Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use

Raising your core body temperature is called hyperthermia. It can harm your developing baby (fetus). It’s most harmful during the early weeks when the organs are forming. Experts don’t forbid hot tub or sauna use. But they do advise caution. 1 Hyperthermia during the first weeks of pregnancy has been linked to neural…

Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use

Topic Overview

Raising your core body temperature is called hyperthermia. It can harm your developing baby (fetus). It’s most harmful during the early weeks when the organs are forming. Experts don’t forbid hot tub or sauna use. But they do advise caution.footnote 1

Hyperthermia during the first weeks of pregnancy has been linked to neural tube defects.footnote 2 So pregnant women are advised to treat a high fever with acetaminophen. They should also avoid other causes of hyperthermia.

If you use a hot tub or sauna, be careful. The tub or sauna should not be so hot that you are uncomfortable. And limit how long you sit in the hot tub or sauna. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest using a sauna for no more than 15 minutes and using a hot tub for no more than 10 minutes. To help keep from getting too warm in a hot tub, sit with your arms and chest above the water.footnote 1

References

Citations

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2007). Antepartum care. In Guidelines for Perinatal Care, 6th ed., pp. 83–137. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
  2. Cunningham FG, et al. (2010). Prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy. In Williams Obstetrics, 23rd ed., pp. 287–311. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.

Credits

Current as ofMay 29, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah A. Marshall, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD – Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.