How bad are sauna's for pregnancy?

Question

My husband and I have been TTC for a few months now. We will not know if we are successful or not until Dec. 24th (at the earliest).  My husband's family is Finnish.  We are going there for Christmas (on Dec. 23rd) They do not have baths or showers they have a sauna (one indoors and one outdoors).  Will it be safe for my baby to sauna while I am there if I keep them short, if I keep the temperature moderate, and I stay on the lower benches (slightly cooler)? I have read a lot of conflicting studies on this...

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I think the simplest solution to this would be to not go to the sauna to stay in the heat but to just wash yourself. I guess their indoor sauna at least would have a separate room for that.

In Finland the view held by health care people etc is that sauna is not dangerous during pregnancy, because finnish saunas are heated to quite high temperatures and most people only stay in the hot room for 5-10 minutes at a time, tops, and that is not enough time for the temperature inside the body or in the womb to rise.

Interesting bit is that before people started to deliver babies in hospitals in the early 20th century, the sauna often was the room where finnish people gave birth. Of course it was not heated up to 70-90 centigrade but just to a comfortable warm temperature.

SAHMof2Boys · Answer

I wouldn't recommend it, just to be on the safe side, certainly since it's so early.  Raising your core body temperature can hurt your baby, especially early on.   In a sauna no longer than 15 minutes, but be cautious [be aware of how hot your are getting, above 101 is dangerous] Maybe try sponge bathing while your there. Just let them know your concerns about the baby and your health, that way they will understand and maybe recommend something else for you! I hope this helps and best of luck!

xowolfeyedladyox · Answer

I truly wouldn't suggest using a sauna while pregnant. I was in the habit of taking a long warm shower with my pregnancy and was advised to cut them short by my doctor (I was being monitored in the hospital due to low fluid) who stated that the risk of high body tempature could be damaging to my baby. In all aspects. I would consult with a trusted doctor.

mommy_2_liam · Answer

It is not good for a pregnant woman to raise her core body temperature.  You may want to skip the sauna for now...maybe just do sponge baths if nothing else available...jsut to be safe.

mazooka · Answer

Okay, obviously, your mother-in-law has dealt with this.... your husband is here.  Ask her advice.  Tell her you have heard conflicting information.  I guarantee you she will not tell you do anything that will harm her grandchild!!!

As a general rule, it is not good to let your core heat rise too high, and sharp temperature changes are not good.

singitoutloudandclear · Answer

well the concern for the saunas, spas, hot tubs is the heat.  your body temp should not get to high, it is not good for the baby.  enjoy your trip!

turco · Answer

im thinking it would be quite bad...but im not sure..i never been in a sauna....but i do know hot tubs are really bad! so if its about the same as a hot tub or worse it might not be a good idea...other than that i say ask your DR. =D

hawaiianmalibu · Answer

Well....how bad is it to put a fetus in an oven...If it is above 100 degrees....it's not recommended

Sammyleggs222 · Answer

Temperature shock can hurt the system...I'd avoid it or just sponge bathe.....

Luz1219 · Answer

if i were you i wouldn't risk my baby

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How bad are sauna's for pregnancy?

10 Answers