Should Pregnant Women Avoid Baths? The Truth About Bath Safety
13 Apr 2025
If you love soaking in a warm bath to relax, you might be wondering: Is it safe to take a bath while pregnant?
Yes! Baths are safe during pregnancy—as long as the water isn’t too hot.
However, overly hot baths can raise your body temperature, which may pose risks to your baby. Let’s explore the benefits of baths during pregnancy, safety precautions, and when to avoid them.
Reduce swelling in feet & legs
Improve circulation & reduce stress
Promote better sleep
Soothe round ligament pain & Braxton Hicks contractions A bath can be a safe and soothing way to relax—if done correctly!
Use a bath thermometer to stay under 100°F (38°C).
If you start sweating, feeling dizzy, or too warm, cool down immediately. Avoid hot tubs and jacuzzis—they can raise your core body temperature above 102°F (39°C), which is unsafe for your baby.
Stay hydrated before and after your bath.
Avoid essential oils that aren’t pregnancy-safe (like rosemary, cinnamon, or clary sage).
Move slowly and carefully—your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy.
Stick to plain water or mild, unscented products.
Experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or overheating.
Have leaking amniotic fluid (after water breaks, avoid baths to prevent infection).
Have a UTI or yeast infection—baths can sometimes make symptoms worse.
However, overly hot baths can raise your body temperature, which may pose risks to your baby. Let’s explore the benefits of baths during pregnancy, safety precautions, and when to avoid them.
Benefits of Taking a Bath While Pregnant
A warm (but not too hot) bath can: Relieve back pain & muscle tensionReduce swelling in feet & legs
Improve circulation & reduce stress
Promote better sleep
Soothe round ligament pain & Braxton Hicks contractions A bath can be a safe and soothing way to relax—if done correctly!
Bath Safety Tips for Pregnant Women
1. Keep Water Temperature Below 100°F (38°C)
Test the water before getting in—if it’s too hot for a baby’s bath, it’s too hot for you.Use a bath thermometer to stay under 100°F (38°C).
If you start sweating, feeling dizzy, or too warm, cool down immediately. Avoid hot tubs and jacuzzis—they can raise your core body temperature above 102°F (39°C), which is unsafe for your baby.
2. Limit Bath Time to 15-20 Minutes
Long soaks can raise your body temperature and cause overheating.Stay hydrated before and after your bath.
3. Add Epsom Salt (For Extra Relief!)
Epsom salt baths can help reduce swelling, ease muscle aches, and improve sleep.Avoid essential oils that aren’t pregnancy-safe (like rosemary, cinnamon, or clary sage).
4. Be Careful Getting In & Out
Use a non-slip mat to prevent slipping.Move slowly and carefully—your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy.
5. Avoid Bubble Baths & Harsh Soaps
Fragranced bath products can disrupt vaginal pH and increase the risk of UTIs or yeast infections.Stick to plain water or mild, unscented products.
When to Avoid Baths During Pregnancy
Talk to your doctor before taking a bath if you: Have a high-risk pregnancy (history of preterm labor, placenta previa, or other complications).Experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or overheating.
Have leaking amniotic fluid (after water breaks, avoid baths to prevent infection).
Have a UTI or yeast infection—baths can sometimes make symptoms worse.
