Do you have baths when pregnant?

[Hummingbird]

Hi Everyone

Just wondering what everyone's opinion is on having a bath when pregnant?

I have done lots of googling but getting alot of mixed messages. I understand that you want to avoid overheating, but if you're arms are out, then wouldn't this help you cool down?

I bought a bath thermometer, had a bath a few weeks ago and kept the tempreture to 38'C or less which I had read somewhere was OK, but this was really not warm enough...turns out I like 42'c or so. So I haven't had one since but I am really missing them

What's your opinion?

Thanks

[mybabylove]

i asked my OB & he said it was fine to bath but to be honest i havent done it myself...
My MIL & Mother both have warned me not to & they both have kind of scared me a little, so im not risking it!
Seeing i only have 6 weeks left might just wait until after the birth.... HTH

[Indadhanu]

In early pregnancy I stayed away, just for the overheating thing, but after that... a nice warm bath was great for my back! Just not too hot or it can lower your blood pressure,make you feel horrible, and make getting out of the bath a bit dangerous (I had a hot bath, and almost feinted getting out at about 20-something weeks).

[Lolli]

I actually can't seem to find the time this time around, but my first pregnancy I loved baths, especially the last few weeks, late at night when I couldn't sleep. I never even knew they were risky... but i used to hop in the spa too

[Bathsheba]

I had them no worries... but maybe it was risky? I can't stand a lukewarm bath either. I figured my bump was usually up out of the water so that baby wasn't feeling as hot as say my back which was under the water. I didn't mind my bump/legs being cool.... but can't stand it when my back and shoulders aren't warm.

[NaeNae]

In early pregnancy I stayed away, just for the overheating thing, but after that... a nice warm bath was great for my back! Just not too hot or it can lower your blood pressure,make you feel horrible, and make getting out of the bath a bit dangerous (I had a hot bath, and almost feinted getting out at about 20-something weeks).

I agree with Leasha, particularly with the getting out of the bath. Gotta watch this if you shave you legs in the shower too

[kawazuki]

i still ahev baths
if your body is used to it go for it i say lol

i couldnt live without my weekly bath and soak ( i do shower every day tho lol )
its my relaxation time and find i cant do this in a shwoer lol

[Taurean]

I can't live without my bath! I've practically moved into it since falling pregnant as I'm in it all the time!! It's fabulous for relaxation and soothing the typcial preggy aches and pains.

Just keep it warm and not hot and you should be fine. If it's steaming and you're face is red and sweaty, I think it would be safe to say it's far too hot. You can have it warmer than lukewarm though, just not hot. I find the best way to get the temp right is to run the bath fully then get in. If you're sitting in it while it fills up, you tend to get use to the heat and make it hotter than it needs to be. That's my trick anyway. I always sip on a really big, cold glass of water the whole time I'm in the bath too.

[luna moth]

I had one on the weekend - I always do when I saty with the ILs, because we don't have one here in brissy. Didn't stay in long, kept it to 34deg, rest of the room cold, drink of cold water.

Maybe I shouldn't have, but I wanted one so bad.

[Taurean]

I had one on the weekend - I always do when I saty with the ILs, because we don't have one here in brissy. Didn't stay in long, kept it to 34deg, rest of the room cold, drink of cold water.

Maybe I shouldn't have, but I wanted one so bad.

Nah, it's fine! They even recommend baths in the preggy books and so do a lot of doctors for that matter. It's a brilliant way to relax and they are a natural pain relief - perfect for all those preggy pains!

[Ryatha]

I love my baths, particularly when I am really achey - my middy reccomends them when I am having BH's and just generally a bad day. I make them nice and warm - certainly warmer than lukewarm but I never feel hot or get sweaty. Bubs enjoys them too and I get lots of kicks in there - probably cause I am relaxing! So go ahead and have them - just don't sauna the bathroom which is what I used to do before I was preggers!

[Nai]

I loved my bath when pregnant but my bump usually stuck out of the water anyway

[rufalina]

I love them and had them all the way through my first pregnancy, but one weekend, when I was about 35 weeks, I got sick, and had a bath, it was winter and my belly was poking out the water and I guess it was too cold or something, and I felt DS roll posterior, and after that I could not get him to turn back.. So this time, I am going to stop lying in the bath earlier...

[pucci]

Early on I didn't. Now I'm living in the bath, it helps with the pains I get.

[Miss E]

I love my baths and have been having them the whole way along. As long as you make sure you don't get too hot you'll be fine.

[FabFiona]

I love my baths! As others have said just keep an eye on the temperature.

I also make sure that I'm having one when husband is home. I once had a bath when I was not pregnant and felt faint getting up. Especially now that I am pregnant I want to make sure he's there in case that happens again.

[Hummingbird]

Thanks everyone,

I think I'll have one warm enough to still relax but as cool so it's not too hot. I'll make sure I have an iced water and I don't have bathroom heating anyway so the rest of the room will be cold.

[tk1999]

I have had a few baths - early on I didn't cause I like a nice hot bath - but then one day a few weeks ago (probably around 25weeks) I decided I was having a bath - end of story!!

I made it warm but not hot and didn't fill it very high either - just enough for my back. I also made sure DP was home and had my mobile with me incase I needed him and he couldn't hear me yes I know - a bit OTT!

Next bath I filled it up a bit more and now I have a normal water level bath - still warm not hot but warmer lukewarm and it is so so so relaxing. I call out to DP when I want to get out because he won't let me get out by myself and I feel much more relaxed after it.

I add a few drops of lavender oil as part of my preparation for relaxing, massage during labour.

I must admit I am finding it harder this week to get out of the bath even with DP - wonder how I will go with each passing week!