Can you go in a hot tub when pregnant? (Precautions, alternatives and more)

July 7, 2023

Estimated read time - 4 minutes

Author – Fin Green – Content Creator UK, Jacuzzi Group

Are you pregnant and wondering if you can have a soak in a hot tub? Perhaps you’re planning on getting pregnant and thinking about purchasing a hot tub to help you relax?

This article will explore the risks and precautions that come with using a hot tub when pregnant. You should reach the end, having peace of mind on how you and your baby bump can stay safe, and alternatives to consider.

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Jacuzzi Group. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (July 6, 2023) and may change without notice.

Disclaimer - We, Jacuzzi Group, are not medical professionals. Any health-related information stated in this article is of a general nature and should not be taken as specific advice on any medical conditions, including their diagnosis or treatment. Nothing in this article is intended to prescribe any particular diagnosis or course of action, nor to constitute a claim that any product referred to can diagnose, treat or prevent any disease, injury, ailment or adverse condition. If you are in any way concerned about your current health or wellbeing, please make contact with your General Practitioner or other medical professional for advice, and in particular we encourage you to take independent medical advice before committing yourself to any significant treatment.

Is it safe to go in a hot tub when pregnant?

According to the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK, it is considered wise to avoid the use of hot tubs during pregnancy. Doing so may result in overheating, dehydration or fainting. Therefore, hot tub usage must be approached with extreme caution, or avoided altogether while pregnant.

However, if hot tub usage is something you want to do during your pregnancy, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or midwife beforehand, to evaluate your personal situation and what may be the safest for you specifically.

Whether you are pregnant or not, prolonged immersion in water that exceeds a temperature of 40°C (104°F) can lead to an unsafe elevation in your body's core temperature. This temperature increase can pose a significant risk, especially during the initial trimester of pregnancy (which spans the first 12 weeks).

Can I use a hot tub in my first trimester?

Although using a hot tub at any point in pregnancy can pose a risk depending on the individual, the first trimester (0-12 weeks) is suggested to be the most risky trimester. The second (13-27 weeks) and third semester (28-41 weeks) can be a lower risk time to use a hot tub.

How long can pregnant women stay in a hot tub?

It is recommended that pregnant women don’t stay in a hot tub any longer than 10 minutes at a time, if soaking at a safe temperature.

If you start feeling faint or dizzy even before the 10 minutes ends, you should leave the hot tub immediately.

What temperature should a hot tub be when pregnant?

There are many speculations around the exact temperature a hot tub should be when you are pregnant. According to the NHS website, 35°C is the absolute maximum temperature for a pregnant woman to be in a hydrotherapy pool.

Avoiding hot tub usage due to their heat in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) is recommended. This is because your body is still getting use to regulating new hormones.

To learn more about the importance of hot tub temperature in general, read her e.

Risks to using a hot tub while pregnant

There are a number of risks to be aware of if using a hot tub , which is why medical experts recommend that they are avoided during pregnancy.

Overheating

The body's capacity to manage heat through sweating is compromised while using a sauna, hot tub, or steam room, leading to a rise in core body temperature.

Dizziness

When your body temperature rises, your skin receives a greater blood supply to regulate your temperature through sweating. As a result, your internal organs may receive less blood flow, including your brain.

Alternatives to going in a hot tub when pregnant

You may be hesitant to use a hot tub if you are pregnant or have been advised by healthcare professionals of doing so. If this sounds like you but, but you’re still in need of some water therapy; here are some alternatives you could look into:

Baths

Opting for a warm bath may not be as appealing as soaking in a hot tub, but it is a much safer alternative during pregnancy. A warm bath can still provide some of the soothing benefits of warm water while avoiding the potential hazards linked to hot tubs.

Foot Soak

A good old foot soak can do wonders for pregnant ladies, especially if swollen feet are the main reason, you are looking for some warm water therapy!

Prenatal Massage

A prenatal massage can sort you out just as much, if not more than hot tub jets can. A massage by a registered prenatal masseuse can be a safe way of relieving any aches and pains that pregnancy may bring.

Summary

The choice of using a hot tub while pregnant is completely subjective. It is not impossible for a pregnant woman to enjoy a hot tub, as long as being done with precautions such as lower temperature, shorter time frame, correctly sanitised water and more.

We recommend that you get a professional medical opinion from your doctor or midwife before making plans to use a hot tub during pregnancy.

The good news is, there are plenty of alternatives that you can consider that allow you to relax, without the risks.

For further peace of mind, you can speak to our team by searching for your nearest Jacuzzi® Hot Tub showroom below.

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Disclaimer: The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Jacuzzi Group.

NHS is a trademark owned by The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.