Baths during Pregnancy?

Question

Is it safe to bathe during pregnancy? My doc suggested swimming as great exercise so why would bathing be a prob? My friends freak out when I say I just got out of the tub. I see my doc tomorrow, just thought I'd ask the board for now.

Answer 1

The only thing you have to be careful is not to put the water too hot in your tub.

Taking a bath will in fact relax you much. And God knows you need it now more than ever.
If it worries you, do ask your doctor. Unless she says no for some other reason, go ahead and enjoy a warm bath!!

Good luck!

Answer 2

bathing while pregnant is not a problem, it's the hot water that may become an issue. You are right, swimming is fine, and so is a bath at the right temperature. Your water should be 100 degree's or under (your breaking out your thermometer as we speak, I can tell) Basically, if it feels hot to you.. it feels too hot for baby too. If you do only like fairly warm baths, keep the time limit down, under 20 minutes. And just remember, if you are hot, your baby is too... if your sweating and your skin is steaming when you get out, baby is cooking. Just keep it reasonable, a warm bath is nothing to worry about and a great relaxation method. People give birth in bath tubs, sitting in one for twenty minutes or so won't hurt your baby.

Answer 3

The only concern with baths is the chance of getting a yeast infection. If you do not make the bath with crazy bubbles or too hot where it would raise you internal body temperature than you should be just fine. When I was pregnant I would take baths to relax me and my doctor told me this was just fine. I even took a bath while I was in labor to try to relax myself. Good luck.

Answer 4

Doctors often advise against taking a bath. It has nothing to do with submersing yourself in water (like a swimming pool). The concern is the heat. You're not supposed to do ANYTHING that raises your body temperature - spas, saunas, hot baths are all out. You should be able to take a warm bath with no problems, unless yours is a high-risk pregnancy or you are bleeding.

Answer 5

You must not be that big yet because when I was pregnant there was no way that I could get in and out of the tub! LOL!!! Anyways, I think that you're okay but stay away from harsh bubble bath because you could get a yeast infection. Take care.

Answer 6

Your friends may be concerned about the water temperature or you ability to get in and out of the tub without slipping. It is perfectly fine, but you must be careful with the temperature .Too hot water can affect your unborn child, so hot tubs may be too intense, but regular warm baths at home are fine.
If in doubt, shower...

Answer 7

Hello! Congrats on baby!

It is safe to swim up until delivery unless you have any type of leakage or discharge. Once you are in labor, it is not wise unless you are having a water birth, which the doctors know how to handle that. It is a lot harder to get in and out of the tub at 9 months...but play it safe and check with doctor.

Answer 8

I lived in the bath with my 3 pregnancies and Im sure I will with this one too. I think if its your own bath and hygenic, I dont see why there should be a problem. Good luck have a bath and relax you need it!

Answer 9

Baths are fine until your water breaks. Once your water breaks the bathwater (any bubbles, dirt off your body, etc) *may* get to the baby causing a possible infection.

The important thing to consider is temperature. 100 degrees was always acceptable with my Dr. If you start feeling hot, dizzy, thirsty, etc...get out. If your skin starts reddening, get out.

Baths are relaxing and about the only thing that helped as time got closer!

Answer 10

I have taken two baths since being pregnant. I dont think theres anything wrong with it. Some ladies do water births (have their baby in a tub full of water) so it cant be too bad for you.