Is it okay for me to take a hot bath at 38 weeks? My lower back is in some minor pain, and so are my knees and ankles, and I want to just relax for maybe 15-20 minutes. Does the water have to be a certain temperature, or should I take one at all? what else can help relax my back, knees, and ankles(if I can't take a bath)?
2007-01-15 11:11:22 · 20 answers · asked by kaiyas_mom07 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I haven't been checked for dilation yet...and I have a drs appointment tomorrow. Do you think they will check me then??
2007-01-15 11:34:19 · update #1
Warm baths have been used for centuries for all sorts of reasons and the relaxing effect on body muscles and on the mind is well known. There is something "luxurious" about soaking in a warm bath and there is nothing to suggest that this is unsafe in pregnancy.
However, you do need to be cautious about "hot" baths as there is little known about the possible effects on the blood flowing through the placenta or on the baby. If the water is too hot, you could also feel faint or sick, as it could lower your blood pressure a bit too much - not a good thing.
So how do you decide if your bath is "hot" or "warm"?
Test the water with your elbow or forearm before getting in as you would for a child. This part of your skin is more sensitive to temperature than your feet or hands. Warm should be just comfortable so that you can get straight in without having to get in bit by bit! A too-hot bath is also likely to affect the colour of your skin, turning it red, and you may find yourself sweating
2007-01-15 11:16:25 · answer #1 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't want to take one so hot it raises your body temperature. If you notice that you're too hot, get out of the tub immediately. If your core temp rises one degree, you can actually start to cook your baby in the womb. You can take baths all you want, but watch out for hot tubs, as the temperature in those are kept pretty constant. With baths, once you run the water it will start to cool off almost instantly, and if you decide to soak in on for 15 minutes or so and it's warm but not super hot, you should be okay and it should certainly relieve some of your pain. Enjoy!
2007-01-15 11:21:38 · answer #2 · answered by chamely_3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just take a bath at the regular temp you have been throughout out the whole pregnancy unless your water is leaking or you have lost your mucus plug meaning if it was tangled with pinkish or bloody stuff . If nothing like this has happened go for it . another thing that will help is a heating pad . Just don't put anything in your bath water . Good luck
37 weeks and achy too !!!
2007-01-15 11:19:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 37 weeks and i take a hot bath for about 15 minutes every other night i think it is ok as long as you don't stay in there to long my brothers wife took hot baths for all 3 of her pregnancy and all 3 of her children are fine!!
2014-02-02 15:00:28 · answer #4 · answered by lisa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't take a hot bath when you are pregnant. You can sweat to cool off, but the baby can't. You should be able to take a warm bath that is about your normal body temperature, but you should check with your doctor first.
2007-01-15 11:38:47 · answer #5 · answered by raindrop 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your baby should have a pretty adequate body fat to help regulate his/her own temperature, which is why hot tubs and baths are not recommended during pregnancy. It is recommended not to have the temperature above 100F, which isn't a very hot bath. You could probably get away with it for 15 minutes or so at 105, which should be pretty comfortable.
2007-01-15 11:16:44 · answer #6 · answered by makin_the_same_mistakes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK the water will help you relax, its depends on your version of hot. Id say from teh sound of it you are close to having bubs anyone ( i hope that goes well). I had a hot bath with my first after months of muscular pain and i went into labour, but i also had sex after it (labour hit half way through so im not sure which set it off i was 37 wks) Because you relax and get comfy so does your uterus and vagin muscles and it can probably a 70% chance of bringing you into labour. but at this stage its your choice. good luck. Have you tried heat packs? BTW dont add anything to the water if you do things like lavender and chamomile bring on labour and casue uterine contractions
2007-01-15 11:17:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My doctor said baths are just fine, as long as you don't have any medical problems. Your body would adjust the temperature of your insides to keep the baby safe. The only reason you are not "suppost" to have baths, or sit in hot tubs or saunas, is because YOUR body can over heat faster. Just be aware if you get to hot, then it is time to get out. But as far as safety, the only thing taht will happen is you could pass out from the heat. So pay attention to your body.
2007-01-15 11:15:42 · answer #8 · answered by sr22racing 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Noooo, do not take a hot bath!!!!!!! No hot baths,saunas, or Jacuzzis!!! Look for a masseuse that specializes in pregnant women, or talk to your doctor, or just ask your partner or a friend to give u some attention, im sure they wont mind!!!
2007-01-15 11:18:34 · answer #9 · answered by marinewife 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bath may actually increase ankle and leg problems. I would talk to your dr first-- if you've dilated any, the water could cause infection. Otherwise, keep the temperature very warm, but not "hot", to avoid your body overheating, and don't put any bubble-bath or bath oil in the water, due to increased irritation, and again the risk of infection.
2007-01-15 11:22:16 · answer #10 · answered by Angela M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋