Key Takeaways -

  • Pregnant women should generally avoid whirlpools due to the risks associated with them, such as overheating and dehydration
  • Women who are pregnant need to be careful of any possible bacteria in the water which could harm the baby
  • There are some precautions that can be taken to reduce the risks associated with whirlpools, such as limiting exposure time and using a clean, treated water source

Pregnancy can be a time of great joy and excitement, but it can also bring many questions. One of the most common questions is can pregnant women get in a whirlpool?

Pregnant women should generally avoid whirlpools due to the risks associated with them, such as overheating and dehydration. Also, they need to be careful of any bacteria in untreated water that could harm the baby.

In this blog post, we will explore the risks associated with using a jetted tub during pregnancy and the best ways to stay safe. We will also find out if there are any benefits to using whirlpools during pregnancy.

Whirlpools During Pregnancy: Risks and Safety

Risks Associated With Jetted Tubs During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should be AWARE of the risks associated with using whirlpool tubs during pregnancy. Jetted tubs can raise your body temperature too high, which can cause overheating, feeling faint, and other health risks. Let's take a closer look:

Overheating

When women are exposed to EXTREMELY hot water in jetted tubs, the water temperature is typically around 38 degrees Celsius or higher. This can cause a pregnant woman's body temperature to rise quickly, leading to overheating.

Overheating can be DANGEROUS for both mother and baby because it reduces blood flow to the uterus, depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients. It also increases the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects.

Feeling Faint

Spending too much time in a whirlpool tub during pregnancy can also lead to feeling faint due to DEHYDRATION or low blood sugar levels. Dehydration occurs when women do not drink enough fluids in the hot tub, resulting in dizziness and lightheadedness.

Low blood sugar LEVELS can also occur if a pregnant woman has not eaten recently before entering the hot tub. Feeling faint is dangerous for both mother and baby as it could lead to falls or other injuries.

Pro Tip: Be sure to drink lots of fluids before entering a jetted tub and eat a light snack beforehand as well.

Bacteria

Pregnant women also need to be careful of any BACTERIA in untreated water, which could harm the baby. Most whirlpool bathtubs are treated with chlorine or other chemicals that kill germs, but some may not have been properly treated.

Pro Tip: Dirty water can lead to the risk of infection and illness, so it is always important to ensure your jetted tub is properly cleaned before using.

Water Temperature

Women must pay attention to the water TEMPERATURE when using a whirlpool tub during pregnancy. The ideal temperature should be between 36-37 degrees Celsius; extreme heat could increase the risk of overheating or feeling faint.

Your body's core temperature should NOT exceed 38 degrees Celsius, so take frequent breaks and cool down if needed.

Additionally, women during pregnancy should LIMIT their time in a jetted tub to 10 minutes or less at one time in order to reduce their risk of health complications from exposure to high temperatures.

Pro Tip: Abnormally high body temperature is dangerous for both mother and baby, so be sure to keep track of the water temperature and use a timer if necessary.

Are There Any Benefits Of Whirlpool Tubs During Pregnancy?

Are there any benefits of jetted tubs during pregnancy? The answer is no. Whirlpool tubs can RAISE your body temperature too high, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Doctors recommend bypassing a jetted tub altogether during pregnancy in favor of a typical hot bath.

Official guidelines from the National Health Service in the UK RECOMMEND that pregnant women limit their exposure to jetted tubs and other heated water sources, such as saunas or steam rooms, to no more than 10 minutes at one time [1].

Research indicates that sitting in tubs and saunas for extended periods during the early stages of pregnancy may be correlated to birth DEFECTS and other complications.

Although it may sound like a great way to RELIEVE aches and pains during pregnancy, the risks are too high to make it worth it. Instead, try taking warm baths or showers as an alternative form of relaxation and pain relief while pregnant.

Pro Tip: A warm bath is a safer, more beneficial way to relax during pregnancy.

Precautions to Take When Using Whirlpools During Pregnancy

If you choose to use a whirlpool during pregnancy, there are CERTAIN precautions you should take in order to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications.

  • Make sure the water temperature is between 36-37 degrees Celsius.
  • Limit your time in a whirlpool to 10 minutes or less per session.
  • Drink plenty of fluids before entering a whirlpool, and eat a light snack beforehand as well.
  • Do not use a whirlpool if the water is dirty or has not been properly treated with chemicals.
  • Be aware of any dizziness or lightheadedness, and immediately get out of the whirlpool to avoid falls or other injuries.
  • If you feel faint, drink some juice or eat a snack as soon as possible.

By following these simple precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of a whirlpool while minimizing your risk of pregnancy complications.

Guidelines For Using Jetted Tubs During Pregnancy

The United Kingdom has issued guidelines for using whirlpool tubs during pregnancy in order to REDUCE the risks associated with raising a woman's body temperature too high.

The UK recommends that pregnant women should NOT spend more than 10 minutes in a jetted tub at one time and that the water temperature should be no higher than 36-37 degrees Celsius.

If a pregnant woman spends too much time in a tub or if the water is too hot, it could increase her RISK of suffering from overheating, feeling faint, or other health conditions.

Additionally, the UK recommends that pregnant women wait until after their FIRST trimester before using a jetted tub to reduce the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects [2].

Pregnant women should also drink plenty of FLUIDS and stay hydrated during whirlpool tub use in order to avoid dehydration and lightheadedness.

Ultimately, it's IMPORTANT for pregnant women to discuss any potential risks associated with using a hot tub with their doctor before participating in this activity. It's best to err on the side of caution when using any heated water during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Using a whirlpool bathtub while pregnant can be a risky proposition, as it can raise your body temperature too high and cause other health complications.

To stay safe while still enjoying the benefits of a tub, women should follow guidelines such as limiting their time in the water to 10 minutes or less per session and keeping the water temperature between 36-37 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, they should drink plenty of fluids before entering and avoid using dirty or untreated water. Ultimately, pregnant women need to consult with their doctor before using any heated water during pregnancy in order to reduce potential risks associated with this activity.

‌Sources -

  1. NHS Choices. Is it safe to use a sauna or jacuzzi if I’m pregnant? Published 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-a-sauna-or-jacuzzi-if-i-am-pregnant/
  2. Duong HT, Shahrukh Hashmi S, Ramadhani T, Canfield MA, Scheuerle A, Kim Waller D. Maternal use of hot tub and major structural birth defects. Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology. 2011;91(9):836-841. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/bdra.20831

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