Hot Tub

Hot tub usage by pregnant women is not recommended due to the high risk of hyperthermia, which is abnormally high body temperature. Water temperature over 105 degrees is damaging to developing cells, and even though it will have no effect on the mother, the unborn baby is sitting in fluids that are getting very warm. Extremely warm temperatures can cause malformations or possible miscarriage in the first trimester. It is recommended that a pregnant woman never let her core body temperature go over 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot tubs are generally programmed to maintain a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which will only take 10-20 minutes to raise your body temperature significantly.

If you do have a hot tub and would like to continue using during your pregnancy it is recommended to program a lower temperature, limit time in hot tub to less than 10-minutes, monitor both the water temperature and your body temperature to prevent overheating, and watch for signs of overheating. Always consult your physician about the benefits and risk of using a hot tub.
Updated: 07.27.10