Navigating health considerations during pregnancy often brings questions about everyday activities, such as soaking in a hot tub. Many expectant individuals wonder if the warmth and relaxation are safe for themselves and their developing baby.
Why Hot Tubs Pose a Risk
Hot tubs pose a particular concern during pregnancy primarily due to the risk of hyperthermia, which is an elevated core body temperature. A pregnant person’s internal body temperature is typically around 99°F (37.2°C), slightly higher than a non-pregnant individual. Hot tubs can rapidly raise the body’s core temperature, potentially reaching 102°F (38.9°C) or higher within 10 to 20 minutes of immersion.
This rapid increase in temperature is concerning because pregnant individuals may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, making them more susceptible to overheating in high-temperature environments. Studies have shown an increased risk for birth defects, specifically neural tube defects (NTDs), in babies of women who experienced high temperatures early in pregnancy. Neural tube defects occur when the spine or skull does not close properly during early development, typically by the sixth week of pregnancy.
Beyond neural tube defects, some research suggests a potential association between hot tub use during early pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. The data on high maternal fever in early pregnancy and its association with NTDs supports exercising caution. Overheating can also lead to dizziness or fainting due to vasodilation, where blood vessels widen and blood pressure drops.
Safer Water Immersion Options
While hot tubs are generally discouraged during pregnancy, other forms of water immersion can offer relaxation and exercise benefits safely. Regular baths are typically considered safer than hot tubs. The key difference lies in temperature control and the extent of body immersion.
With a bath, you can control the water temperature to ensure it remains comfortably warm, ideally between 98.6 to 100°F (37 to 37.8°C), and avoid prolonged soaking. Often, parts of the body, such as the shoulders and upper chest, remain unsubmerged, allowing for better heat dissipation and preventing the core body temperature from rising excessively. Studies indicate that water baths up to 104°F (40°C) may not raise core temperature to unsafe levels for up to 20 minutes, but monitoring for signs of overheating is still important.
Swimming pools also offer a safe and beneficial alternative. Pool temperatures are typically much lower than hot tubs, posing less risk of overheating. Swimming provides a low-impact exercise option that can alleviate pressure on joints and muscles, offering buoyancy and relaxation. Showers are another safe and simple option for daily hygiene and relaxation, as they do not involve full body immersion in standing water, which helps maintain a stable body temperature.