Bath's during pregnancy

[Kamika]

I am 11 weeks along and prior to know was enjoying my nightly bath time ritual of a relaxing soak and a good book. I had no idea that baths could damage my baby unil recently. I mean I dont have scalding tubs where I come out looking like a lobster but they are fairly warm. I had a shower the other day instead but I found it even hotter!!!!! Bath's cool down fairly fast and you are surounded by cooler air. But the steam in the shower had me wondering how is this any better? This is my first pregnancy, and I am still learning lots....but do any of you have baths? Not have baths? I just really miss them and we pregnant women give up so much for our little ones, I just wish I could keep m lovely bath ritual!

[L&K'smommie]

I continued to take baths while pregnant.  I just pay attention to my body and if I feel too hot I get out and cool it down.  I also make sure to have water with me so that I stay hydrated while in the tub.

[WifeofAnt]

If regular baths are harmful then I'm probably growing an alien by now.  As long as they don't really raise your body temperature or you're bathing with broken membranes there's nothing harmful about just soaking in water.

[Stayseeliz]

There is a general rule of nothing over 100 degrees F. That's easy to stay under. They just don't want you raising your core temperature too much. I've taken baths with all of mine!

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

i still have hot baths and have done with all my lo's

[clutterbug]

I take baths...same thingas others have said, I make sure they're not scalding and pay attention to how I'm feeling - if I feel myself getting hot, I cool it down or just get out.  If you're worried about it and feel like making an early baby purchase, you could get a baby bath thermometer now and use that to guide your bath water temp.  100 F seems like the standard quoted number - that's what they say as a guideline for waterbirth, too, I think. 

[lifeguard]

I had baths constantly when I was pregnant & pretty hot to. Just be aware if you are feeling at all overheated it's time to get out.

[Lady Lilya]

If you feel fine, don't stress about the bath.  But if you feel overheated, cool down fast.  That could be as easy as just getting out.

Now that I have a bigger belly, it protrudes well above the water level.

[Aliy]

i just had one last night and i'm around 23 weeks... and i bathed with my other two as well.. just pay attention to your body

[Kamika]

Thank you everyone, much appreciated. I read on here that this was a topic already mentioned in otehr threads so sorry for the repeat. I also read that its more my body temp that isimportatn so I just soaked with a thermometer in my mouth, lol! Hubs thought it was funny but I wa curious to see if Id break or near 100. Nope! Flucuated between a healthy 98-99 and I drank lots of cool water to keep it closer to 98. Thanks goodness!

[SoonToBe]

You're fine.  I did a lot of research on the subject before getting a hot tub since it's the same concern.  Keeping it 100 or under is the key, but more than that...just don't let yourself get overheated.  I read a study where they took women and put them in a hot tub that was 104-106 degrees.  They had thermometers in there...ahem...you guessed it.  They were looking to see how long it took women's core temp to rise to 102 since that's when there can be issues for the baby.  None of the women made it that far.  They all got out before it was even close to that.  I think listening to your body is the key.  Baths are fine all through pregnancy and long as they are warm and not hot.  I am not pregnant now, but am the 2WW.  I have been using the hot tub before now at a lower temp just to see, and I like it at 97 or 98 or I get too hot...so at body temp or lower and I'm good to go.  Enjoy your bath.

[anne1140]

I've been taking baths. I think as long as you feel comfortable, you are fine. If you start to feel too hot, get out. Pretty much what everyone else said.