Hot tubs  can be dangerous during pregnancy. They can raise the body core temperature abnormally high causing a condition known as hyperthermia.

What are the risks of using  hot tubs  during pregnancy ?

A body temperature of  101º F and above can be a cause for concern. Studies have shown that increasing the body core temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause miscarriage and neural tube defects. That is why pregnant women are advised treat fever with acetaminophen to prevent hyperthermia.

It takes about 10 to 20 minutes for a hot tub to raise your body temperature to  102º F or higher.

What about a hot bath during pregnancy ?

A hot bath is a safer way to relax. The upper part of the body remains out of the water during a hot bath. This reduces your  risk of  overheating the body. The water in bath tub begins to cool down thereby reducing the risk of over heating.

Even though hot tubs are not recommended during pregnancy, you can take these precautions just in case you have to use them.

• limit the time in a hot tub to about 10 minutes or less
• monitor your body temperature
• get out of the tub if you begin to sweat or experience any discomfort
• reprogram the hot tub to maintain a lower temperature
• do not sit near the inlet that provides newly heated water