Pregnant in a hot tub
Risks and safety issues when using a hot tub during pregnancy
For many pregnant
women, sitting in a hot tub seems like a great way to ease the muscle pain
associated with pregnancy. It is important to exercise caution when choosing a
spa for relaxation and pain relief. Hot baths can cause hyperthermia, which is
an abnormally high body temperature.
What's worrying about pregnancy at the spa?
A body temperature of
38ºC or higher can be a concern during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an
increased risk of birth defects in the children of women who had a high body
temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it
is not recommended to overheat in a hot bath. Pregnant women never allow their
body temperature to rise above 39ºC.
Spas are often
programmed at the factory to maintain a water temperature around 40°C. In just
10-20 minutes of being in a hot bath, the body temperature will rise to 39 ° C
and above.
To maintain a
constant temperature, water is circulated and recirculated through the spa to
pump out cold water and pump out hot water.
Hot bath or hot tub?
A warm bath that
causes neither discomfort nor heat is a safer way to relax. In the bath, most
of the upper body remains above the water, which reduces the likelihood of
overheating. In addition, the water in the bath starts to cool down, unlike the
jacuzzi, which further reduces the risk of overheating.
Reducing health risks
- Re-program your hot tub to maintain a lower temperature.
- Limit time in a hot tub to 10 minutes or less.
- Monitor the temperature of the water by dipping a thermometer in the hot tub.
- Monitor your body temperature to avoid overheating.
- Pay attention to warning signs such as becoming uncomfortable or if you stop sweating.