Leena SlaterAs you progress in your pregnancy, you might be wondering how else you can pamper yourself and bath immediately comes to mind. However, is taking a bath safe for you during pregnancy? Are baths beneficial during pregnancy?
Does bath time offer some additional health benefits for those who are expecting? Read on as we explore the benefits as well as risks to watch out for!
Can you take a hot bath during pregnancy?
It is generally safe for pregnant women to have warm provided that precautionary measures are taken. You can't take a long bath, nor can the water be too hot. An extended period of time spent in hot water can cause hyperthermia. As a result, your body temperature rises abnormally.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that your body temperature should never rise above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit during pregnancy.
Warm bath during pregnancy: How long is safe?
You can raise your temperature to potentially unsafe levels in just ten minutes in a hot bathtub with water that is at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some of the consequences of hyperthermia may include a drop in blood pressure which then deprives your baby of oxygen and other nutrients which then increases the chances for miscarriage.
What precautions can pregnant women take while having a bath?
By exercising precautions such as limiting the time spent in the warm bath making sure it does not exceed more than 10 minutes.
Monitoring the bath and your temperature, as well as keeping yourself hydrated, you may still enjoy your me-time during your pregnancy.
Other precautionary steps you may take include:
- To prevent overheating, monitor your body temperature while bathing.
- When you have a fever, avoid hot baths.
- If you start sweating profusely, get out of the tub immediately and drink lots of water to cool yourself down.
- You should avoid bath salts, bubble baths, and any products containing BPA liners or phthalates. You may develop vaginal thrush if your vaginal pH is altered by these chemicals.
- Bath oils should also be eliminated from your daily routine since they may cause allergic reactions, premature labor or even miscarriage.
- To prevent slip and fall injuries, lay non-slip mats on your bathroom floor.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam baths, and other extremely warm environments.
- You should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated throughout the process, and get out of the tub if you become nauseous.
Benefits of having Epsom salt baths
Following on from our discussion of the skin benefits of Epsom salt baths, you might be wondering how or why you can benefit from Epsom salt baths while pregnant?
Catch up on your favorite Netflix series while you’re in the bath with this handy bamboo bathtub tray and keep reading to find out!
1. Reduces inflammation and swelling
The major Epsom salt bath benefit is that it reduces swelling in the body. The healing, anti-inflammatory properties of magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt make Epsom salt baths popular among injured athletes.
Bloating may occur in several areas during pregnancy, but swollen feet are the most common. Try taking Epsom salt foot baths several times per day to alleviate this condition.
2. Helps to relieve morning sickness
Do you suffer from morning sickness? While you probably have tried other natural remedies for this, why not consider taking a salt bath?
Magnesium, which is contained in Epsom salt, has been found to reduce nausea, and it has been shown that a magnesium deficiency directly contributes to abdominal upset. To ensure you get the magnesium your body needs, let yourself soak in a relaxing salt bath.
3. Helps alleviate itchiness
The smoothness of your skin changes during pregnancy, and as your stomach grows, the sensation can be itchy.
As an exfoliant, Epsom salt works to smooth out stretches, improve skin appearance, and reduce itching during pregnancy.
4. Aids better digestion
During pregnancy, your back and shoulders can be especially painful. Magnesium in Epsom salt works directly on pain receptors in the brain, providing some much-needed relief.
Additionally, bath salts penetrate deep into the skin, soothing muscles and reducing pain.
5. Eases muscle tension
It is common for pregnant women to suffer from swelling and bloating due to digestive problems and constipation.
Epsom salt baths are particularly effective in reducing bloating and even alleviating constipation. As a natural laxative, Epsom salt can help regulate bowel movements when absorbed through porous skin. It is another great reason to enjoy a prenatal Epsom salt bath each day.
6. Reduces stress
Concerned about the changes that a baby will bring to your life? Bath salts infused with lavender can help you cope and relieve your anxiety. The relaxing properties of lavender make it an ideal remedy for reducing stress and decompressing. When combined with anti-inflammatory Epsom salt, this simple remedy will help you reduce your worries at such a time in your life.
7. Replenish salt
Americans suffer from magnesium deficiency. Adding Epsom salt to our diets may help fill some of the dietary gaps we all have. Epsom salt should not be consumed unless your doctor specifically instructs you to.
According to some studies, magnesium sulfate absorbs through the skin. It's one of the reasons it's used in baths.
Is it really effective?
Magnesium sulfate was administered to pregnant women with preeclampsia around the world in a study conducted by British researchers. This reduced their risk by more than 15%. Since the early 1900s, doctors have used magnesium sulfate to treat preeclampsia.
Where to buy Epsom salt?
Skip the queue in the grocery and add Westlab Epsom salt on your shopping cart now to enjoy the benefits of salt bath during your pregnancy.
Reminders
You should avoid using products mixed with oils or herbs in order to avoid allergic reactions. Epsom salt should never be consumed. During pregnancy, don't drink it dissolved or inject it without the advice and assistance of your doctor.