Pregnancy often brings unique needs and heightened sensitivity—and that’s completely understandable. What feels perfectly normal in everyday life might require a little more caution when you’re expecting. One common question that many moms-to-be ask is: Is it safe to use a hot tub during pregnancy? And if not, could it harm the baby?
In this article, Giving Tree Home takes a closer look at the safety of hot tub use during pregnancy. Please keep in mind that Giving Tree Home is a bathroom and wellness brand, not a medical organization. The information we share here is drawn from reputable public health sources and professional advice. For any personal health concerns during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your obstetrician rather than relying solely on online information.
Is It Safe to Use a Hot Tub During Pregnancy?
Research on hot tub safety during pregnancy is still fairly limited. While most experts don’t issue an outright ban, they do recommend exercising caution—taking into account factors like water temperature, how long you soak, your stage of pregnancy, and your overall health.
That said, both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Chinese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Pregnancy Health Guidelines (2025 Edition) advise expectant mothers to avoid hot tubs whenever possible. Their main concern is maternal overheating, which can raise your core body temperature and potentially affect fetal development.
Risks of Using a Hot Tub During Pregnancy
(1) Early Pregnancy
The first trimester—the first three months of pregnancy—is a critical time for fetal development, especially for the formation of the neural tube, which later becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. During this stage, the fetus is extremely sensitive to increases in temperature.
Research suggests that if a mother’s core body temperature rises above 38.5°C (101.3°F) for an extended period, it can interfere with normal cell division and neural tube development. This may increase the risk of serious birth defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
When you soak in a hot tub, heat is absorbed through the skin, gradually raising your core temperature. Even at 39°C (102°F), a 15-minute soak can push your body temperature close to 38°C. If the water is hotter than 40°C (104°F) or the soak lasts longer than 20 minutes, your body temperature can easily reach the 38.5°C “danger zone.”
(2) Throughout Pregnancy
The risks don’t end after the first trimester. Using a hot tub later in pregnancy can also affect the baby. When your body overheats, it activates cooling mechanisms that draw blood toward the skin’s surface, temporarily reducing blood flow to the placenta—the organ responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
Reduced placental circulation may lead to short-term decreases in the baby’s oxygen or nutrient supply. As your pregnancy progresses and the baby’s demands grow, frequent or prolonged hot tub use may increase the risk of restricted fetal growth, and in rare cases, could trigger fetal distress or abnormal movement.
(3) Risks for the Mother
- Blood Pressure and Dizziness
Hot water causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure. In late pregnancy, this may result in postural hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up after soaking—leading to dizziness, fainting, or even falls.
- Leg Swelling
As the uterus expands, it presses against the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from your legs back to your heart. While warm water can help relax tense muscles, sitting still in a hot tub for too long can actually worsen swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles.
- Infection Risk
Pregnancy naturally weakens the immune system, making you more prone to infections. If the hot tub water isn’t properly maintained—or contains oils, bath salts, or other additives—bacteria or yeast can thrive in the warm, stagnant environment. This can increase the risk of vaginal infections, which, if left untreated, may lead to chorioamnionitis or preterm labor.
Common Misconception — Hot Tubs vs. Baths
When you search online for phrases like “pregnant + bath,” it’s easy to find mixed advice—and a lot of confusion between hot tubs and baths. While the two may seem similar, they’re actually quite different.
- Hot Tub / Spa: A large tub filled with heated water that stays warm continuously, often equipped with powerful jets and a built-in temperature control system.
- Hot Bath: A standard household bathtub filled with hot water that naturally cools down over time.
The main differences come down to temperature consistency and shared use. For pregnant women, these differences matter. Hot tubs maintain a constant high temperature, which can increase the risk of overheating. And because they’re shared by multiple users, they can also harbor bacteria if not properly sanitized.
In contrast, a regular bath is generally safer since the water cools gradually. That said, Giving Tree Home still recommends keeping your bathwater comfortably warm—not hot—and limiting your soak time to ensure safety and comfort during pregnancy.
Recommendations for Using a Hot Tub During Pregnancy
(1) Keep the Temperature in Check
Keep the water temperature around 36–37°C (97–99°F)—roughly the same as your body temperature—to avoid overheating. You can test the water with the inside of your wrist; it should feel comfortably warm but not hot. Avoid testing with your palm, which is less sensitive to heat, and don’t rely solely on what feels “nice.” What seems soothing to most people can actually be too warm for pregnant women.
(2) Limit Your Soak Time
Try to keep each soak to no more than 15 minutes. Staying in longer can cause your blood pressure to drop, leading to dizziness or fatigue. Even if the water isn’t too hot, prolonged soaking can gradually raise your core body temperature. If you start feeling lightheaded, short of breath, or uncomfortable, get out right away and take a break.
(3) Stay Hydrated
Hot water can make you sweat more than you realize—especially when you’re submerged and can’t feel it. This kind of “hidden dehydration” can be risky, since pregnancy already increases your body’s need for fluids. Drink a glass of water before and after your soak to stay hydrated and help prevent dizziness, palpitations, or dehydration-related fatigue.
Ending
Pregnancy is a time to honor your body’s changing needs—and that includes how you relax. While a steaming hot tub might not be the best choice right now, there are plenty of other ways to unwind safely. Try a comfortably warm bath, light stretching, or even a few quiet minutes of mindfulness at the end of your day.
At Giving Tree Home, we believe that true wellness comes from balance—listening to your body, creating a soothing space, and caring for yourself in small but meaningful ways. When comfort and safety go hand in hand, both you and your baby can truly thrive.
