Bathing during pregnancy

Taking a bath during pregnancy is not only refreshing, it can also be wonderfully relaxing. Whether it's a classic bubble bath in your own bathtub or a little movement in the swimming pool - Bathing during pregnancy is basically not a problem. However, it is advisable that the pregnant woman heed a few pieces of advice in advance and heeded increased precautionary measures.

Bathing during pregnancy - not too hot & not too long!

Romantic music is playing on the radio, the lights are dimmed, the tub is filled with warm water and there is foam everywhere. Time to relax. Relaxation, which is often sorely needed during pregnancy. In the tub the pregnant woman can relax, switch off and regenerate body, mind and soul.

The warmth of the water loosens the muscles, relaxes the joints and the back; The baby naturally also feels the warmth of the water. The water temperature should be between 33 to 34 degrees; Temperatures around 37 or 38 degrees are not suitable, as the vessels expand in such a way that the blood pressure drops and the pregnant woman sometimes has circulatory problems.

Many pregnant women then get dizzy, which subsequently increases the risk of falls or accidents when the women get out of the tub. Sometimes the hot temperatures can also worsen existing varicose veins. The danger of premature labor should also be considered. If the body temperature rises to 38.5 degrees due to the hot water, labor can sometimes occur.

Hot baths increase the risk of premature birth and the rate of malformations. It is therefore advisable that the temperature remains within a moderate range, sometimes checked by means of a temperature display, and that it does not exceed 15 minutes. Those who follow these tips will have no problems during pregnancy and can continue to enjoy warm baths.

Further tips: Pregnant women should have a glass of water within reach of the bathtub or be able to reach it without any problems. This is because the body - due to the heat - loses fluid, which should, however, be given again. Pregnant women should be careful not to be alone when getting out of the bath; the partner should be on site to be on the safe side in the event that problems arise with the circulatory system.

If the pregnant woman suffers from dry skin, moisturizing additives can be added to the bath water. Essential oils are not recommended. These can - due to cinnamon, cloves, camphor - cause premature labor. If the pregnant woman is not sure which additives to use, the attending physician is on hand to offer advice and assistance. As in all areas of pregnancy, the following applies: If the pregnant woman is unsure, she should contact the doctor in advance and consult with them.

Better not: relax in the whirlpool

Even if bathing during pregnancy is not really a serious problem, you should avoid bathing in a whirlpool. Due to the fact that the water is much warmer and is renewed less often, it is a wonderful breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.

As the hormonal balance changes during pregnancy, there is also a reduced acid level in the vagina. The immune system is therefore weakened, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections. So if you want to avoid vaginal yeast infections, you should avoid a bath in the whirlpool.

Furthermore, it should be noted that - as with bathing in the tub - water that is too warm dilates the blood vessels, blood pressure drops, circulatory problems can occur and there is also a risk of premature labor. While bathing in the tub is definitely not a problem, the whirlpool should be avoided.

Swimming during pregnancy

Anyone who was active in sports before their pregnancy and regularly exercised in swimming pools should not have to do without it during pregnancy. Swimming is good muscle training and also helps against constipation, which can sometimes occur during pregnancy.

For this reason, it is also advisable for untrained women to start with light swimming exercises when they are pregnant and sometimes need relaxation or want to stimulate their digestion. It should be noted that only basic swimming styles should be practiced. It is important that the pregnant woman does not overexert herself or that her pulse does not rise too much.

Only the doctor can determine which upper limit is recommended. The upper pulse limit is of course also based on how well the woman was before her pregnancy. It should be noted that there is always a 24-hour break between visits to the swimming pool.

However, if the pregnant woman is a fan of natural waters, she should obtain information about the water quality from the city administration in advance. In almost all cases, rivers and lakes are not polluted, although it is advisable to obtain information on whether there is sometimes a bacterial load. If the water is polluted, it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Pregnant Swimming - Take it easy

If the pregnant woman observes a few rules and advice, bathing during pregnancy is not a problem. It is important that the pregnant woman neither overheats nor overworked. Rest and relaxation are the most important factors during pregnancy. Competitive sports should not be practiced during this time. For this reason it is important that bathing and also units in the swimming pool are seen as pure relaxation.