The only thing more relaxing than a hot tub is a hot tub soak during pregnancy. Warm water is used for ultimate relaxation and soothes muscles almost immediately. The thought of getting into a luxurious hot tub after a long day is enticing for almost anyone. Pregnant women are no different.
What is proper hot tub use during pregnancy?
Hot tub use during pregnancy is acceptable with your doctor’s approval and caution. Water that is too hot is not recommended and can be harmful, therefore pregnant women are advised to take extreme caution.
As enticing as a hot tub can seem, pregnant women should never be in water hotter than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, so making sure to adjust the temperature of your spa is a must. The overall consensus is that hot tub use during pregnancy should be short, limited, or not at all. However, like everything else during pregnancy, it is always recommended to talk to your doctor first.
There are some considerations to address before you go for a soak. Remember it is possible to enjoy your hot tub responsibly. Continue reading to learn more about proper hot tub use during pregnancy.
Hidden germs Hot tubs always look clean and inviting don’t they? But whether it’s your own personal hot tub or a public one, the warm water is the perfect nest for potentially harmful bacteria. It is important to maintain proper water care to ensure and prevent bacteria from forming.
If you own a hot tub, check the water levels every time you use it, especially during pregnancy. Hot tubs need to have a perfect ‘chemistry’ in order to be considered safe. Free chlorine levels should be between 2 and 4 parts per million (ppm), bromine between 4 and 6 ppm, and pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Any levels other than these can be harmful to the average person, let alone to you and your baby during pregnancy.
How hot is too hot Common sense: sitting in some place warmer than your body temperature, raises your body temperature. This could be even just a warm bath, but during pregnancy, your body should never be warmer than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and most hot tubs are 104. For this reason, pregnant women should spend no longer than 10 minutes at a time in a hot tub.
Other recommendations include hydrating while in your hot tub and sitting on a cool down seat in between soaking times.
Fact vs. fiction There’s no joking about hot tub use when it comes to pregnancy. Especially during the first trimester when all of the baby’s vital organs are forming, women should take extreme caution. Overheating the body can cause brain and spinal cord defects. Other studies have concluded that hot tub exposure can cause various birth defects and even pregnancy loss. Don’t take the risk. Instead, ask friends or family members if they would be willing to lower the hot tub temperature.
If you begin sweating, step out immediately. Although it is highly important in the first trimester, the recommendations listed above are for all throughout your pregnancy. Proper hot tub safety use keeps you and your baby in mind. Keep in mind other ways to relax, and if you just can’t stop soaking, soak in moderation; it’s only 9 months.
Hot Tubs and Swim Spas for Home Luxury
The ultimate ending to a long day for anyone is soaking in a hot tub and feeling the warm water all around you. Visit our Rochester Hills hot tub store and browse a wide selection of swim spas and hot tubs by Master Spas. We are Michigan’s leading luxury swim spa retailer and are happy to help you select the perfect swim spa or hot tub to meet your needs and desires.
The Hot Tub Store has everything you need, and you’ll find exactly what you want. Experience and knowledge make our sales professionals the best in the industry. Contact us today to learn more!