Hot Baths

LoveyFNR

So I've heard a few times that it is bad to take a hot bath while you are pregnant because it restricts blood flow to the fetus but I've heard a few women on here talk about taking hot baths often. I've avoided them all together to be safe but I would love a nice bubble bath tonight. What is your opinion?

PunkyBooster

I would die without a bath some nights. Between cramps and being tired and a stuffy nose...

Just don't boil yourself. I also keep a bottle of water with me so I guzzle in case I get a little thirsty. 

Boil- if your skin turns pink in the water or you have to really ease yourself in, it's too hot. 

JenGarden

From what I've heard and read, it's fine to take a bath, just don't take an overly hot bath.  If you are sweating, your skin is turning red, or you feel lightheaded, then your body is going to pump more blood toward your skin to try to cool you down (so away from the fetus).  If it's just warm, this won't happen, and you/the baby should be fine.

CFH79

I still take them, just not as hot as before.  Mostly like a little warmer than luke warm.  i still get to soak, just not turn red. 

LoveyFNR

Alright, so a nice warm bath but not scalding. I can work with that. Thank you for clarifying for me everyone.

kcisthebombdotcom

When I was pregnant with DS, I got a water temperature toy for the tub as a gift. I googled what a safe temperature for bath water was while pregnant, used that toy and took a bath that way. LOL

princesscm99

Just to add: 

I used to LOVE taking HOT baths all the time, so when I asked my doc about it and he said that warm baths were fine, but not hot, I was afraid I'd be so used to it that I would make it hotter than I meant to.

He said to keep it around 100 degrees, so I took a digital kitchen thermometer in there with me, and 100 degrees was quite a bit cooler than I thought it would be.  

I doubt that a few degrees makes too much of a difference as long as you're following what the other girls said about red skin, sweating...etc., but if you're anal like me, I thought it might be helpful.

alliecarrie41

princesscm99:

He said to keep it around 100 degrees, so I took a digital kitchen thermometer in there with me, and 100 degrees was quite a bit cooler than I thought it would be.  

sadly this... 100 degrees just isn't warm to my apparently reptile blooded body, so luke warm baths for me!  boo... i will miss you hot tubs!

BabyS2008

I'm dying for a bath!! BUT...my baths HAVE to be hot otherwise it's not worth it to me. So..I guess so baths for me for a few more months!!

KacieLeigh

I literally spent 1/2 of my first pregnancy in the bathtub.  I'm looking forward to have jacuzzi jets this time around.  I would get in the bathtub and read for HOURS while having contractions in 3rd tri.  Just don't get your water scalding and you'll be fine.

MrsBraun

I've had warm/hot baths almost everyday of this pregnancy - your body will tell you if it's too much far before it causes any damage (you will feel lightheaded/faint). If you start to feel funny, get out or add some cold water.