Hot Tubs and Pregnancy

My doctor told me it couldn't be any hotter then bath water and I think no more then 10-15 minutes at a time. I was in my last month at the time.

The reason for not using a hot tub is number one, you don't want to raise your internal body temperature because everything inside gets to warm (including the amniotic fluid). Number two, if the water is not changed, bacteria can form in the water and get to the baby through the vaginal canal. If chemicals are added to the water for the bacteria, then the chemicals can get in too. Number three, you are far enough along that your water could break and all safety barriers protecting the baby would be gone. That is why they also don't recommend tub baths after a certain point.
If your back is aching, you could try some cold packs as cold has a natural numbing quality. Try about 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Good luck and God Bless!

I would ask your doctor. I believe the reason to avoid hot tubs is because of the heat. If your body temperature reaches above a certain temp ( 102.2 F), it could harm your baby. It takes 10-20 minutes sitting in a hot tub at 104 F to reach or pass that temp. It is recommended that you avoid hot tubs by pretty much everyone, but if you do want to use one, lowering the temp, limiting your time to 10 minute or less, monitoring the temp of the water and your temp, and paying attention to warning sign of over heating (becoming uncomfortable or if you stop sweating) all reduce your risks. (http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hottubs.htm)

When I was 7 months pregnant with my first, my husband and I took a trip and stayed in a hotel with a huge jacuzzi in the room. I couldn't tell you how hot it was, I didn't bother to check, but I will tell you it felt wonderful! I didn't stay in too long, though.
My son was and is perfectly healthy.
I hope the rest of your pregnancy is healthy, happy, and as comfortable as possible. Good luck and best wishes.

The chemicals and bacteria in the water are not a problem unless your water has broken. And if that were to happen in the hot tub, you would probably have your baby soon enough that it wouldn't be an issue. You can go in at that temperature - most bath water is hotter than that. If you feel really hot or your skin is getting red, it is time to get out. One of the things that feels best for early labor is a hot bath! :)

Hot tubs are not recommended while pregnant. You can cause seious harm to the fetus due to the increase in temperature. I would recommend, though, that you have a massage. They have special pillows that you can lie on to raise you up off from your abdomen. It's VERY safe and effective. I'm a masseuse in the Owosso/Corunna area and I've studied a little on massage for pregnancy.

Hi L.,

I hear your pain. I was extremely achy while pg as well, especially with my second. You will want to talk with your Dr. about the temp of your hot tub (if you haven't already). I recommend massage therapy. You will want to see someone who is experienced in Prenatal massage. I did that while pg with both and it was amazing. It helped to ease my sciatica and the discomfort of hip dysplasia and all of the other aches that go along with carrying a 10lb baby. I am currently a Medical Massage Therapy student and will be getting my certification in April, so if you need some recommendations on a CERTIFIED therapist, let me know. (For your sake, please see someone who is certified b/c in Michigan, state liscensure or certification is not required like it is in most states.)

not a good idea... chance of infection is greatly increased and the chemicals aren't good for either of you. how about a bath instead? massage? try oats and lavender in your bath to relax.
blessings on this new life!!

My doc said 100 or lower. If that's warm enough for you that's great, just be sure not to stay in too long. I was too cold to use the hot tub at 100.

Hi L.! It is good that you are aware and careful about the temperature of the hottub. And you are correct...the chemicals can be an issue also. Do you use chemicals that have chlorine or bromine for bacterial control? There are concerns for you breathing these chemicals--not good for your lungs. Also these chemicals replace the iodine in your body, and your baby's, that the thyroid needs for making and converting the thyroid hormones. I've heard that there are new chemicals for hot tubs and pools that don't have these chemicals in them. I don't know what they do contain and if there are concerns with them. What has your Doctor said about absorbing environmental and cleaning chemicals?
blessings on final month and delivery!
M.

I think the threat of bacteria from the chemicals is more of a problem than the heat, but I would check with your OB.

I would ask a doctors advice just to make sure. It is definitely not worth the risk. I did have 2 miscarriages and that was very painful. I had been in a hot tub with the first one , I did not know they were dangerous, I was about 3 months pregnant and lost the baby a week later. I do not know if that had anything to do with it or not. I just know I would not take any chances. It is heartbreaking to loose a baby.

i had my hot tub at 101, and that wasn't a problem at all for me. my doctor said it was fine. just don't stay in too long. one way to make sure you don't get too hot,is to keep your arms and shoulders out of the tub. sitting in for 10 min isn't going to hurt.

you could also try using a heat pad. i had problems with my back i was taken off of work early. my doctor said to use a heat pad for 10 min at a time, and every few hours.

if you are still concerned about the hot tub, just try a hot shower with the water staying on your back, or try just a regular bath.

I don't know if I would chance the hot tub, but I would take hot baths with my first pregnancy and that really helped my back and didn't hurt my daughter at all. You could also try a heating pad just on your back. Get that wonderful husband to give you some massages too!

I highly recommend you talk with your OB doc.
High temps are an obvious concern.
HOWEVER, there is also a high concern with bacteria moving in, especially if you start thinning early, etc.

I would call the doc and let him know it is your personal hot tub and not a public one. Good luck with #2! Hang in there.

you can get in the hot tub for a little while. just dont get too hot. if you feel dizzy get out.

the only problem with hot tubs is if you get too hot. the chemicals are not a problem

Hi L.! My doctor said baths and tubs were OK as long as they didn't reach over 100*F. We got a little rubber ducky thermometer to make sure the temp was just right. We also tried prenatal massage which was wonderful! Good luck!

Please ask you Dr. That still sounds too warm!

I believe the main concern with hot tubs is that you don't want your body temperature to get over a certain point. I would keep the temp at or below 100 degrees if you do go in. I don't know about the chemicals, but if you don't spend extended amounts of time in it I wouldn't worry too much.

i was told 100 or lower as well. and only in short stints.. 10 or so minutes

my hubby and i took a trip and stayed in a cabin with a hot tub so I checked with my doc at that time.

oh he said if the chemicals smell strong avoid also but if they aren't strong enough to be pungent no worries..

so check with your doc everyone views different and your situation could be different then mine of course :-) good luck