While pregnancy is often one of the most joyous times in a woman’s life, growing a human being can be uncomfortable, exhausting, and stressful. So pregnant women are often looking for a soothing activity they can safely do.
Check With Your Doctor First
Taking baths could be risky for some pregnancies, and a professional OBGYN will be able to determine if bathing is a good idea on a case-by-case basis.
For one woman, a bath may have been perfectly fine for a first pregnancy, but the second pregnancy might involve some concerns. For pregnant women who enjoy taking baths, make sure that bathing is safe. Ask your doctor during your checkup to be sure.
Bookmark your favorite Better Bath Better Body soak so that you can show the ingredients to your doctor too. Consult them about the bath temperature suitable for you, as well as the ideal duration of your bath.
Wait to take a bath until your doctor has cleared you to do so.
Types Of Baths For Pregnant Women
If your doctor gave you the green light to take baths, enjoy soothing relief with epsom salt soaks. A good bath with epsom salt and all-natural essential oils can provide soothing, comfort, relaxation, and even energy. Three specific types of baths that pregnant women find particularly beneficial are:
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Sitz Baths – Sitz baths, also known as hip baths, provide relieving and relaxing benefits from the waist down. You can enjoy our Sitz Bath Soak in regular baths.
Simply fill your regular bathtub with just a few inches of water, or use a sitz bath device that can be easily attached to a toilet bowl.
HOW TO SOAK: Gently mix with warm water that is comfortable. If you’re using a sitz bath, start with 1 tablespoon per gallon of water and gradually increase up to 2 tablespoons.
If you’re using a full-size bathtub, use about 1/2 cup to 1 full cup. Always use plenty of water and start with a small amount before increasing.
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Foot Baths – Being pregnant means carrying some extra weight, which your feet are not used to. Foot baths can be an excellent way for you to relax, providing your feet with the soothing they need.
A foot bath, like a sitz bath, can be taken using a tub or basin. If using a foot bath basin, you can sit on a couch or on a chair outside on your patio. You can easily do it anywhere you please, making it a convenient self-care practice.
HOW TO SOAK: Use our foot soaks at Better Bath Better Body, like our Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, in a soaking tub, full bath, or in the shower. Always start with a small amount for your first use and gradually increase.
For foot soaks, use about 1-2 tablespoons per gallon. For full-body bath soaks, use about half a cup to one cup for a standard-size bathtub.
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Traditional Baths – Feel the relaxing benefits in your feet, back, hips, and whole body with a traditional bath. When you soak in Better Bath Better Body bath salts, you will breathe in the soothing natural aromas of 100% pure essential oils.
Aromatherapy naturally relaxes the senses, so pick your favorite herbs to go with your salts. Make sure your doctor approves them, too.
For normal baths, pour half a cup to one cup of epsom salt blend into your bath water. When you’re done, rise from the tub slowly, exit the tub carefully, then gently pat your skin dry.
Safe And Comfortable Baths
Women who usually enjoy hot baths may need to make adjustments for a safe pregnancy bath experience. It's crucial to ensure the water temperature remains below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessively hot water poses risks for pregnant women.
Studies have indicated that elevated temperatures in baths, showers, or saunas during pregnancy may heighten the likelihood of complications. Thus, maintaining a comfortably warm (yet not hot) water temperature is essential. Before taking a bath, consult your doctor for personalized guidance on these details.
In addition to maintaining a comfortably warm temperature, you can ensure a safe bath experience by considering a few other factors. Installing a handle or seeking assistance to exit a bathtub or soaking basin can provide added safety and peace of mind, reducing the risk of slipping. When exiting a bath unassisted, exercising extra caution is crucial for a safe experience.
After your bath, your skin will be soft and delicate. To maintain this soothing sensation during the drying process, it's essential to have a soft, clean, and dry towel readily available. Rather than roughly wiping the skin, gently patting it dry ensures a continued sense of comfort beyond the confines of your tub.
Choose Your Epsom Salt Blend
It’s not just the warm water that soothes and comforts during a pregnancy bath –– it’s also the epsom salt blend and powerful natural aromatherapy that add to the experience.
You may find yourself sensitive to certain aromas during your pregnancy, so we recommend trying different blends to find what will work best for you. Here are some of our picks:
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Deep Relaxation Bath Soak – With 100% pure lavender essential oil, our Deep Relaxation Bath Soak is perfect for when you’re looking for a soothing and relaxing bath without too many aromas working together at once.
Along with lavender essential oil, the blend includes pure epsom salt and vitamin C crystals.
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Detox Foot Soak – Our Detox Foot Soak features soothing peppermint essential oil and frankincense, lavender, and lemon. This bright and cooling blend is easy to handle and provides an uplifting feeling through aromatherapy.
- Sitz Bath Soak – Our Sitz Bath Soak is made with 100% pure essential oils of lavender, frankincense, geranium, niaouli, and juniper. Formulated with high-quality epsom salt, it works to provide a truly relaxing bath.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether pregnant women can take baths is a nuanced one, and seeking guidance from a professional OBGYN is crucial. If given the green light, explore the benefits of different baths—sitz baths, foot baths, and traditional baths—ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
Pay attention to water temperature, incorporating our epsom salt blends at Better Bath Better Body for added relaxation. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice and enjoy the soothing journey of pregnancy self-care.
Click here to order bath and foot soaks.
