is swimming in cold water safe for baby?

[tenar]

I was thinking about summer. We're going down to the beach, and I'd like to go swimming, even though in Melbourne the water will still be pretty chilly.

If I get out before or when I feel cold, will that be safe for the baby?

I'm not sure because I know that a hot bath temperature that I find lovely isn't OK for baby, but I don't think I've read any suggestions that say whether too-cold water is also bad, or not?

[Arimeh]

I think as long as you are comfortable, bubs will be too. They are pretty protected in there.

And FWIW - I took hot showers during my pregnancies - and only got out when I started feeling dizzy - cos if I figured - if I'm feeling ok with this - so is bubs.

[Shanti]

I have nice hot showers (but not for long) and feel fine.

I swam at the beach yesterday and even though the water was a bit cold, i wasn't shivering or anything and felt fine so figured bubs would enjoy it too

[Sammiejane]

Oh i can tell you that MJ and I loved cold swims on hot days at the beach (in Melb) over last summer...
She would only move really gently inside me and for me it was heaven.
Next time around i will be doing way more swimming, it was the BEST...

The water is not that bad in Melb, especially the bay... unless of course you are planning to swim on cold winter days lol

[Jaycee]

I think it would be fine.
I know the reason you're not supposed to have hot showers/baths is because it can raise your body temperature, which can be dangerous for bubs, but i've never heard of it being bad to swim in cold water.

[mustangsachy]

um... sorry to hijack the post - but is it really bad to have hot baths/ showers?

i've noticed that i don't love my showers as hot as previously but i've had a couple of baths the last few weeks (been 'craving' them LOL) ... my tum is not submerged and it's not scorching.. but it's a bath.

have i done a boo boo?

[hj1981]

ur not meant to have ur bath too hot - but i use to love hot baths!!!!
as a few ppl have said - as long as ur comfy - bubs should be too!
Peanuts would kick heaps if i had a cold shower - so i guess she didnt like them!

[Mad Scientist]

Hi there,

As long as the water isn't freeeeeezing cold and lowering your body temperature to hypothermia, your baby will be fine. Hot baths are ok, as long as your temperature doesn't increase too much. Same as with strenuous exercise. Bubs can't regulate their temp so if your temp rises too high so does theirs. Just don't overdo the temperature so that it's scorching and you're sweating. Same reason why you should avoid saunas etc. HTH