Can I take a bath while pregnant?

Many pregnant women enjoy baths for easing stress and pain. But they worry that taking a bath while pregnant could be harmful for the baby.

Others worry that the temperature of the water could be dangerous.

What the experts say

The good news is that taking a bath during pregnancy is completely safe, as long as you keep in mind these few precautions.

1. The most important thing is to keep your core body temperature below 101°F (38.3°C). A healthy pregnant woman’s internal body temperature is around 99°F (37.2°C)
2. The water should be warm, around 98.6 to 100°F, but definitely not hot
3. If you begin to feel overheated, take a cool shower to lower your core temperature.

What about my bath bombs?

You should forget about the bubbles, bath bombs, and special oils for the bath while pregnant, with the exception of Epsom salt.

Soaking with these additions might cause you to get a yeast infection.

Bathing in Epsom Salts

Taking an Epsom salt bath will ease aches and pains, help with hemorrhoids, and reduce stress.

Add two cups of Epsom salt to your warm bathwater and let it dissolve before soaking in it for no more than 10 to 15 minutes.