Bath for pregnant women is a controversial topic. Is it possible for pregnant women to go to the bathhouse and does it pose a threat to the health of the expectant mother and baby? Benefits of a bath Staying in a bath for several minutes strengthens the immune system, speeds up metabolism, which means it removes toxins from the body, improves blood circulation. Moreover, it provides pleasant rest and relaxation. These benefits of a bath can be enjoyed by a healthy person. But what about the expectant mother? Can I use the sauna during pregnancy? Although pregnancy is not a disease, many doctors advise against going to the bathhouse during this period. But there are also supporters of this procedure while waiting for the baby. Overheating the body during pregnancy is dangerous Staying in a hot room can be dangerous for the unborn baby. The body temperature of a pregnant woman may normally be higher and be not 36.6, but 37 ° C. Artificial overheating of the body can provoke contractions and fetal hypoxia. This is because the body dilates the blood vessels of the skin in response to heat, but constricts the vessels inside the body. This can reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients, including to the uterus and placenta. Supporters of the bath adhere to a different opinion. They emphasize that such a danger exists, but not in the bath, because it is mainly the skin that heats up and only by 0.5-1 ° C. The inner part of the body, they say, remains unaffected. As proof, they cite the Finns, whose national tradition is to use the sauna during pregnancy. But the inhabitants of this Scandinavian country from an early age are accustomed to being in saunas, their body produces more red blood cells while visiting a sauna. Do you need a doctor's consent to visit a bath Before going to a bath or sauna, it is important to ask your doctor's permission. If you have used these treatments regularly before, in most cases you can continue them because your body can handle the effects of warming up. But if you are a beginner, bathing during pregnancy is not recommended. Also keep in mind that even women who regularly visit the bathhouse should give it up early. This is an important time when the baby's internal organs are being formed and you are at greatest risk of developing birth defects. include_poll5085 Adverse Effects on Fetal Development Although there are no studies on the effects of baths on fetal growth, doctors believe that a high temperature early in pregnancy can have a negative effect on the baby. It is also best to avoid paired procedures just before childbirth due to the risk of placental insufficiency. Another prohibition is hardening associated with a sharp temperature drop. This refers to the procedure when, after sitting in a hot bath, a person moves to a cold shower. This practice is dangerous for pregnant women, even in the early stages, even in the last, third trimester. Pregnancy with the risk of miscarriage is an absolute contraindication to visiting the bathhouse at any time. The fetus has no so-called thermoregulation in the uterus, which means that it does not tolerate large increases in ambient temperature. Research has shown that exposing the fetus to extremely high temperatures in the first trimester increases the risk of developing central nervous system defects. Therefore, women are not advised to use the sauna in the second trimester and early pregnancy. It is also believed that visiting the steam room during this period may contribute to miscarriage and congenital heart defects, especially a defect of the interventricular septum of the heart. A pregnant woman should also understand that going to a bath during pregnancy is associated with a sharp drop in blood pressure and the risk of subsequent fainting. Interesting! Why is ferritin increased in coronavirus What is important to consider In the bath, choose lower shelves, where the temperature is lower, and sit on them a maximum of 2 times for 5-10 minutes each time. Perform procedures no more than 2 times a week. It is believed that the Finnish bath - sauna is safer than the Russian one. It is dominated by drier air. The fact is that the higher the humidity in the room, the more the body heats up. Replenish your fluid reserves by drinking water regularly during your procedure or just before your procedure. Be sure to choose clean, well-groomed saunas, free of fungus and dirt. It is good to have a companion to help you if you need support. If you feel faint while in the bath, immediately go outside. Additional advice If a woman used a sauna regularly before pregnancy, she can do so during pregnancy as well. At the same time, it is important: if possible, avoid baths in the 1st trimester; stay indoors only if the temperature in it does not exceed 70 ° C; reduce the time spent in the bath to 10-15 minutes. After getting up and leaving the sauna, beware of dizziness associated with a drop in blood pressure. Before entering the bath, a pregnant woman can drink mineral water or juice to compensate for the sweat that comes out during the procedure. Cold showers after leaving the bath should be avoided. If the expectant mother is being treated for chronic diseases at the beginning of the term, or in the second or third trimester, it is imperative to consult a doctor about the possibility of visiting a bathhouse. Results The effect of the bath on pregnancy is not fully understood, but it is assumed that its use may have negative consequences. It is not recommended to use the sauna for expectant mothers who have never done this before. Unreasonable and reckless use of baths and saunas during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Therefore, it is worth consulting a doctor in advance.
