For many pregnant women, sitting in a hot tub sounds like a great way to ease muscle aches related to pregnancy. It is important to use caution when choosing a hot tub for relaxation and pain relief. Hot tubs can cause hyperthermia, which is an abnormally high body temperature. According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. ACOG also recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F. Although the specific degree differs, both OTIS and ACOG attest to the concern related to hot tub use during pregnancy. Hot tubs are often factory programmed to maintain a water temperature of approximately 104º F.

It takes only 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to raise your body temperature to 102º F or higher. To maintain a steady temperature, water is circulated and re-circulated through the hot tub to pump out cold water and pump in hot water. A hot bath, which is not uncomfortable or scalding, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating. Although the Association does not recommend using hot tubs during pregnancy, here are some steps you can take to reduce any risk: Compiled using information from the following sources: Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CH. 5. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide. Simkin, Penny P.T., et al, CH. 5.Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Is it safe to use a hot tub during pregnancy? Pregnancy and hot tubs can be a risky combination. Spending 10 minutes or more in a hot tub can raise your body temperature to 102 F (38.9 C), causing a condition known as hyperthermia. Studies have shown an increased risk of neural tube defects — serious abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord — in the babies of women who experience high temperatures during the first four to six weeks of pregnancy. Prom Dress Stores Rockland CountySome studies also suggest that hyperthermia during pregnancy increases the risk of other birth defects and miscarriage, but further research is needed.Golden Retriever Pups For Sale In Alberta If you might be pregnant and plan to use a hot tub, or you choose to use a hot tub during pregnancy, take these steps to reduce the risks:Homes For Sale Gardners Neck Road Swansea Ma

Limit time in the hot tub to less than 10 minutes. Avoid sitting near the inlet that provides newly heated water. Get out of the hot tub if you start to sweat or feel any discomfort. Stay out of the hot tub if you aren't in good health or you already have an elevated temperature due to fever, exercise, or previous hot tub or sauna use. If you used a hot tub for a lengthy period of time early in pregnancy, consider talking to your doctor about ways to detect neural tube defects during pregnancy. Myra Wick, M.D., Ph.D. Pregnancy acnePregnancy and lactose intoleranceRisks of hyperthermia associated with hot tub or spa use by pregnant women. Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology. Shahrukh Hashmi S, et al. Maternal fever during early pregnancy and the risk of oral clefts. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. Accessed Oct. 7, 2015. Moretti ME, et al. Maternal hyperthermia and the risk for neural tube defects in offspring: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dreier JW, et al. Systematic review and meta-analyses: Fever in pregnancy and health impacts in the offspring. Duong HT, et al. Maternal use of hot tub and major structural defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A). See more Expert Answers Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. A 4-Step Plan for HappinessThe Menopause Solution — NEW!Recipes for Healthy LivingMayo Clinic on Better Hearing and BalanceMayo Clinic Diet Book & Journal combo Other Topics in Patient Care & Health Info Diseases and Conditions A-Z Tests and Procedures A-Z Drugs and Supplements A-Z Patient and Visitor Guide Question: "Is it safe to go into a hot tub or sauna while pregnant? Can it affect the development of my unborn child?" Sitting in a sauna or soaking in a hot tub may seem like the perfect remedy to soothe your pregnancy aches and pains, but both activities are risky.

First of all, pregnant women are at a greater risk for dehydration, dizziness, and lower blood pressure in general, and these symptoms may intensify in extreme heat. And anything that raises your core body temperature to over 102 degrees is potentially hazardous to your baby-to-be, especially during the early months of pregnancy when his body and brain are developing. Research also shows that exposure to high temperatures can increase your baby’s risk of spina bifida, a birth disorder that occurs when a baby’s backbone doesn't fully close as it develops during the first month of pregnancy. You may want to skip the saunas and hot tubs completely until your doctor gives you the green light after you've delivered. But if you absolutely can’t resist, take these safety precautions to reduce the risk of harming your baby: Most hot tubs are set at 104 degrees. Adjust yours to maintain a lower temperature (around 97 to 98 degrees), and keep a thermometer in the water to make sure it stays that way.