How does hot bath affect the fetus?
“Hot water baths can raise a pregnant woman’s body temperature to unsafe levels,” says Dr Apurva Gupta, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Daffodils by Artemis, Kailash East, New Delhi, India. “This elevated body temperature can harm the developing fetus, increasing the risk of neural tube defects and other developmental problems, especially during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are forming.”
Additionally, excessive heat can cause dehydration and reduce blood flow to the uterus, negatively affecting fetal growth and development.
What are the risks of hot baths for pregnant women?
Hot baths can cause dehydration and low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, or even falls, Dr. Gupta adds. Additionally, bathing in water that is too hot can be uncomfortable and worsen symptoms such as swelling and nausea, which are common during pregnancy.
Prolonged exposure to hot water can increase the risk of infection, especially urinary tract infections, which are more common during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to avoid hot baths and stick to warm baths to ensure their safety.
Safe Choices for Hot Baths During Pregnancy
“Make sure the water temperature is comfortable and not too hot to avoid raising your body temperature too much,” advises Dr. Gupta. “It is best to keep the water temperature below 100°F (38°C). Furthermore, it is important to limit your bath time to 10-15 minutes to avoid overheating.”
