Sauna or hot tub during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a special, intense period during which your body is undergoing many changes. A sauna or hot tub normally allows you to relax and takes all the tension out of your body. There are a number of things to consider before enjoying one of these two types of wellness facility during pregnancy.

Can I use a sauna whilst pregnant?

The first 14 weeks of pregnancy
You should refrain from using saunas during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, even if you were a regular sauna user prior to falling pregnant. Your baby will be developing during that trimester. High sauna temperatures can affect the development process.

After the first 14 weeks of pregnancy
In principle, on the assumption that you’re healthy and are experiencing a normal pregnancy, you’ll be able to use saunas again after the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, provided you were already accustomed to doing so before falling pregnant. Do always consult your doctor or midwife first, though. If you weren't a regular sauna user prior to falling pregnant, then we'd advise against using saunas. Your body won’t be used to the differences in temperature, you see.

During pregnancy, your body has more difficulty adjusting to temperature changes. Hence stay no more than 10 minutes in the cabin and don't sit in the hottest spot. That will ensure that your body temperature doesn’t rise excessively. Too high a rise in body temperature creates a kind of artificial fever, which can be dangerous for your unborn baby. Furthermore, always listen carefully to your own body and leave the sauna sooner if need be. Cool your body gradually but properly too. Don’t jump into an ice-cold plunge pool. Instead, sit down in the outdoor sauna's veranda. If you’ll be having multiple sauna sessions, it would be wise to have more rest than usual between sessions.

Can I go in a hot tub whilst pregnant?

You can enjoy a hot bath during pregnancy, but make sure the water is well maintained and clean. Avoid baths with a temperature higher than your body temperature (38 degrees). A hot bath can increase your body temperature too and therefore bring on a heavy sweat. Because in a bath the heat can only escape through your head, it’s possible for your blood pressure to drop due to the heat. So always listen carefully to your own body and make sure you cool down slowly after a hot tub session. Always consult your doctor to see whether using a hot spa would be sensible in your particular case.

The last six weeks of pregnancy
It’s not advisable to use a hot tub during the last six weeks of pregnancy. There may already be some dilation over that time, which increases the chances of an infection.

Information & Advice