Sauna, hot baths and hammam in pregnancy: why excess heat matters

A hot bath, the steam of a hammam, the quiet of a sauna: these things soothe a tired body. In pregnancy you do not have to give up such pleasures, but you may need to be a little more measured. Here you will find the reason and some practical ways.

Why does excess heat call for care?

A marked, prolonged rise in your body temperature (roughly 39 °C or above) is considered a concern for your baby’s development, particularly in the first trimester. Hot places also widen blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and raise the chance of dizziness or fainting. In pregnancy you may also sweat and dry out more easily.

This does not mean every hot shower is dangerous. What matters most is how long you stay and how hot it is.

Sauna

Saunas and steam rooms raise body temperature quickly. Many sources advise avoiding saunas, or keeping visits very short, especially in the first three months. Later on, if your doctor agrees, a short session of a few minutes with cool breaks may be considered, but this is a personal decision.

• Mildly warm settings are preferred over very hot dry saunas.
• Leave straight away if you feel unwell.
• Do not go in alone, and keep water close by.

Hammam

In a traditional hammam, humid heat, difficulty breathing and slippery floors call for extra care in pregnancy. Instead of staying long, sitting briefly in a warm section, watching the floor and drinking plenty of water is safer. It is also reasonable to skip the hammam entirely in the first three months and the last weeks. Tell the person doing any scrub or massage that you are pregnant.

Hot baths and hot tubs

Relaxing in a bath is fine for most people as long as the water is not very hot. Aim for water you can comfortably tolerate with your hand or elbow, in other words, warm rather than hot.

• Hot tubs and spas can run hotter; they are especially discouraged in the first trimester and kept short later.
• Limit your time in the bath to 10–15 minutes.
• Use support when getting out and stand up slowly to avoid slipping.
• Use a non-slip mat where possible.

Other hot settings

Hot yoga, long exercise in very hot weather and feverish illness also raise body temperature. In warm weather protect yourself with shade, fluids and light clothing. Use electric blankets on a low setting and before you fall asleep.

What you can do

You can relax without raising the heat:

• A lukewarm shower or a warm foot bath
• Gentle stretching, pregnancy yoga and breathing exercises
• A pregnancy massage (if your doctor agrees and with an experienced therapist)
• A warm compress on your back and lower back
• Plenty of water and regular rest

If you really crave heat, set your own limits together with your doctor or midwife.

When to contact your doctor

• If you feel dizzy, faint, have a racing heart or shortness of breath in a hot place: get somewhere cool, sit down and drink water. If it does not improve or you lose consciousness, call 112.
• Signs of dehydration such as heavy sweating, intense thirst, dark or scanty urine.
• A temperature of 38 °C or higher; do not try to bring a fever down with a hot bath yourself.
• A clear drop in your baby’s movements, bleeding or regular tightenings after heat exposure.

This article is for general information; for the right temperature and duration for you, your doctor’s advice comes first.