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- Are hot springs safe for pregnant women? It's generally not recommended for pregnant women to soak in hot springs, especially in the first trimester, as it can raise core body temperature and potentially pose risks to the developing fetus.
www.findinghotsprings.com/mag/are-hot-springs-safe
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Mar 15, 2024 · One common question that arises is whether or not it is safe to soak in hot springs during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore the potential effects of hot spring temperatures on the baby during pregnancy, using scientific research, personal experiences, step-by-step guidelines, and real-life examples.
- Overview
- Hot tub water temperature and your body
- Hot tub germs
- Using hot tubs safely during pregnancy
- Safe alternatives to hot tubs during pregnancy
- Takeaway
Taking a dip in a hot tub might be the ultimate way to relax. Warm water is known to soothe muscles. Hot tubs are also designed for more than one person, so soaking can be a great opportunity to spend some time with your partner or friends.
During pregnancy, on the other hand, hot tubs should be used cautiously or not at all.
Water temperature in the hot tub should never exceed 104°F (40°C). Sitting in hot water can easily raise the body temperature, which can cause health issues for you and your developing baby.
There are serious concerns associated with using hot tubs in pregnancy. The general consensus is that they should only be used carefully and for limited amounts of time, if at all.
Sitting in a body of water that is warmer than your body’s temperature will raise your temperature, whether it’s a bath, hot springs, or hot tub.
During pregnancy, your body temperature shouldn’t rise above 102.2°F (39°C). That can easily occur if you spend more than 10 minutes in a hot tub with a water temperature of 104°F (40°C).
This precaution is especially important during the first trimester when a rise in temperature can cause birth defects, such as brain and spinal cord defects.
A 2006 study published in Birth Defects Research found that mild exposure before the embryo is implanted in the uterus and more severe exposure during the first trimester might result in various birth defects and even pregnancy loss.
Germs are another concern related to using a hot tub while pregnant. The warm, small body of water can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. But regular maintenance and constant monitoring can help ensure the water chemistry is properly balanced.
If you own the hot tub, make sure you use the right disinfectant and test the water using pool water strips. Free chlorine levels should be between 2 and 4 parts per million (ppm), and if using bromine, between 4 and 6 ppm. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
If you don’t own the hot tub but want some peace of mind, test the water or ask the manager of the place to ensure that the water is tested regularly.
Here are some standard questions you can ask while using a hot tub you’ve not used before:
•How many people usually use it?
•How often is the water replaced?
If you’re in your first trimester, the general advice is to avoid the hot tub. Even if you keep the time to under 10 minutes, it can be dangerous for your baby-to-be. Everyone’s body is different, so you might find yourself overheating sooner than expected.
For your baby’s sake, skip the dip during the first three months. Instead, grab your water bottle or a tall glass of lemon water and dip your feet. You’ll still need to keep the time you do this limited.
If you’re past the first trimester and want to use the hot tub after getting your doctor’s approval, here’s how to stay safe:
•Use the tub for no more than 10 minutes at a time and allow for plenty of cooling off in between sessions.
•If the hot water jets are on, sit on the opposite side where the water temperature is slightly lower.
•If you feel sweaty, step out of the tub right away and cool yourself down.
A safer alternative to a hot tub during pregnancy is a regular warm bath. This can provide the benefits of soothing warm water, but without the risks.
The caution about not bathing in very warm water still applies, so keep the temperature warm but not hot. Just like in the case of hot tubs, keep well-hydrated and get out as soon as you experience any sign of discomfort.
Also make sure that you prevent slipping: Your sense of balance will undergo some adjustments during the time you are pregnant, especially in the second and third trimesters.
You can try trading a tub for a foot soak while enjoying a cup of tea. While only part of your body is exposed to warm water, you can still enjoy a relaxing time without all the risks.
Avoid using a hot tub during the first trimester or if you have a fever. If you decide to use a hot tub during pregnancy, take precautions and make sure you soak for a limited amount of time.
Keep a close eye on your temperature and general well-being. Always get your doctor’s OK before using the hot tub during pregnancy.
- Daniela Ginta
Looking up Japanese websites on the topic, they say hot springs are perfectly fine as long as they're used after week 15, not too late in the pregnancy, under 42 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit), not a natural spring (bacteria risk), and the soak time is 10 minutes or less.
Little is known about the safety of saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms in pregnancy. You may choose to avoid them because of the risks of overheating, dehydration and fainting, particularly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Sep 20, 2024 · In the UK, most health experts advise against using hot tubs during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, because of the risk of overheating. Hot tubs can raise your core body temperature quickly, which could potentially impact fetal development and increase the risk of complications.
The safety of swimming in hot springs during pregnancy varies depending on the water temperature and the individual’s health. Pregnant women should avoid water temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit and limit their time in hot springs regardless of the trimester.
May 1, 2022 · Can I use a hot tub while pregnant? Together with saunas and steam rooms, hot tubs are probably best avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of overheating. Hot dips during the first trimester can cause birth defects, hernias and cause a temporary drop in blood pressure making you dizzy (NHS 2019).
