If you take really hot baths can it cause you to miscarry??

Question

Someone told me that it could and I was just curious?

Answer 1

No, that is an old wives tale. It would have to be boiling to the point that it burned your skin off to cause a miscarriage. Most times when Miscarriages happen it is because the fetus wasn't viable to begin with. (Barring a physical accident of course... like car wreck) Fetuses that are meant to be carried to full term are typically hearty and can tolerate a LOT.

High temperatures can cause damage to the brain of a fetus if it is prolonged for a period of time. Say a whole day. People who had rubella during pregnancy tend to have deaf babies with other developmental issues. This was caused by a prolonged exposure to the elevated temperature. A bath should NOT cause those problems.

Answer 2

• You Should Avoid Raising Your Body Temperature
There is a potential danger to the developing fetus if your body temperature rises above 102 degrees. You can raise your body temperature to this level by getting a fever, by exercising too strenuously, working outside on hot summer days, and so on.

• You Should Not Use a Sauna, Hot Tub or Take Long Hot Baths
Hot tubs and hot baths have a tendency to raise your body temperature and therefore are to be avoided. See the previous item for details.

My doctor told me that hot baths are okay, that the normal "hot" bath isn't hot enough to raise your temp. high enough to cause damage. He thought that Hot tubs and sauna's should be avoided. Both my kids turned out okay.

Answer 3

You Should Avoid Raising Your Body Temperature
There is a potential danger to the developing fetus if your body temperature rises above 102 degrees. You can raise your body temperature to this level by getting a fever, by exercising too strenuously, working outside on hot summer days, and so on.
You Should Not Use a Sauna, Hot Tub or Take Long Hot Baths
Hot tubs and hot baths have a tendency to raise your body temperature and therefore are to be avoided. See the previous item for details.

What is the concern with hot tubs during pregnancy?
According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. ACOG also recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F.

Although the specific degree differs, both OTIS and ACOG attest to the concern related to hot tub use during pregnancy.

Hot tubs are often factory programmed to maintain a water temperature of approximately 104º F. It takes only 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to raise your body temperature to 102º F or higher. To maintain a steady temperature, water is circulated and re-circulated through the hot tub to pump out cold water and pump in hot water.

So, is a hot bath safer than using a hot tub?
A hot bath, which is not uncomfortable or scalding, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.

Answer 4

Here is what I found:

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/psafe/0,,midwife_3pmf,00.html:
A study published in the November 15, 2003, issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who used hot tubs or Jacuzzis in early pregnancy were twice as likely to have a miscarriage as women who did not.

Women in early pregnancy -- and those who are trying to get pregnant -- might want to play it safe for the first few months and avoid hot tubs or any exposure to hot water that will significantly increase body temperature.


http://pregnancy.about.com/library/blbathing.htm?terms=hot+tubs:
Be sure that you avoid the use of hot tubs and hot baths (above 100 degrees F). These can cause your body temperature to rise, and this can cause problems for a developing baby, particularly in the first trimester.

Take care and best of luck!!!

Answer 5

Are you asking this question because you hope it may cause a miscarriage? I wont work if thats what you are trying to do. The fetus will hold on through a lot of trauma as can be seen when people are subjected to famine, floods and other disasters. If its well established and healthy it's there for the duration. If you have an unplanned pregnancy go to some agency who can help you.

Answer 6

it can cause permanent damage to your unborn child - you're basically cooking it! Your doctor should have spoken to you about the dangers of hot baths / hot tubs.

-Be sure that you avoid the use of hot tubs and hot baths (above 100 degrees F). These can cause your body temperature to rise, and this can cause problems for a developing baby, particularly in the first trimester.

Baths are a great source of relaxation and also work well for the aches and pains of pregnancy.

Answer 7

I don't remember the reason why, but I do remember reading that women, in early pregnancy, should avoid hot tubs. SO, I can only assume that whatever the reason is, would apply to hot baths as well, so it might be best to avoid them.

Answer 8

It can if it's REALLY hot water. Any rise in your body temp can do harm to the baby. It can literally cook the baby's brain if your body temp goes up enough. Please be careful, just take warm baths. If you are questioning the temp, just get in and take your temp throughout the bath. Don't stay in too long either!

Answer 9

The main concern is during the first trimester with the fetal brain development, if you have a fever or body temperature is raised artificially in a very hot bath, it could interfere with development.

Answer 10

No not at all. I took hot baths when I was pregnant and I have a beautiful healthy 2 year old.