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It is generally not recommended that a pregnant woman use either a hot tub or a sauna as it raises the mother's core body temperature, and, therefore, the unborn baby's internal temperature as well. If a woman becomes overheated her heart rate increases and blood flow to her uterus decreases. Additionally, a pregnant woman can have a more difficult time cooling down than others, which in extreme cases can potentially lead to more dangerous complications such as spina bifida and anencephaly for her baby.
Spina bifida is a common birth defect, resulting in the spinal cord incompletely forming and not closing properly during pregnancy. Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects the formation of the brain and skull, resulting in minimal development of the baby's brain.
However, some experts feel if there is a way to control the temperature of the water, then a hot tub can be used by a pregnant woman. They recommend that the temperature be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as temperatures above 105 degrees are damaging to the developing cells of the fetus. Furthermore, a woman should not stay in a hot tub of less than 100 degrees for more than 10-15 minutes.
An additional concern when using a hot tub is the bacteria that can grow in it due to over-use without proper cleaning. Pseudomonas infections, which are caused by the bacteria deposited on the edges of hot tubs, most commonly cause minor skin irritations in hot tub users. However, it is also possible for the water to carry additional bacteria from anyone who was sick and previously used the tub, leading to more complicated infections. Overall, doctors caution a mother to weigh whether going in the hot tub or sauna is worth the potential risks while she is pregnant.
Take the time to check with your regular prenatal doctor if you have additional questions about hot tub and sauna use while you are pregnant.
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