From the moment they receive two blue lines on a pregnancy test, pregnant women experience the full body aches and pains that accompany creating a little life. Round ligament pain, swollen feet, and other ongoing pregnancy pains may have you searching for any sort of relief. Soaking in the warm waters of a hot tub with its massaging jets may sound appealing, but can pregnant women soak in a hot tub? In most cases, soaking in hot water is not advised as the hot temperatures can be harmful to your developing baby. However, here are a few ways you can still make use of your hot tub for the next nine months and beyond.
Lower the Hot Tub Temperature
The danger with using a hot tub during pregnancy is the high temperatures. Typical hot tub use is set anywhere between 100 to 104 degrees, which is too high to keep your baby safe in the womb. But you still safely enjoy soaking in your hot tub by lowering the temperature.
In most cases, a safe temperature for pregnant women is anything below 98 degrees. Though, be sure to monitor the water’s temperature frequently. If at any time you feel faint, dizzy, or flushed, immediately get out of the spa. As always, be sure to drink plenty of water.
Soak Just Your Legs and Feet
You may not be able to soak your whole body in your hot tub, but instead, try soaking just your feet and lower legs. Carefully have a seat on the edge of your hot tub and place your feet in to soothe foot pain associated with pregnancy.
Limit Your Time
Everything in moderation, as the saying goes. If you want to use your hot tub during your pregnancy, it is important to limit your time to no more than 10 minutes. This is true even if you lower the temperature or just put your feet in. Set a timer for 10 minutes so the time doesn’t slip away faster than you realize.
Talk with Your Doctor
Every pregnancy is unique. We highly advise that you speak with your doctor before using a hot tub in any capacity. Your doctor can answer your questions, consult you on best practices for hot tub use or other pain relieving remedies, and address your specific needs.
Consider Other Soothing Alternatives for Pregnant Women
Another excellent option for pregnant women is utilizing a swim spa. Swimming in an Endless Pools® Swim Spa can alleviate pain by taking pressure off your joints and muscles and allowing you to perform low-impact exercises. Mom and baby will enjoy using a swim spa for swimming, walking, stretching, strength exercise, or simply floating in weightlessness and pain relief. Check out more ideas for prenatal water workouts in a swim spa.
Postpartum Hot Tub Use
“So, when can I start using my hot tub after my baby has arrived?” You can resume hot tub use once your doctor has cleared you. For most women, it is not advised to submerge in water for the first six to eight weeks postpartum. This timeline can vary depending on your personal health needs so consult with your doctor before using your spa.
If you’d like to learn more about hot tub use while pregnant, contact our team at Texas Hot Tub Company. We’d be happy to answer your questions and look forward to meeting your little one in the near future!