Can taking a hot bath at 38 weeks be harmful?

[Jaydensmommy]

Is taking a hot bath at 38 weeks harmful? Like can your water break while your in there and not know? and could it induce labor?

 

[xJG30]

I think you have to be careful with 'hot baths' throughout the pregnancy.. I don't really know though so i'm not much help.

 

[moomin_troll]

i still have hot baths but not as hot as i used to because its supposed to make blood pressure go up ect.

i dont think u have anything to worry about tho so carry on with ur hot baths lol and ive been told once ur waters go u can tell by looking at ur bump because it goes down if u no what i mean

 

[BeckyBoo]

Hot baths is something I love. And have never stopped. I would test it first and if I felt it made me feel really hot or pukey, I'd put more cold in.

 

[LauraAlicia]

Ive been having quite hot baths, just not as hot as i used to

 

[moomin_troll]

im planning on having a water birth because when ever im in pain a good bath helps but im worried the water wont be hot enough lol ive got weird skin i love hot water and warm water just feels cold to me lol

 

[thelilbump]

i dunno, been wondering this myself, are hot showers/baths dangerous at this later stage? I can't help but turn the heat up, not as hot as i used to but its perhpas a little hotter than mw's would like lol

 

[Mervs Mum]

I LOVE hot baths.....before I was pregnant I would have it soooo hot I'd feel faint or my head would throb as I got out..........but I loved it!!

I still have them pretty hot.... but I only have about 2 a week. More to conserve water though!!

 

[Heather.78]

im planning on having a water birth because when ever im in pain a good bath helps but im worried the water wont be hot enough lol ive got weird skin i love hot water and warm water just feels cold to me lol

Im planning a waterbirth as well and Ive heard he temperature is kept at around body temp warm but not hot

 

[moomin_troll]

im planning on having a water birth because when ever im in pain a good bath helps but im worried the water wont be hot enough lol ive got weird skin i love hot water and warm water just feels cold to me lol

Im planning a waterbirth as well and Ive heard he temperature is kept at around body temp warm but not hot

Damn!!! i knew it wasnt going to be hot but body temp thats just cold to me lol thanks for the tip tho

i cant wait to jump in a lovely hot bath tonight now

 

[Lauz_1601]

This thread has made me want a nice soak in a hot bath! I was like you Mervsmum! Id have my baths so hot my skin would go bright red and I could feel my head pulsing hehe. I have them fairly hot now, but not as hot as pre-pregnancy, I think its ok as long as you dont feel faint or feel yuor heart racing or anyhting like thta lol xxxx

 

[charliebear]

Think i'll go and have a nice hot bath soon...x

 

[BeckyBoo]

I LOVE hot baths.....before I was pregnant I would have it soooo hot I'd feel faint or my head would throb as I got out..........but I loved it!!

I still have them pretty hot.... but I only have about 2 a week. More to conserve water though!!

I'm the same, I'd sit in a kettle if I could!

 

[Ria_Rose]

OK, so I guess the hot bath debate hinges on why they think it's bad for us. Is it because you're not supposed to overheat the baby or because it could induce an early labour?

I'm sure I read hot baths on a list of things to do if your baby is over due, if this was the case, so late on it might not matter...

Let me go look it up - assuming there is any literature on it of course.lol

 

[Ria_Rose]

Hot tubs and hot baths have a tendency to raise your body temperature and therefore are to be avoided. There is a potential danger to the developing fetus if your body temperature rises above 102 degrees. You can also raise your body temperature to this level by getting a fever, by exercising too strenuously, working outside on hot summer days, and so on.

Hoever Dr Phil says:

Myth: Pregnant women shouldn't take baths.

False. Pregnant women shouldn't take HOT baths.

Explanation: Women are told not to take baths because HOT water — over 98 degrees — is unfavorable to the pregnancy. Taking a warm (NOT HOT!) bath with someone to help you get in and out of the bath safely can help:

*Decrease uncomfortable swelling in arms and legs.
*Increase the amniotic fluid.
*Prevent premature contractions.
*Help the mother relax and alleviate anxiety about the health of her baby.

This is also why swimming is such a great pregnancy exercise.

Hope some of that helps.