Is it possible for pregnant women to take a bath: the opinion of a gynecologist

“If there is an opportunity to lie down in a warm bath, do it,” my more experienced “childlike” friend admonished me. – Light the candles, fill the salt with foam. Enjoy while you can. Then there will be no such opportunity. “

Yes, mothers with newborn babies do not just have a bath – they often do not have enough time for a shower. In addition, it is so pleasant for a pregnant woman to soak up the water – and you feel how the tension leaves the aching lower back, your legs feel better. Better, of course, to swim in the pool or in the sea, but certainly not everyone has such an opportunity.

But can pregnant women take a bath? It turns out that there are indeed limitations. What – we found out from an expert.

Head of the expert center for women’s health, obstetrician-gynecologist at the REMEDI clinic

“A warm bath is when the water temperature is 37,2–37,8 degrees, while a hot bath is closer to 38 degrees and higher,” explains Maria Selikhova.

What is the use of a bath for pregnant women

The main plus is relaxation, relieving fatigue from the back and legs. In addition, water reduces swelling and tension, and improves circulation and blood flow to the legs.

“If we talk about the healing effects of the bath, then warm water really has an antispasmodic effect, that is, relaxing for smooth muscles. A very useful warm bath for those pregnant women who have a tendency to hypertonicity of the uterus – I emphasize, not a threat, but a tendency, ”continues our expert.

Thanks to the same antispasmodic effect, a warm bath has a beneficial effect on the first stage of labor: it is really easier to wait out contractions in water at a comfortable temperature.

In addition, according to the gynecologist, lying in a warm bath is useful for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with urolithiasis or salt and sand are determined in a general urine test.

“If the ultrasound revealed signs of small stones – sand, then with pain in the lower back, in the lower abdomen, you can take a bath as first aid. The sequence of actions should be as follows: call an ambulance and sit in a warm bath, ”adds Maria Selikhova.

And supplements?

Foam, aromatic or sea salt, other cosmetics – all this can be used by pregnant women, there is nothing forbidden here. You should not be afraid that insufficiently pure, soapy or water with additives in the form of essential oils and aromatic salts can harm the fetus. The baby is reliably protected from all external influences by a mucous plug that seals the cervix.

But with essential oils, you need to be careful. Use only those that you are definitely not allergic to, and do not overdo it with the amount.

“If you are using any product for the first time, then it is advisable to conduct a test. For example, to make a bath for hands or feet with the addition of this agent, to see what will be the reaction from the skin and the general reaction of the body, ”explains the doctor.

For whom the bath is prohibited

Pregnant women should not splash in warm water:

– with placenta previa, because this can lead to bleeding;

– with decidual polyps of the cervix, outgrowths of the mucous membrane that arise during pregnancy and disappear after childbirth.