Bathtubs and Swimming Pools

I just wondered if everyone here takes baths during pregnancy, and also what you guys think about cholorine in public swimming pools. I went through IVF and thus adhered to all of the restrictions that come along with that rigorous program. But now at 9 weeks the restrictions of the past few months have finally begun to lift (yay!! :woohoo: ).

First, the bath - I haven't had a warm bath in SOOOOOOO long, but I used to LOVE them for calming down before bed! Is it really okay to do? Even in the first trimester? My doctor said I could swim, so I'm assuming a warm (but not hot) bath is also okay. But also - should I avoid putting anything in the water (bath oils, etc)? Is there anything safe to use? I used to love using lavender bath oil or baby oil in the bath.

Second - With regard to the pool - My friend was telling me about the pool at the YMCA (where I am about to join so I can swim) and she said, in a very concerned voice: "But it has chlorine," as though that should make me afraid to use it while pregnant. That made me paranoid about the chemicals. If I can't go get a manicure because of the fumes, should I also be concerned about breathing in (and literally bathing in) the chemicals in a public pool?

My RE is a little crazy and would have me spend the next 7 months in a bubble (though he did say I could swim!)...so I thought I'd ask you what you've experienced and/or been told.

Thanks!

 

I've never been told not to swim or take a bath. I do know that you need to avoid super hot baths, steam rooms, saunas etc. Basically you don't want it to be hot enough to raise your body temperature.

 

During my first trimester, showers would make me throw up. I think it was the standing. I took a number of baths in comfortably warm water and never had an issue. I used Mr. Bubble bubblebath, too. Sometimes that was the only non-m/s way to get clean.

A friend of mine used the pool as a way to relax when she was in her 3rd trimester with twins. She also did IVF so I don't think that mattered. I plan on doing the same thing if I'm able.

Disclaimer: I'm no doctor, though!

 

my doc always told me to take warm baths when i had braxton hicks. and i took a prenatal swim class for the majority of my pregnancy... it's actually really good for you, and feels good on your belly when you start really getting big!

 

My OB told me that prenatal yoga or prenatal swiming class would be the best for me as execise.

 

I took baths pretty much everyday when I was pregnant and I also swam. YOu better take all the baths you can now because once the twins are born they will become alot less if at all. I know since I had my twins I haven't had a bath yet. Theres just no time and I'm always so tired. I just have to make do with quick showers.

 

i was never told not to take a bath or swim, but at 23W, even though i would love one, i just know once i get down in there that i wont be able to get back up. i supose if i was going to swim in a pool, i might not use the Y because they always seem to use a higher amount of chlorine than most others. If i walk in the doors and the chemicals sting my eyes or make it feel like it's harder to breathe in there, i'd go elsewhere.


23W6D mono/di boys

 

I have taken baths since the start and it is a great back pain reliever for me now. I take about two to three baths a week. The mucous plug prevents water from entering the uterus. I would just be sure to make sure the water temp does not go above 102 degrees F. I actually don't let it go above 100 just to be safe but you should ask your doctor for guidelines for temps, especially in the first trimester.

I personally don't like swimming in public pools but have heard it is fine for pregnancy. I think you just need to make sure your heartbeat stays in check if you are swimming for exercise. I was at a conference in September and Dara Torres (40 year old Olympian) spoke and she swam up to her delivery and was actually back in the pool within a week. The thing that would drive me nuts about the pool water is the chlorine drying out my already itchy skin : )

 

I take occasional warm baths and they are very relaxing! I would love to swim but its too cold for me to swim now.

 

After I was released from the RE I was able to return to taking baths. My ob said absolutely no swimming FOR EXERCISE! She absolutely does not want me doing anything that raises my heartrate. And after going through so many attempts to get pregnant, I am willing to live with her decision. I was not overweight before the pregnancy so I am not too concerned yet.

 

my doctor said to take baths as often as i want as long as they are warm and not hot. she also told me the only way i could exercise was in a swimming pool. she said the mucus plug keeps bacterias out of the vagina and away from the babies. also from a buddy of mine who does pool maintanance for a living, chlorine isnt really very dangerous if its diluted like in the water in swimming pools. you should be fine. go and enjoy a good soak.

 

Ditto everyone.

I bath nightly, it's a rare night I don't, it helps me sleep and helps my horrible restless legs. In the beginning I used a baby bath duckie thermometer to be sure the water didn't go above 100 degrees. And I always take a nice cold drink in with me so I can sip on it and keep my body temp from getting too high. Now, I know roughly how warm i can get it safely.

As for swimming, my dd was due in september and I lived in our pool all summer long! Felt so wonderful to take the stress off my body!! I wish I could swim this time too but we have a small set up outdoor pool!

 

QUOTE(cvaughn @ Jan 9 2009, 02:33 PM) [snapback]1139946[/snapback]
I took baths pretty much everyday when I was pregnant and I also swam. YOu better take all the baths you can now because once the twins are born they will become alot less if at all. I know since I had my twins I haven't had a bath yet. Theres just no time and I'm always so tired. I just have to make do with quick showers.

This is true, but I must add that I had to give the baths up around 30 weeks cause it was just too hard for me to get out of the tub.