If you are pregnant, then a soothing soak in a warm
hot tub may sound like the ideal way to relieve all that extra pressure on your joints and muscles. However, pregnant women should exercise caution when using
hot tubs. Below we discuss the risks of
hot tub use for pregnant women and how to enjoy a hot tub session safely if you are pregnant.
Risk of Overheating
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can raise the body's core temperature, which can be dangerous for the developing foetus. Studies have shown that overheating during early pregnancy may increase the risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects. The NHS states that this risk is heightened during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The answer: turn your hot tubs temperature down
Thankfully most home
hot tubs come with an adjustable thermostat which can be turned up and down by the user. If you still want to enjoy the benefits of your
hot tub while pregnant, the best thing to do is turn down the temperature to a more comfortable and safe level. The NHS states that when using a hydrotherapy pool while pregnant, the temperature should be no more than 35 degree celcius. Sticking to this temperature will still mean you can enjoy the massage jets and the ease of pressure on joints that a
hot tub session provides, without the risk of overheating.
Dehydration
Soaking in hot water for an extended period can cause dehydration. It is especially important to stay hydrated in pregnancy and can be easier to become dehydrated in hot water when you are expecting.
The Answer: Hydrate before, during and after hot tub use and reduce hot tub sessions
The best way to avoid dehydration when using a
hot tub is to drink plenty of water before use and make sure to properly hydrate after your
hot tub session. It's also advisable to sip on water as you are using the
hot tub and limit your
hot tub sessions to shorter ones so there is less time to become dehydrated.
Dizziness and Fainting: soaking in hot water for prolonged periods can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and even fainting.
The answer: bathe at a cooler temperature
Just as the risk of overheating can be reduced by turning down your
hot tubs temperature, so can the risk of fainting and light-headedness. The hotter the water temperature, the more increased the risk of fainting.
Infections: Hot tubs can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Pregnant women are already at an increased risk of infections, and using a hot tub may increase this risk further.
The answer: avoid public hot tubs for the time being
The safest thing to do when pregnant is avoid public
hot tubs. However, if you have the luxury of a home hot tub, the risk for infection can be reduced by properly and regularly sanitising your
hot tub and keeping up with regular water changes.
Early Labour
Some studies have suggested that using a
hot tub during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm labour. While this may sound very scary, the issues associated with such risks can be avoided simply by exercising caution when it comes to
hot tub use and avoiding them altogether during the first three months of pregnancy.
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