Why pregnant women should not take a bath: we are looking for the truth among myths

The question why pregnant women should not take a bath is a fierce subject of discussion both in scientific communities and among ordinary people. Let's try to figure this out.

Taking a bath during pregnancy: truth and speculation

The most common misconception among pregnant women is that when taking baths, infections in tap water can cross the placental barrier and harm the baby’s health. At women's forums, you can often find tips to boil bath water or even use distilled water. This myth does not stand up to criticism in terms of anatomy and medicine. Tap water, no matter what quality it may be (and certain requirements for composition and quality apply to it), can not overcome the placental barrier and touch the child.

However, statistics are inexorable: about 5% of miscarriages in the early stages occur during or some time after taking a bath. But is the bath to blame? Most likely, precedents are associated with a violation or ignorance of the basic principles of physiology and the wrong method of conducting water procedures.

Rules of water procedures for pregnant women

A few rules that pregnant women should know when taking baths:

• Water temperature should not exceed 37 degrees. This is true for both bath and shower. Such a bath at any stage of pregnancy will help relieve stress and calm down.
• The time spent in warm water should not exceed 10-15 minutes.
• The bathroom itself is better equipped with handles for easy standing. It is recommended that you put a non-slip mat on the floor.
• No matter how well you feel, try to choose a time for water procedures when there is someone close at home. They will be able to help with the occurrence of dizziness, as well as provide assistance in emergency situations.
• If discomfort occurs, stop the water treatment immediately. To quickly stabilize body temperature, you can briefly lower your legs in cool water.
• Pay attention to the composition of salts, foams and bath fragrances. Preference should be given to natural products. Any chemical compounds can provoke an allergic reaction.
• With an increased tone of the uterus, it is better to refuse to take baths in favor of a shower. Water temperature should not exceed 34–35 ° С.

Hot baths during pregnancy are strictly contraindicated. In the early stages, they can contribute to an increase in blood pressure, cause disturbances in the development of the fetus and even provoke a miscarriage. In the later stages, the threat of premature birth is added to all of the listed factors.

Subject to the above rules, bathing during pregnancy, water procedures will be absolutely safe for the health of both the expectant mother and the baby, preparing for the birth.