What To Know About Taking a Bath While Pregnant

A soak in the bathtub can be pretty enticing when you’re pregnant. Who wouldn’t love a chance to soothe a sore back and have a little me-time? But are there any precautions you should take?

Ob/Gyn Alison Stalzer, DO, has answers.

Can I take a bath if I’m pregnant?

Baths have some impressive health benefits, from relieving stress to helping you sleep. Fortunately, baths are OK during pregnancy, as long as you keep a few safety considerations in mind.

Here’s how to enjoy your bath safely.

1. Turn down the temperature

As much as you might love a steamy hot bath, avoid the temptation if you’re pregnant. Warm — not hot — baths are the only way to soak for those nine months.

“In the first trimester, critical organs are forming, including a fetus’s brain and spinal cord,” Dr. Stalzer explains. “Taking a bath in water that’s over 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) raises your core body temperature, which can interfere with this development. Specifically, it can increase the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.”

As for cranking up the temperature once you’re past the first trimester? Still not a good idea. Getting too warm raises your risk of dangerous falls and injuries, especially as your belly grows bigger.

“During pregnancy, your blood vessels are carrying extra blood to promote fetal development and supply the placenta,” she continues. “Hot baths can lower your blood pressure, so it takes even longer for that extra blood to travel up to your head. If you take a hot bath and stand up too quickly, you could get lightheaded or pass out.”

Even just a moment of lightheadedness could cause you to lose your balance. “Your center of gravity changes during pregnancy, making it easier to fall forward,” Dr. Stalzer warns. “Hitting your belly during a fall could injure you or the fetus.”

For the same reasons, forego hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for now. You can’t control how hot they get, and some of them expose you to potentially harmful germs.

Can hot baths cause miscarriage?

Miscarriage is a painful and difficult experience, and the causes aren’t often known. If you have a miscarriage, don’t blame yourself — and get support if you need it. And you can have peace of mind knowing that the miscarriage didn’t happen because you took a bath.

“Evidence doesn’t show a link between hot baths and miscarriage,” Dr. Stalzer shares. “Still, because of the risk of neural tube defects or falling, you should avoid hot baths until after your baby is born.”

2. Skip the bath bombs and bubbles

Fancy bath products might smell nice and feel luxurious. But take a pass for now if you’re pregnant.

“Fragrances, colors and preservatives in bath bombs and bubble baths can irritate your skin, which can be more sensitive during pregnancy,” Dr. Stalzer points out. “These products can also change the pH of your vaginal area, which can make you more prone to vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.”

This doesn’t mean you can’t enhance your prenatal bath experience. Light a couple of candles (fragrance-free or electric ones are best for a sensitive sniffer). You could also play soft music to raise the relaxing vibes.

And don’t use essential oils in your bath while you’re expecting.

“Essential oils can be dangerous during pregnancy,” Dr. Stalzer cautions. “Some are classified as teratogenic, meaning they can harm a developing fetus.”

Pregnancy-safe bath products

Not into plain bath water? You’re in luck. There are a couple of bath additives you can feel good about using during pregnancy.

“Fragrance-free Epsom salts are not irritating for most people, and may help relieve sore muscles,” Dr. Stalzer suggests. “Epsom salts can be especially helpful in the third trimester, when you might have more aches and pains.”

And if you’re not feeling Epsom salts, you have another option. “Colloidal oatmeal bath soaks are soothing,” she adds. “They provide relief from dry, itchy skin, which is often an issue when you’re pregnant.”

3. Get out carefully

Even if you feel great, go slow when it’s time to dry off.

“Bath surfaces can get very slippery, so take extra care to avoid falls,” Dr. Stalzer emphasizes. “Grab onto something stable and slowly step out. You also might want to install an anti-slip bathmat or adhesive strips for extra grip.”

Remember, pregnancy is temporary

When you’re pregnant, it can feel like so many things are “not allowed.” This might throw a wrench in your plans for several months. But hang in there.

“It can be hard to forego things you’re used to doing, whether it’s sushi or downhill skiing,” Dr. Stalzer acknowledges. “But you won’t have to follow these guidelines forever. And they’re well worth the effort temporarily to give your baby a healthy start.”