hazards as you get in and out of the tub.
- Look for a plastic mat with grips that will stick to the bathroom floor.
- Use adhesive plastic grips at the bottom of the tub to help you retain traction while bathing.
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Add epsom salts and apple cider vinegar to the water. To create a calming soak, you can add a few tablespoons of epsom salts and a ¼ cup apple cider vinegar to the water. According to health specialists, these natural substances will not harm your baby or affect your pregnancy.
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Limit bubble baths to twice a month. Regardless of being pregnant, taking too many bubble baths a month can lead to vaginal irritation and infections. Limit your use of bubble bath when taking a bath while pregnant, and avoid using bubble bath more than twice a month.[5]
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Soak for no more than one hour. Avoid staying in the bath for more than one hour to cut down on your risk of infection. Enjoy a one hour soak to ease swollen limbs and relax your pregnant body.[6]
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Allow someone to help you get out of the tub. Rather than risk tripping or falling, especially when wet, ask your partner or a family member for help before getting out of the tub.
- Use a fresh towel to wipe off to avoid slipping on the bathroom floor.
Expert Q&A
Tips
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While bathing is fine, getting in hot tubs is not advised while you're pregnant. Hot tubs can raise your body temperature to levels that may unsafe for your developing baby.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://uamshealth.com/medical-myths/can-pregnant-women-take-baths/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015781/
- ↑ http://www.parents.com/advice/pregnancy-birth/my-pregnant-body/is-taking-a-warm-bath-in-the-last-trimester-safe/
- ↑ http://uamshealth.com/healthlibrary2/medicalmyths/pregnantwomentakebaths/
- ↑ http://www.parents.com/advice/pregnancy-birth/my-pregnant-body/is-taking-a-warm-bath-in-the-last-trimester-safe/
- ↑ http://uamshealth.com/healthlibrary2/medicalmyths/pregnantwomentakebaths/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
While taking a bath when pregnant is usually safe and relaxing, you’ll want to take a few simple precautions to keep you and the baby healthy. To avoid slipping and falling as you get in and out of the tub, ask your partner or a family member to help you. Since a bath that’s too hot can lead to health issues for the baby, use a thermometer to keep the temperature at or below 98 degrees Fahrenheit. For a calming soak, add epsom salts and apple cider vinegar to the water, but limit bubble baths to no more than twice a month since they can lead to vaginal irritation and infection. Don’t stay in the tub for more than an hour since this can also increase your risk of infection. To learn how to use a bath mat to prevent slipping in the tub, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"I'm pregnant with baby number 6 and I didn't know about the bubble bath. That you shouldn't take a lot of them, I know now."..." more
