Showers and Baths When Pregnant

Showers and Baths While Pregnant

As your belly grows larger and your balance begins to teeter, it is common to have concerns about showers and baths while pregnant. However, feel free to relax...there are methods and techniques you can employ to help you successfully stay clean without causing harm to you or your unborn baby.

Enjoy your Bath

The idea that pregnant bathing should be avoided is a complete myth. Bathes are perfectly fine for pregnant women that have yet to lose their mucus plug or have their water break. Many doctors advocate bathing, as it can help the mother relax after a stressful day. This is especially true when candles or incense are used.

However, there is one precaution you must take before hopping into the tub. Make sure the water is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The growing fetus is unable to control its own body temperature, so you run the risk of injury or damage to your baby if the water is any hotter.

Use a Rubber Bathmat

A non-slip rubber mat placed in the bottom of the tub will help prevent slips and falls when taking showers and baths while pregnant. Since the center of balance will begin to shift as your belly grows, pregnant women are more likely to have an accident while bathing than other people. It is important that you try to avoid mishaps before they occur.

Enlist Help

Your partner or other family member should be home anytime you take showers and baths while pregnant. This is so they can assist you in entering or exiting the bathtub. It is also vital that someone be in the house in case you were to slip or somehow injure yourself while bathing.

Alter your Shaving Position

When it comes to shaving your legs while pregnant, you may have to alter your normal routine, especially in the last couple months when your belly is in the way. If you have good balance, you can prop your leg on the side of the tub to shave. This is not recommended for those prone to becoming off balance or falling.

A safer alternative for shaving during a pregnant bathing session is to shave before your bath or shower. Bring a chair into the bathroom or sit on the toilet if it is close to the tub. Prop your leg against the side of the tub to allow access to the area you need to shave.