Can You Take a Hot Bath While Pregnant?
Yes — a warm bath is fine and relaxing; just keep it warm rather than hot so you don't overheat.
The full answer
A bath is a safe way to relax in pregnancy — the thing to manage is the temperature, not the bath itself. As with hot tubs, water hot enough to raise your core body temperature above about 102°F (39°C) is the concern, especially in the first trimester. A normal warm bath doesn't do that: the water cools as you sit, and you can keep your upper body out, so it heats you far less than a hot tub. Keep the water comfortably warm rather than steaming, don't take very long soaks if you feel flushed, and get out if you start to feel hot, dizzy, or sweaty. Plain Epsom salts are generally fine; check with your provider before using strong essential oils, some of which aren't recommended in pregnancy.
How to take a hot bath safely
- Keep the water comfortably warm, not hot or steaming
- Don't soak so long that you feel flushed; keep your upper body out
- Get out if you feel hot, dizzy, or your skin turns very red
When to avoid: Avoid very hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas — anything that could push your core temperature too high.
Staying safe and active in pregnancy
Most “can I do this?” questions in pregnancy come down to three things. Overheating — anything that pushes your core temperature above about 102°F (39°C), like hot tubs, saunas, and very hot baths — is best avoided, especially in the first trimester. Impact and balance — falls, contact sports, and jarring, high-force rides are the reason some activities are off-limits later on. And infection or absorption — the reason tattoos and some treatments call for caution. Set against that, movement is actively encouraged: about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is recommended in a healthy pregnancy. When in doubt about your situation, your midwife or provider is the final word.
For the full picture, see our pregnancy safety guide, and track your pregnancy with the How Far Along Am I? calculator and the week-by-week guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you take a hot bath while pregnant?
- Yes — a warm bath is fine and relaxing; just keep it warm rather than hot so you don't overheat. A bath is a safe way to relax in pregnancy — the thing to manage is the temperature, not the bath itself. As with hot tubs, water hot enough to raise your core body temperature above about 102°F (39°C) is the concern, especially in the first trimester. A normal warm bath doesn't do that: the water cools as you sit, and you can keep your upper body out, so it heats you far less than a hot tub. Keep the water comfortably warm rather than steaming, don't take very long soaks if you feel flushed, and get out if you start to feel hot, dizzy, or sweaty. Plain Epsom salts are generally fine; check with your provider before using strong essential oils, some of which aren't recommended in pregnancy.
- Why is taking a hot bath something to be careful with in pregnancy?
- A bath is a safe way to relax in pregnancy — the thing to manage is the temperature, not the bath itself. As with hot tubs, water hot enough to raise your core body temperature above about 102°F (39°C) is the concern, especially in the first trimester. A normal warm bath doesn't do that: the water cools as you sit, and you can keep your upper body out, so it heats you far less than a hot tub. Keep the water comfortably warm rather than steaming, don't take very long soaks if you feel flushed, and get out if you start to feel hot, dizzy, or sweaty. Plain Epsom salts are generally fine; check with your provider before using strong essential oils, some of which aren't recommended in pregnancy.
- When should I avoid taking a hot bath during pregnancy?
- Avoid very hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas — anything that could push your core temperature too high.