Is it Safe to Bathe During the First Trimester?



Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010

by Laura McKeever
Maternity Bliss

Although the answer to this question may seem obvious, it is one that I come across regularly on pregnancy forums and blogs. Bathing is generally safe during pregnancy, but the above question will come to mind if you are confused about bathing guidelines for pregnancy.

The idea that bathing during your first trimester may not be safe most likely stems from the advice provided by midwives and OB's during pregnancy. Hot baths are not recommended during pregnancy and particular emphasis is placed on avoiding hot baths during your first trimester due to the increased risk they pose to the development of your unborn baby.

A study published in the November 15th, 2003 American Journal of Epidemiology found that saunas and hot tubs increase the core body temperature of pregnant women. This is dangerous as the rise in body temperature can heighten the risk of miscarriage and hinder neural development, leading to conditions such as Spina Bifda. These risks are particularly high during the first trimester, a key time for development during pregnancy. Whilst this is not always inevitable, the risk is increased and you should therefore avoid hot water. Although the study did not focus on hot baths, medical professionals use the study as a sound basis for recommending that you also avoid hot baths, as they too can raise your body temperature. Hot bath water can also make you feel faint, which in turn lowers your blood pressure. Low blood pressure reduces blood flow to your placenta, which is not recommended at any point during your pregnancy.

There are several bathing rumours that are spread across pregnancy forums that could lead women to believe that bathing is not safe during their first trimester:

> Taking a bath during pregnancy increases your risk of a yeast infection. So long as you do not use bubble baths or other highly fragranced soap products to wash your vagina, there is no increased risk of a yeast infection associated with bathing during pregnancy.

> A hot bath will cook your baby. Although there is a small risk posed by hot baths, they will not cook your baby. Your uterus is a safe haven for your baby and will not allow your baby to be 'cooked' by a hot bath.

> They cause early labour. Whilst the risk of miscarriage is increased, a hot bath will not cause early labour and will not 'induce' labour when you are overdue. This rumour most likely stems from the increased chance of miscarriage, which is very different from pre-term labour.

There is no evidence to suggest that a warm bath is unsafe during pregnancy. Warm baths can be a great way to relax at any point during your pregnancy and it is recommended that you keep the temperature of your bath below 37 degrees celcius/104 farenheit.

So yes, you are safe to continue bathing during your first trimester. Just make sure the temperature is not too high by dipping your elbow in the water as you would when testing a child's bath. If you can get in straight away, it is a safe temperature. If you need to get in bit, by bit, then add some more cold water to cool it down.

Laura J McKeever is a mother to one toddler and expecting baby number 2 in July 2010. She actively promotes natural pregnancy and parenting, with particular focus on natural childbirth, pregnancy beauty, home births, breastfeeding and eco-parenting.

She has a UK based website for women wishing to experience a natural pregnancy and childbirth: http://www.maternitybliss.co.uk and a blog about her life and beliefs: http://laurajaynemckeever.wordpress.com.
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