Hot Tub Safety While Pregnant

During pregnancy, some normally harmless things become off-limits. (Goodbye for now, feta cheese and lunch meat.)

Should you add hot tubs to this list? Ob/Gyn Alison Stalzer, DO, explains whether hot tubs are safe when you’re pregnant.

Can you use a hot tub while pregnant?

When you’ve got an achy back and other pregnancy discomforts, that hot tub might be calling your name. But now isn’t the time for a soak.

“Hot tubs are not safe during pregnancy,” Dr. Stalzer warns. “Sitting in hot water raises your core body temperature, which can lead to problems for you and affect healthy fetal development.”

During the first trimester, the fetus is developing vital organs, including the brain and spinal cord. And you need the right temperature for this process to happen.

“A high body temperature can harm fetal development, and potentially lead to neural tube defects like spina bifida or anencephaly,” Dr. Stalzer explains.

But even if you’ve reached your second or third trimester and that development is largely complete, hot tubs are still not a good idea.

“When you’re pregnant, you have more blood in your body,” Dr. Stalzer shares. “Hot tubs lower your blood pressure, so it takes longer for this extra blood to travel up to your head. When you stand up, you might feel lightheaded or dizzy — and you could fall or pass out.”

Falls during pregnancy are nothing to brush off, Dr. Stalzer emphasizes. “A fall during the second or third trimester can injure the fetus, cause contractions or lead to amniotic fluid loss.”

If you do take a tumble when you’re pregnant, contact your provider. “If it was a minor fall and you didn’t hit your belly, don’t panic — but describe what happened to your provider,” Dr. Stalzer advises. “If in doubt, play it safe and get immediate medical care.”

What about putting your feet in a hot tub when pregnant?

Even though you shouldn’t get your whole self in a hot tub, you don’t have to miss out entirely. You can still sit on the edge of the tub and soak your feet and calves.

“It’s generally safe to put your feet in a hot tub when you’re pregnant,” Dr. Stalzer reports. “Just soaking your lower legs isn’t likely to raise your core body temperature.”

But there could be other reasons you might want to pass on the hot tub altogether.

If your skin is sensitive, hot tubs may bother your skin during pregnancy. And the smell of chlorine and hot tub chemicals could also be an issue for some.

“During pregnancy, you can be more sensitive to smells,” Dr. Stalzer notes. “Indoor hot tubs and pools can have a strong chlorine odor that can be irritating. If you feel like you’re getting a headache or nauseous, get some fresh air.”

Finally, there can be nasty germs lurking in hot tubs.

“Without regular cleaning and maintenance, hot tubs can be home to viruses, bacteria and parasites that can make you sick,” Dr. Stalzer points out. “During pregnancy, your immune system gets weaker and may not be able to fend off these invaders. Some germs can also cross the placenta and harm the fetus.”

If you decide to dip your feet, you can help keep any potential nasties away by:

• Only using hot tubs that are cleaned and well-maintained
• Not putting your feet in if you have any open cuts or sores on your feet or legs
• Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth
• Washing up after being in the hot tub

Can I use a sauna while pregnant?

Saunas are designed to heat you up and get you sweating, which makes them double bad news during pregnancy.

“Like hot tubs, saunas can cause an elevated body temperature, but they can also lead to dehydration,” Dr. Stalzer reports. “Severe dehydration can decrease amniotic fluid levels and interfere with the placenta’s ability to provide essential nutrients to a developing fetus.”

The same goes for steam rooms. The hot steam has the same effect as a hot tub, even though you’re not immersed in water.

Can I take a hot bath during pregnancy?

The “no hot tubs or saunas” rule can be a bummer when you’ve got an achy back or sore feet. Luckily, all is not lost: A warm (not hot) bath is a great option during pregnancy.

“A bath has several advantages over hot tubs when you’re pregnant,” Dr. Stalzer notes. “There are no chemicals, and you can control how hot it is. Your bath should be no higher than 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), which will prevent a rise in your body temperature.”

All the more reason to consider getting yourself a baby bath thermometer even before baby comes. “A reliable thermometer can give you assurance that your bath is a safe temperature so you can relax and enjoy it,” Dr. Stalzer suggests.

Safe self-care time is possible

Just because some things aren’t safe when you’re expecting doesn’t mean you need to skip self-care.

“Many relaxing routines benefit people during pregnancy, whether it’s a foot soak at home, a prenatal massage or deep breathing exercises,” Dr. Stalzer suggests.

“Finding time to care for yourself isn’t just about mental health — it benefits your physical health, too. Relieving stress can help lower your blood pressure and improve your sleep, which helps you have a healthier pregnancy.”