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.

[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.

[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

[satya]

It's fine - unless you have them boiling hot - that's what the problem is with spas - they usually have water heating pumps in them that can cause overheating - regular baths don't.

There is another hazzard to watch out for when having baths when pregnant - getting stuck in there.

I was in the third tri & had major swelling of the ankles & when I tried to raise myself out of the bath I felt like my ankles would snap. Seriously, just snap. It was just awful. Thankfully my then DF was in the house & he came to the rescue.

I didn't have another bath for the rest of the pregnancy & during labour they couldn't have paid me to enter the big bath they had there for use during labour (even though I intended to use it originally).