Is It Safe To Use A Hot Tub During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a life changing experience, we agree. This is the time you tend to be cautious about your every move. This is also the time where you are advised to relax, so that you do not stress unnecessarily.
Pregnant or not, the thought of soaking in a hot tub is just too much to resist for most of us – but is it really safe for your baby? Here is our article why you must not try any of these during your pregnancy period.
Sauna Or Hot Tub During Pregnancy: NOT Recommended!
You may want to sit in a bath of warm water or a sauna to get rid of those pregnancy aches and pains, but the truth is – they could actually spell trouble for both you and your baby.
The basic science behind these activities is that, they tend to raise the core body temperature. This in turn is harmful for not just the mother, but also for her baby.
6 Points On Why Sauna Is Not Recommended:
Here are some research excerpts for you to understand why sauna or hot tub is not suggested to expecting mothers.
1. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women must avoid being a part of such activities during all three trimesters.
2. Pregnancy tends to put the mother under stress, both physically and mentally. With the body already working overtime, exposure to a higher temperature may cause pregnancy complications and may pose health risks to the developing fetus.
3. The use of hot tubs during pregnancy is thought to be linked to brain and spinal cord defects in the babies. Some experts believe that the exposure to hot temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of spina bifida (birth disorder characterized by improper closure of the baby’s backbone) in the baby.
4. A study published in 1992 has revealed that the exposure to heat in the form of saunas during the first trimester of pregnancy could be linked to an increased chance of neural tube defects in children.
5. Certain studies have also pointed out to an increased risk of miscarriage associated with hot tub use.
6. A sauna session is suggested because it may help release toxins from the body by encouraging sweating. In case of pregnant women, heavy sweating may lead to dehydration and hypotension. This in turn may cause dizziness for the pregnant women and loss of blood supply to the baby.
5 Ways To Follow If Sauna Bath Is Unavoidable:
Expecting ladies can choose to sit in a sauna or a warm water bath, without any risks by keeping the temperature under control. But it is best to stay on the safer side and avoid these activities.
If you still choose to engage in any of these hot-tub activities, please follow the precautions listed below:
1. Make sure you get a nod from your doctor beforehand.
2. Also, limit your time in the hot tub or sauna for not more than 10 minutes.
3. Care should be taken that the temperature of the water, in the hot tub or sauna, not exceeds 32 degrees centigrade.
4. Pay attention for signs such as dizziness, profuse sweating and clamminess to stay safe.
5. Get out of the setting immediately, after you start to note any signs of discomfort.
We hope this article helps you make the right decision about indulging in these activities during the pregnancy period. Experts advise pregnant women to opt for alternate methods of relaxation like meditation, yoga, exercise etc.
If you do have some other ideas about stress relief during pregnancy, do share them in the comments box below – we’d love to hear from you.
