Why Are Hot Tubs & Baths Bad When You're Pregnant?

High temperatures can harm a fetus.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnant women should avoid hot tubs, especially during the first trimester.

Risks

The fetus is at higher risks of birth defects if the pregnant woman's body temperature rises above 101 degrees F. This seems to be especially true in the first trimester.

Core Body Temperature

A pregnant woman's core body temperature should never go above 102 degrees F.

Hot Tub Temperature

Most hot tub manufacturers have temperatures set for 104 degrees F. At this temperature, a woman's body temperature can exceed 101 degrees F in just 10 minutes.

Reduce Risk

The risk of using a hot tub can be reduced by lowering the temperature of the hot tub or limiting time in the hot tub to less than 10 minutes.

Safer Alternatives

A hot, not scalding, bath can be safer as the bathtub does not have a mechanism to keep the water at a constant temperature and begins to cool immediately.

References

• American Pregnancy Association