Taking an Epsom salt bath during pregnancy is a popular practice among pregnant women. Epsom salt baths can provide comfort and relaxation, but many pregnant women wonder if they are safe during pregnancy. Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium and sulfate. While it is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, it’s important to discuss the use of Epsom salt with your doctor before taking an Epsom salt bath. This blog post will explore the potential benefits and risks of taking an Epsom salt bath during pregnancy, as well as provide tips and advice on how to safely take an Epsom salt bath during pregnancy.
Relief from aches and pains
Leg cramps, sore muscles, and round ligament pain are all typical during pregnancy. While there isn’t much proof that magnesium sulfate reduces pain, taking a warm bath can help muscles relax.
Soaking in a warm bath can help to relieve stress. Magnesium may also function naturally as an antidepressant and stress reliever, according to studies done on animals.
Constipation is common during pregnancy. This can raise the risk of hemorrhoids in addition to the weight of the uterus and growing baby.
Hemorrhoids are itchy or painful swollen veins near the anus. Warm baths can help with hemorrhoids’ discomfort, and Epsom salts’ anti-inflammatory properties may help the veins to become smaller.
When a person is pregnant, their need for magnesium increases.
In fact, research has shown that a magnesium deficiency is common in many women of childbearing age.
The body may be able to absorb magnesium by taking an Epsom salt bath, though this has not yet been proven scientifically.
Itching is a common symptom of pregnancy as the skin stretches to make room for the developing fetus.
An Epsom salt bath may soothe itching. After a bath, putting on moisturizer should help to bring about long-lasting relief.
Fill a bathtub with warm water and stir in two cups of Epsom salt until it completely dissolves to create an Epsom salt bath.
To reduce the risk of overheating, pregnant women should limit their tub time to 12 to 15 minutes.
In general, doctors believe taking an Epsom salt bath is safe.
However, consuming too much Epsom salt could lead to poisoning or an overdose of magnesium sulfate, which is bad for both the person and the unborn child.
Epsom salt baths also pose the risk of a person overheating. If a pregnant person’s body temperature rises too much, it may harm the fetus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend maintaining a core body temperature below 102.2°F during pregnancy.
Epsom salt baths can offer welcome relief from a number of pregnancy symptoms.
However, it is crucial for anyone who is expecting to avoid ingesting Epsom salt or letting their body become too hot while taking an Epsom salt bath.
Epsom salts are widely available in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online.
Last medically reviewed on June 27, 2018
Epsom salt baths may provide relief for pregnant women’s achy muscles and back pain. Leg cramps, a common issue during pregnancy, are frequently treated using this method.
Magnesium deficiency is a health concern in the United States. Epsom salt could potentially fill in some of the nutritional gaps in our diets. If you’re worried that your diet isn’t providing enough salt, consult a doctor. Epsom salt should not be consumed unless your doctor provides specific instructions.
2 cups of Epsom salt should be added to a warm bath, and you should soak for 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure the water is kept at a comfortable, non-scalding temperature. Your unborn child is at risk if you soak in a hot tub and raise your body temperature too much. Hot tubs (or very hot bath water) should be avoided during pregnancy because of this.
These crystalized minerals were originally discovered in Epsom, England. Epsom salt has been in use for centuries.
The general consensus is that using Epsom salt in a bath has very little to no negative effects. That means that even though the relief from Epsom salt cannot be measured scientifically, many doctors still view it as a safe method of finding relief.
Benefits of Taking Epsom Salt Baths in Pregnancy
You can remove all toxins from your body by taking an Epsom salt bath. There are numerous advantages to taking an Epsom salts bath. Let’s look at a few more benefits:
Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties and contains magnesium sulfate, which improves blood circulation and lessens fluid retention or pregnancy swelling in the body. The feet are typically where swelling occurs during pregnancy, so an Epsom salt foot soak can help.
Epsom salt can pass through your skin while you soak in a tub filled with it, soothing your muscles and easing joint or back pain, which is a common symptom among pregnant women. It will be a much-needed relief for you.
Your skin may stretch during pregnancy to make room for the developing fetus inside your belly. Epsom salt baths can greatly restore and exfoliate your skin, easing stretches and enhancing appearance. Additionally, stretching makes your joints and abdomen itchy, which Epsom salt can help with.
Epsom salt has great anti-inflammatory properties. With its ability to relax the anal region and flush toxins from the sphincter, an Epsom salt bath for hemorrhoids during pregnancy has a detoxifying effect that results in general relief. A bath with Epsom salts will make pregnant women with hemorrhoids feel better.
FAQ
Can you soak in Epsom salt bath while pregnant?
Is it safe to soak in a bath while pregnant?