Saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms should be avoided while you are pregnant or trying to conceive. 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.

Concerns about Miscarriages with Hot Tub  & Sauna Use

There is an increased concern about miscarriages with hot tub use. There is a rise in body temperature caused by soaking in a hot or using a sauna. A study done by researchers at John Hopkins showed a connection between hot tub use and miscarriage. They tracked over 1,000 women and found hot tub users were twice as likely to have miscarriages. The risk seemed to be highest in the first month of pregnancy. One caution about this study is that the researchers weren’t able to examine every aspect of the women’s lives. It’s possible that women who tend to use hot tubs have something else in common that puts them as higher risk for miscarriage. It is definitely safer not to take any chances and avoid using hot tubs while pregnant.

Concerns about Birth Defects with Hot Tub & Sauna Use

Hot tub and sauna use causing birth defects has been a concern for many years. As far back as 1979, the Consumer Product Safety Commission was warning that in the first three months of pregnancy, hot tub use could also cause brain damage. In 1992, researchers tracking health issues in over 20,000 women concluded that women who used hot tubs or saunas during pregnancy were also more likely to have babies with neural tube defects (neural tube defects are problems with the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida).

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 who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F. A big concern for hot tubs is they are often factory programmed to maintain a water temperature of approximately 104 º F. It only takes 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to raise your body temperature to 102º F.

So, is a hot bath safer than using a hot tub?

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. If you feel at all dizzy, weak, or uncomfortable while in the tub get out immediately.

Other good resources on this subject are www.babycenter.com and www.fitpregnancy.com