Bath Scare...

BettyRu

Since my last pregnancy, I bought a new house with a tub I can actually fit comfortably in (i.e. most of me under the water, knees and all!).  So last night, I decided to take a hot bath.  After I got out of the bath, I started feeling very dizzy and nauseous and I'm pretty sure I almost passed out.

I made it over to my bed and felt better pretty quickly.  I checked Dr. Google (not a norm for me but I was pretty freaked out)... apparently HOT baths can sometimes affect pregnant women.  

Just an FYI.  I found it surprising, scary and a bit disappointing (yeay luke warm baths.......)

Has this happened to anyone else?

holly142

Glad you are okay! I read hot baths are dangerous for baby so I haven't taken any since I found out I was pregnant.

stillcozy

This is actually a non issue and if you search baths there was thread on this recently. Baths are just fine even a hot bath. Unlike a hot tub a bath is constantly cooling. I've taken hot baths this entire pregnancy zero issues.

whataboutscience

Yes, you shouldn't take really hot baths especially for two long. I still take baths regularly, but they're quick and not scalding. Generally you just don't want to raise your body temperature too high, but if you're prone to dizziness you may have to be more cautious.

holly142

I remember the thread. However, there are many different opinions on whether this is safe or not. Just like there are many different opinions on whether we should eat lunch meat. If the bath water is over 100 degrees it can be dangerous, or if you are adding hot water part way through the bath to keep it really hot, not good imo! I totally understand it is a personal decision whether you think it is safe or not since there isn't much research on it. However, I've had one miscarriage so I am extra cautious in these things!

stillcozy

holly142 said:

I remember the thread. However, there are many different opinions on whether this is safe or not. Just like there are many different opinions on whether we should eat lunch meat. If the bath water is over 100 degrees it can be dangerous, or if you are adding hot water part way through the bath to keep it really hot, not good imo! I totally understand it is a personal decision whether you think it is safe or not since there isn't much research on it. However, I've had one miscarriage so I am extra cautious in these things!

I was directing the OP to the thread since it didn't seem like she had seen it. Obviously there are many opinions and they have been shared here and the thread not really ate while you felt the need to reiterate it. Of course it is a personal choice so I shared my view since it was different to give her an array of opinions.

LinzerBinzer

We'll see if OP comes back, but I feel like she may have been commenting not on safety of the baby, but effects on her (dizziness, nausea, etc.).

Anyhow, OP, glad you're ok and now you know! I'd have DH standing by when you get out next time, even if it's luke warm, just in case.

holly142

@Lindsayleigh1989 - I am not trying to be rude. I am glad you shared your view too! I just added more details to why I feel the way I do in case some people only see this post and not the other bath thread.

jolydan

Sounds like you might have gotten dehydrated more than a bath issue. Next time try keeping a bottle of water with you, it will help! Since hitting 12 weeks I get dizzy really easily just by standing from a laying position to standing! Warm bath are good for muscles pain!

miibo

My doc mentioned to not take too hot of a shower or bath as this raises your body temperature, along with lower?higher? (Sorry don't recall exactly which way it goes) blood pressure it can cause you to easily feel light-headed and dizzy.

stillcozy

miibo said:

My doc mentioned to not take too hot of a shower or bath as this raises your body temperature, along with lower?higher? (Sorry don't recall exactly which way it goes) blood pressure it can cause you to easily feel light-headed and dizzy.

I imagine standing would make that worse too. Would this be if you were struggling with blood pressure or in general?

stillcozy

I also find it good to keep a glass of water wth me in the tub. I struggle to get my water in every day but it helps too if I would get dizzy or when I was struggling with ms nausea as well.

carcrashheart

It's gonna be a looooonnnngggg hot summer freaking out over trying not to raise your body temp. I wonder what those that are pregnant and work out do?

Nzamorw

Since being pregnant, I react like that with a steamy shower... I don't even have to be under the shower head . The heat and steam get suffocating and I have to leave the shower immediately to regain my composure because I'm so out of breath and light headed. *sigh* things we can't enjoy....for now.

BettyRu

I have never had issues with dizziness or fainting. It definitely shook me! I'm sure I'll take more baths in the future... I lived in the shower with DD to help with back pain from week 36 - 42 (yep she was comfy staying in). I will definitely have the temp lower and water bottle on hand. . I just had no idea hot baths could be a concern (just like I didn't know bleeding during pregnancy could be a thing... Oh the things we learn).

Croscrew

That has happened to me while not pregnant. Not totally uncommon, especially with hot water. I take baths ALL the time. I went with my mom and sister to a hot tub the other day and put my legs in and it was definitely lukewarm instead of hot so I got in for a bit.

sboston06

This was an issue because in a hot environment, the blood rushes to your skin and not enough blood is getting to your brain. When you got up quickly and dried off, you started feeling it because of gravity. It took lying down and resting, letting the blood redistribute to feel a bit better. I've been dealing with dizziness lately too, and the trick is to just move slowly, try not to get too hot in the bath/shower. I'd suggest sitting down on the edge of the tub or on the toilet after getting out, and drying off while you're sitting. That will allow your body a chance to catch up. Also, as PP suggested, keeping well hydrated or drinking water while in the tub will help as well.

The risk to baby from being a hot tub is a completely different issue that I won't even get into.

ETA: I got this info from my OB at my last appointment and it all makes perfect sense to me as a nurse. She also said it should get better as the blood pressure issues improve in later pregnancy.

miibo

I think in general, it was during a follow-up appt where we went over some cautionary fyi's and some do's & don't. Wish I had a big enough tub to test if sitting or standing makes a difference!

taboullio84

I keep a bottle of water by the tub for this reason.