Baths offer a soothing way to relax, especially during pregnancy when the body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes. However, concerns often arise about the safety of warm or hot water during this time. While it’s important to be cautious, enjoying a bath during pregnancy is completely safe when attention is given to maintaining the right water temperature.
Understanding the ideal bath temperature is essential for supporting both comfort and safety throughout each trimester. With the right approach, warm baths can continue to be a gentle and beneficial part of your pregnancy self-care routine.
Why Bath Temperature Matters During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body temperature naturally rises slightly. Soaking in water that’s too hot can raise your core body temperature beyond what’s considered safe for you and your developing baby. Overheating in the early stages of pregnancy has been linked to neural tube defects and other complications. That’s why health organizations, including the NHS and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), advise against hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs during pregnancy.
If the water is too hot, you may also experience dizziness, dehydration, or even fainting—none of which are good for you or your baby. That’s why monitoring bath temperature is essential.
Can I Take a Warm Bath While Pregnant?
Yes, warm baths are safe and even beneficial during pregnancy—as long as the water isn’t too hot. A warm bath can soothe sore muscles, reduce swelling, relieve back pain, and help you relax, especially as your body undergoes physical and hormonal changes.
The key is moderation. The water should feel comfortably warm, not hot enough to make you sweat or turn red. If you step into the bath and it feels like you’re entering a hot tub or it causes you to flush immediately, it’s probably too hot.
Maximum and perfect Bath Temperature for Pregnancy
The maximum recommended bath temperature during pregnancy is 37.8°C (100°F). Some sources set a slightly lower safety threshold at 37.5°C (99.5°F) just to be extra cautious. This is to ensure your body temperature doesn’t rise above 38.9°C (102°F), which can increase the risk of developmental issues in early pregnancy.
The perfect bath temperature for pregnancy is usually just below body temperature—between 36°C to 37.5°C (96.8°F to 99.5°F). You can use a water thermometer to measure the temperature or simply do the wrist or elbow test: if the water feels too hot to hold your wrist in comfortably, it’s too hot for a pregnancy-safe soak.
Bath Temperature for pregnancy by Trimester: What to Consider
First Trimester
The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are crucial for fetal development, especially for the brain and spine. Hot baths should be strictly avoided during this period. A warm bath is still safe and soothing, especially for morning sickness and early pregnancy discomfort, but you must ensure the water does not raise your body temperature too much.
Second Trimester
In the second trimester, the risk of neural tube defects drops, but maintaining a safe bath temperature remains important. Your growing belly and increased blood volume can lead to overheating faster than usual. Continue with lukewarm baths and monitor how you feel. If you start to feel dizzy or overly warm, it’s time to get out and cool down.
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Third Trimester
By the final trimester, your joints and muscles may be more sore, and you may be more tempted than ever to soak. While warm baths are still safe, extra care is needed getting in and out of the tub due to balance changes and fall risks. Also, avoid baths that are too long or too warm, as overheating can still affect blood flow to your baby.
About Cold bath temperature when pregnant
Some pregnant women wonder whether a cold bath is a safer or healthier option. While the NHS does not specifically recommend cold baths, there is no harm in bathing in cooler water—as long as it’s not uncomfortably cold. Some women find cooler baths or showers helpful for swelling, hot flashes, or overheating during summer pregnancies.
However, extremely cold baths may not be relaxing or beneficial in the same way a comfortably warm bath is. If you enjoy cooler water, make sure your environment is comfortable, and that you’re not chilling your body too quickly or causing shock to your system.
Safe bath temperature for pregnancy
Final Thoughts
Taking a bath while pregnant is not only safe—it can be one of the most enjoyable ways to care for yourself. The key is keeping the water temperature within safe limits. Aim for warm, not hot baths, and stick to temperatures under 37.8°C (100°F) to avoid any risk of overheating. Whether you’re in your first trimester or your third, a carefully monitored soak can ease discomfort, reduce swelling, and help you feel more connected to your changing body.
Pregnancy is all about balance, and that includes how you unwind. So go ahead—draw that bath, dim the lights, and relax. Just keep the thermometer nearby, and you and your baby will be safe and soothed.