While pregnant, you don’t want to do anything that may harm your unborn baby. It’s wise to consider what you eat and how you sleep; interestingly, your walking style may also become a concern.
Taking a cold shower has been a debatable topic for years. Some experts recommend it, while others warn against cold/ice baths. This begs the question, “is it OK to take a cold shower when pregnant?”
In this article, let’s explore the benefits /dangers of taking a cold shower while pregnant and the safety precautions.
Is It OK To Take A Cold Shower When Pregnant?
The answer is yes. A cold shower or bath is generally safe for you and your baby. However, there are precautions you ought to take for your comfort and safety.
Cold water is therapeutic. It’s associated with numerous benefits, including enhancing better sleep, proper blood circulation, muscle pain relief, aiding with itchy skin, and improving symptoms of morning sickness.
While hot showers may seem luxurious and soothing, more pregnant women are embracing the refreshment of cold showering. You may get varied opinions about using hot vs. cold water during pregnancy, depending on who you ask.
Most experts encourage mothers-to-be to take a shower regularly. As to what’s the best temperature, ask your OB/GYN to know what works for you. Cold baths or dips are a great option to cool fluctuating temperatures, especially during summer.
Nevertheless, taking a freezing cold shower while pregnant might be risky. If you’re considering making it your new routine, start gradually and listen to how the body responds. You don’t have to struggle with the summer heat due to fear of hurting your little one, but remember, every pregnancy is unique.
Is It Safe To Take A Cold Shower While Pregnant?
Forget the long-time myth linking a cold shower or swimming in freezing water to the risk of infections. A cold shower is safe as long as mothers-to-be take the necessary precautions. If you’re in doubt about cold showering, always seek assistance from your medical practitioner.
While there’s little proof about the effect of maternal cold showering on the growing baby, a case study by PubMed affirmed that cold water swimming is likely to present better obstetric outcomes in pregnant women and is beneficial in relieving stress. This is a similar impact when you safely take cold showers.
The thought of cold water on your body and not the usual warm-hot water may be scary initially. It’s advisable to start with Luke-warm water before gradually lowering temperatures. this strategy helps you to defeat your fears and enjoy the benefits of cold therapy,
7 Benefits Of Cold-Showering During Pregnancy
Cold- showering is lovely and healthy for you and your developing munchkin. However, it may take work, for starters. That’s OK. Now that I’ve answered the concern, “can you take a cold shower when pregnant?”, let’s discover further the benefits you may reap from this hygiene routine.
So, which are the advantages of cold showering? They include:
1. Helps blood circulation – When cold water touches your body, the heart quickly pumps blood to keep you warm. This process improves blood circulation and general cardiovascular health.
2. Alleviates muscle pain, body swelling, and fatigue – Numerous studies have proved the impact of cold therapy in treating pain. Taking a cold shower for 3-5 minutes per day soothes pain and improves fatigue while curbing the swelling of feet during pregnancy.
3. Boosts energy levels and metabolism – As your body works harder to restore warmth after a cold shower, you’ll likely experience better-renewed energy.
4. Curbs morning sickness – Cold water is refreshing and a good remedy for alleviating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Drinking a glass of cold water may also help with morning sickness.
5. Soothes itchy skin – Who doesn’t like looking beautiful? The good news is that your hair and skin may also benefit from regular cold showering. Cold water stimulates the immune system, reducing skin inflammation and itchiness. Further, you may enjoy shinier, glossier hair by using cold water.
6. Promotes quality sleep – As your baby grows towards the second and third trimesters, you may experience disturbed sleep patterns due to mood changes and sleeping positions. Cold water activates your natural mood boosters to help you relax and sleep better. For best results, take your shower at dawn or before bedtime.
7. Helps you stay cool and reduce stress – Sometimes, you fancy standing under a shower or swimming in cold water to curb high temperatures, especially during summer. That’s OK. According to Psychology Today, cold showers provide a calming effect by decreasing the stress hormone (cortisol).
Experts recommend cold showers during pregnancy. It is safe and healthy for both of you. However, please take caution when taking ice births since they involve submersion.
Ice baths may inhibit blood flow, leading to stroke and cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, enjoy your cold shower while taking the necessary safety precautions.
6 Helpful Tips To Keep In Mind When Cold-Showering
So far, you can relax, knowing taking a cold shower is ha can’t harmless. While I’ve mentioned the need to take safety precautions when cold-showering, which are these measures?
Worry not. Below are points to remember when taking a cold shower during pregnancy:
- Mind the water temperature – Despite cold water being beneficial, it’s best to avoid ice-cold showers. Adjust the temperature gradually. You may test the waters first with your feet and hands before getting to the entire body. This helps your body adjust quickly to cold temperatures.
2. Do not overstay in the shower – Your immune system is weaker than usual during pregnancy. Take 3-5 minutes when taking a cold shower to prevent catching illnesses such as colds. Overstaying may also leave you shivering, and it’s not good for your health.
3. Shift positions while showering – Cold water compresses blood vessels, interfering with proper blood circulation. Avoid standing in one position when showering to enhance the healthy flow of blood.
4. Avoid taking a hot bath right after a cold shower – The sudden change from cold to hot water is dangerous to pregnant women. The constricted blood vessels could cause shock, leading to dizziness and fainting.
5. Hydrate accordingly – When pregnant, the heart pumps more blood to different organs. The increased blood volume makes you highly prone to dehydration. After taking a cold shower, drink lots of fluids, including water and fresh juices, to prevent excessive dehydration.
6. Listen to your body – While craving cold water, your body may not want it. Take note of how you feel. If it’s too uncomfortable, avoid cold showering or adopt creative ways of doing it. Let your body guide you.
Wrapping Up
Are you still asking, “Is it OK to take a cold shower when pregnant?” Here’s what you should know:
You can enjoy a cold shower/ swim during pregnancy but follow safety precautions. Cold water is therapeutic and refreshing.
Cold–showering improves blood circulation, promotes better sleep, reduces stress, curbs fatigue, and effectively curbs signs of morning sickness.
For safe cold showering, start warm and finish cold, avoid overstaying in the shower, plus remember to hydrate accordingly after a cold shower. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor before starting the routine.
More to Read
- What Happens If You Don’t Eat Enough While Pregnant? – Surprising Facts
- Is My Baby Hungry When I’m Hungry During Pregnancy?
- Is It Bad To Not Take Prenatal Vitamins While Pregnant?
- It Feels Like Baby Is Shaking Inside Me! Is That Normal?
- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
