The third trimester of pregnancy can be an exciting yet stressful time. As you enter the final months of pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of your little one, it is important to take care of yourself and your body. One of the best ways to do this is to enjoy a warm, relaxing bath. Relaxing in a warm bath can help to relieve tension and stress, soothe sore muscles, and provide general relaxation. Not only that, but it can also help to improve your overall health during this special time in your life. In this blog post, we will be looking at the benefits of taking baths during your third trimester of pregnancy, how to make the most of your baths, and the safety considerations to keep in mind. So, take a deep breath and relax—it’s time to learn all about baths while pregnant in the third trimester.
Health Benefits of a Hot Bath
The early stages of labor may benefit from warm baths, even though pregnant women shouldn’t take hot baths. Studies have shown that early-laboring women who use water immersion require less epidural anesthesia than those who don’t. Their labor is also shorter by about 32 minutes. However, water immersion isnt the best option for everyone. Some reasons to avoid water immersion in early labor include:
Is a Hot Bath Safe During Pregnancy?
Hot baths are not safe during pregnancy. The main worry with a hot bath while pregnant is the possibility of an increase in body temperature. More than ten minutes in a hot tub or bath can cause your body temperature to rise above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. According to some studies, babies born to pregnant women who experienced fevers early on are more likely to experience severe brain and spinal cord abnormalities. Although more research is necessary, some studies have also suggested that a fever during pregnancy may result in miscarriage. Â.
Hot tub use during early pregnancy or for extended periods of time increased the risk of having babies with anencephaly, which is a condition where part of the brain, skull, or scalp is missing, according to a study on birth defects. In addition, they were more likely to give birth to children who had gastroschisis, a condition in which the intestines protrude from the abdomen. However, due to the small sample sizes, researchers cannot be certain that hot tub use was a factor in the birth defects.
Another concern with baths during pregnancy is infection. Long baths increase your chances of developing an infection. Additionally, stay away from bubble bath, bath bombs, and bath salts. Many contain ingredients that can cause itching or irritation. You could become infected if you accidently break your skin while scratching. Bath salts may alter the pH of the vagina, throwing off its balance. This could reduce the beneficial bacteria in your vagina, which could lead to yeast infections, irritation, itching, and urinary tract infections.
Even though the last few weeks of pregnancy can seem to last forever, you should always talk to your doctor before trying to induce labor at home to ensure both you and your unborn child are safe. Â.
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If you’re pregnant and unsure whether it’s safe to soak in the tub, feel free to do so as long as you follow these safety precautions first.
Nothing sounds better right now than a soothing soak in the tub, especially since pregnancy aches and pains, particularly that sore back, can be relieved by the warm water as well as being soothing to the skin. Is it actually safe to take a spa-like bath in the bathtub while pregnant?
You won’t have to take lukewarm showers for the remainder of your pregnancy, so relax. As long as you follow a few safety precautions, taking a bath while pregnant is completely safe.
FAQ
Are baths OK in third trimester?
Can a hot bath hurt my baby in third trimester?
Can baths help bring on labour?
Can you take an Epsom salt bath in 3rd trimester?