I'm not pregnant, just ttc, but I don't think I'll be able to give up my uber-hot baths (unless it's bad for the baby of course.) I know hot-tubs are sonsidered a no-no- what about a hot shower? And how hot is too hot anyway? What about heating pads/blankets??)
2007-09-21 06:02:16 · 15 answers · asked by Nanook of the North-Canadian Gal 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
A bath that is near to hot tub temperature is not okay, especially if it's going to be leisurely bath. The reason is that it raises yours and the baby's body temperatures - and the baby doesn't have a way to cool itself down like you do so it can be very dangerous. I would recommend sticking to just warm baths. As for the shower, it's not really the same thing because your body temperature doesn't go up as fast in the shower and you aren't in the shower for as long as you are in the bath (generally) anyway. But, still, might want to stay away from extremely high temperatures. Heating pads and blankets are definitely okay when not used directly on the abdomen. If you are going to put a heading pad on your abdomen, keep it at its lowest setting and don't leave it very long. You are worried about raising the baby's body temperature, but that won't happen like as soon as you place the heating pad on you, esp. at a low temperature.
2007-09-21 06:08:26 · answer #1 · answered by Mrs.P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that hot showers are not bad because your body is not soaking in hot water. The water is just running over the body. Although it isn't good for the body to be in that for excess time. Yes it can be harmful to the baby because he/she is already in a sauna of 98.6 degrees and if you up that temprature by too much it is like giving an adult major heat stroke and it is actually worse results for the baby than an adult.
Also I love hot showers and baths but I noticed that if my body temprature got to high while I was pregnant I would feel light headed, dizzy, and almost pass out. So your body might not be able to handle really hot anyways.
Check with your doctor about how hot is too hot for a bath.
2007-09-21 06:33:21 · answer #2 · answered by jhg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can still take baths, but just make sure they are not extra hot. They say not to bathe in water higher than your body temperature, but if it's a little hotter (say 99-100 degrees) it's okay because bath water cools down fast, unlike a spa jacuzzi or shower, where you get continuous heated water. Your body cools down the water in the bath. At least this is what my doctor told me. I have been taking regular baths at that temperature and the baby has been fine.
2007-09-21 06:27:33 · answer #3 · answered by newageinsights 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just asked my doctor this question, as I'm 5 weeks along. She said no more baths. :( I'm used to taking a bath almost every night but I'll do what I have to do for the baby! Also, heating pads are ok if only on your back. Heated blankets are a definite no no! My doctor stressed to me that too much heat is BAD for baby!
2007-09-21 06:07:00 · answer #4 · answered by dani 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
Happy soaking!
2007-09-21 06:09:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
prolonged exposure to heat is bad for the baby, in the first trimester it can affect spinal and brain development. I know how you feel, believe me, but you will have to give them up. Its asacrifice we have to make. But if you are at all like me, you will be too hot all through your pregnancy to want to take a hot bath, much less a shower.
You can take a nice warm bath, just don't elevate your body temp alot. If you are pink after your bath chances are its too hot.
2007-09-21 06:07:13 · answer #6 · answered by parental unit 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should really try to stay away from a really hot bath or shower for the same reason as going in a hot tub, it thins the blood out and can make you pass out and can raise your body temp. which isnt good for the fetus.
2007-09-21 06:09:07 · answer #7 · answered by Cat 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They say to wait until @ least 5 months to take a HOT bath, reason being, that the body can reject the baby if your core body temp. rises above normal. I didnt take 1 bath through out my 1st pregnancy, but I did get in the hot tub @ 7 months pregnant, with my last one. For like 5 minutes though and I got out. I wouldnt recommend it, but ask your doc
2007-09-21 06:11:49 · answer #8 · answered by SalsWyf07 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should ask your doctor about this. My doctor just told me not to make it super hot, have it at a comfortable temperature and everything will be fine. Hot showers won't hurt the baby. Heating pads are fine for your back if you're having braxton hicks.
2007-09-21 06:10:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My doctor told me that baths are fine, as long as the temperature of the water does not exceed 100 degrees.
She said showers are better, but as your pregnancy continues, standing in the shower can become less simple/easy.
If you decide to take baths instead of showers, avoid bubble baths.
2007-09-21 06:09:07 · answer #10 · answered by Ens5909 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋