Bath

jeoberly

I know in your first trimester you aren't supposed to take a bath but when is it okay to in your second trimester? I have aches and it would be nice to be soothed.
I'm 16 weeks.

aphilli8

I take a bath every night. Even if it's hot enough to raise your internal temp, it won't stay hot long enough to do so

MamaHolland

Who told you that you couldn't take a bath?

aphilli8

MamaHolland said:

Who told you that you couldn't take a bath?

I think it's the same logic as not getting in a hot tub

Eta: even though bath=\= hot tub

MamaHolland

There's a big difference between a bath tub and hot tubbing. Taking baths helped me survive first trimester. With the aches and pains and over yuckiness, the baths soothe me. I take a bath everyday. The point is not to use scorching hot water, bath or shower no difference if the water is lava hot. But I can't even get into the bath water if it's too hot anyway.

hailees

My doctor said that if the water is so hot that you can stick your foot it and keep it in, it's too hot. If you feel that you're overheating at all, it's too hot. But you can definitely take baths.

indibidule

Hot tubs, especially public ones, cycle the same water through the jets over and over and don't get changed very often, so they're a playground for bacteria. But baths are fresh water every time you get in (I hope ) so there isn't the same sort of worry. I'm enjoying a bath right now while I bump. (Sorrynotsorry if tmi )

hailees

@indibidule jealous!!!

UptownPearl

My midwives recommended I take baths for cramping and just to relax. They told me if the water was hot enough to make me sweat it was too hot and to keep them shorter (10-15 min).

WhitMathis

I take a bath all the time. I was concerned at first but did some research and came to the same conclusion as PP's. You don't want to sweat or scorch yourself but a warm bath definitely won't hurt anything.

maddisonwallace

What a PP said! As long as it's not so hot that you can't leave your foot or hand in there thinking it's too hot, go for it. I just make sure I drink plenty of water if I know I'll be relaxing in there a while.

mg137

The problem with hot baths is that, if you raise your temp enough that the baby gets hot, she can't sweat to cool off. Same reason you're not supposed to work out hard in really hot weather. Like PPs said, just make sure it's not so hot you can't get right in. I've also heard a good test is whether or not your skin turns red from it. But I don't know if that's consistent among different people.

I take regular Epsom salt baths. Works wonders on sore muscles and might reduce the risk of preterm labor because of safe absorption of magneseum. Obvi don't start taking it internally, though.

babywells2016

I'm a bath taker, every night. I haven't had a bath tub in years, and just moved into a new house with a jacuzzi tub. They can't take away my bath!

SummerOH

The reason hot tubs are dangerous are because they are kept at a constant high temperature.  Baths at home begin to cool immediately, moreso once your body hits the water.  Plus, like a PP said, hot tubs are just gross with all that bacteria and nastiness.  I couldn't live without my nightly Lush baths!!