Pregnancies are exciting times. There is so much joy and anticipation in your life when you’re Pregnant. But you’re also probably exhausted from carrying the extra weight your baby has given you, or from sleepless nights. Your back can hurt, your legs can cramp, and you can be getting headaches. All you want is to dive yourself into a hot tub and let the warm waters surround you and wash your fatigue and pains away. How many times have you dreamed about going into a hot tub, but you didn’t because you were scared of potential risks to your pregnancy?There are definitely risks involved with going into regular hot tubs during pregnancies, but there are cautions we may take to reduce the health risks and make the hot tub a safe environment for you during this special time.
The main concern about the hot tubs during pregnancies are their high temperatures. There is no specific temperature that determines the line between safety and harm; however, most experts agree that having a body temperature of 38°C and above could potentially be injurious during pregnancy. Hyperthermia — the condition of raising your body temperature above normal— can harm your fetus, particularly during the early weeks of organ development, which may even cause neural tube defects. Or more specifically spina bifida, a congenital defect where the backbone and membranes that surround the spinal cord are not completely closed. Also, since pregnant women are at a greater risk for dehydration, dizziness, and lower blood pressure in general, these symptoms may intensify in extreme heat.
To avoid such harms, you can first reprogram your hot tub to maintain a lower temperature to around 35°C or 36°C. Try to monitor both the hot tub’s temperature by placing a thermometer inside and your own body temperature by measuring yourself every few minutes. Make sure your upper body is above the water to help keep your body temperature down. Hot tubs usually only take around 10-20 minutes to raise your body temperature to 38°C, so leave your hot tub after 10 minutes or less to avoid hyperthermia. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, leave the hot tub immediately.
If you’re careful and diligent about monitoring the temperatures while you’re in the hot tub, then you don’t need to fear the hot tub during pregnancy. You’ll also be able to get the benefits of a hot tub. The warm water will improve blood circulation so that oxygen and nutrients will quickly remove pain causing lactic acids to relieve muscle strains. Hot tubs also relax your body and helps you catch up on the sleep you have missed ever since you became pregnant. Most importantly, hot water stimulates the release of endorphins — naturally occurring chemicals that reduces your perception of pain and makes you feel happy. Light some candles, put on the jets, and enjoy!
At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we specialize in hot tubs with multiple functions that will help you enjoy a safe and relaxing bath. If you have any more questions or concerns on being in a hot tub during pregnancy, feel free to book an appointment. You can reach us at (905) 294-8030, or our toll free number 1-888-494-8030, or by email at online@seawaypoolsntubs.com.
