Can You Use A Hot Tub During Pregnancy?

There's no better feeling than sinking into a steamy hot tub after a long, stressful day—but if you're pregnant, that bubbly escape might come with some serious question marks.

What do prenatal experts say about hot tubs? Is it actually safe to soak while pregnant, or should you skip the jets and stick to a calming bath instead? We spoke with some healthcare experts to get the facts.

Why hot tubs pose a risk during pregnancy

Soaking in a hot tub may seem like the perfect remedy for pregnancy aches and discomfort, but it's important to understand the potential risks—most notably, overheating. Unlike a warm bath, hot tubs are maintained at higher and more consistent temperatures (typically around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius), which can raise your body temperature quickly and unpredictably. Medical guidelines advise that a pregnant person’s core temperature should not exceed 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.8 degrees Celsius.

Dr. Beth Oller, a Kansas family physician specializing in obstetric care, explains that hot tub heat is harder for the body to regulate than exercise heat. This means even a short soak could be dangerous. "Hot tub use can cause hyperthermia, which is when your body temperature goes above the normal range," Dr. Oller says. "Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in women who had increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy. That's why doctors typically recommend against hot tub use in pregnancy."

The risks of overheating (hyperthermia) in early pregnancy

Dr. Oller says hyperthermia is especially concerning in the first trimester, when the neural tube—an early structure that becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord—is still forming. “The neural tube starts out as a flat sheet of cells, then becomes a groove, and eventually folds over and fuses,” she explains. “When a mother’s body overheats during the first trimester, studies have linked this to a higher risk of neural tube defects, as well as other problems like heart defects, oral clefts and even pregnancy loss.”

Because of the increased risk of serious pregnancy complications, Oller strongly recommends avoiding hot tubs during pregnancy. “Most hot tubs are set to around 104°F, and within just 10 minutes, your body temperature can rise to 102°F or higher,” she says. “That is why it is important to check the water temperature, not just by relying on the control panel, but by using a pool thermometer to verify it.”

Risks and considerations in later pregnancy

After the first trimester, the risk of neural tube defects decreases, but overheating can still be dangerous, says Dr. Janice Krystal Ascencio, an OB-GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York. “Overheating remains a concern because elevated core body temperature can still lead to the mother becoming hypotensive, the fetus experiencing tachycardia, and reduced blood flow in the placenta. These can compromise oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus and increase the risk of preterm labour or fetal distress,” she explains.

As pregnancy advances, heat-related symptoms like dizziness or fainting become more likely due to changes in the circulatory system. “The enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava—especially when lying flat—reducing blood flow to the heart,” says Dr. Ascencio. “This lowers overall circulation, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to hypotension, dizziness or fainting when standing up. Soaking in a hot tub, particularly in high heat with poor ventilation, can worsen this by further dilating blood vessels, increasing the risk of fainting and injury.”

Don't forget the perspiration factor. “Despite being water-based, hot tubs can cause significant sweating, which often goes unnoticed due to the humid environment," says Ascencio. "For pregnant individuals, whose fluid needs are already higher, this can quickly lead to dehydration, increasing risks like Braxton Hicks contractions, preterm labour and lowered amniotic fluid if not corrected.”

While overheating tends to be the biggest hot tub red flag, bacterial infections shouldn't be ignored either. “Hot tubs can harbour waterborne pathogens which may cause folliculitis, UTIs or, rarely, more serious infections," cautions Ascencio. "Pregnancy can impair immune function, increasing susceptibility to these risks. Additionally, sanitizing chemicals such as chlorine or bromine may irritate skin and mucous membranes or disrupt vaginal flora, raising the risk of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.”

Tips for safe hot tub use (if any)

Thinking of slipping into a hot tub while pregnant? Here’s what to know before you turn yours on.

• Stick to a foot soak: As relaxing as a steamy hot tub might sound, it's best to keep things strictly lower-body, says Florida-based OB-GYN Dr. Christine Greves. She recommends limiting your soak to just your feet. “This helps keep your core temperature from entering the teratogenic zone,” she says.
• Keep it cool before you dip: Because overheating is a serious risk attached to hot tubs, temperature matters more than you think. According to Dr. Greves, it's best to only go in the water when it's on the lower side of the heat spectrum. "Ideally, you want it well below 100°F," she points out. "However, keep in mind that there is concern about reaching a core temperature above the threshold of 39°C."
• Soak for a short time: "The amount of time should be closely monitored and limited to 10 minutes or less, and the temperature should be below 100°F; however, between 96°F to 98°F would be better, " explains Dr. Oller. She also recommends sitting away from the jets (that’s where the water is hottest) and keeping the upper part of your body out of the water, or sitting with only the lower part of your body in the water.
• Stay hydrated: "You need to make sure that you drink plenty of water before, during, and after using the hot tub to prevent dehydration," says Oller. "It is much easier to become dehydrated during pregnancy just doing normal activities due to the increased fluid needs, and so anything that you are doing that could exacerbate this should be closely considered."
• Think twice before going in: Still debating whether to hop in? According to Dr. Greves, it might be better to sit this one out. "Instead, put a towel down and just soak your feet in the hot tub," she suggests. "However, make sure you have someone to help you up to ensure that you do not lose your balance or fall."

"If you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy or too hot, get out of the hot tub immediately," stresses Dr. Oller.

Safer alternatives for relaxation and pain relief

Not totally sold on soaking in a hot tub while pregnant? The good news is that there are plenty of safer—and more energy-efficient—ways to unwind and ease those aches. Dr. Angelika Priestley, an OB/GYN with Hoag Health in Southern California, shares a few that’ll help you relax without the worry.

• Take a warm bath: According to Dr. Preistley, warm baths can be a safe and comforting part of pregnancy, offering a gentle way to relax. She explains, "Warm baths can help ease muscle tension and soothe sore joints. The important thing to remember is to keep the water warm, not hot, since overly high temperatures can raise your core body temperature more than is advised."
• Use heating pads and or warm compresses: Heating pads and warm compresses can also come in handy when you're dealing with targeted aches — think your lower back, hips or shoulders. That said, safety comes first. According to Priestley, it's best to stick to a low or medium setting, limit use to 15 to 20 minutes at a time and always place a cloth or towel between your skin and the heat source. “You’ll also want to avoid applying heat directly to your abdomen,” she adds.
• Try gentle stretching or prenatal yoga: "Gentle stretching and prenatal yoga can ease muscle tension, improving circulation and promoting flexibility," Priestley says. "However, always choose pregnancy-safe poses and avoid movements that compress the abdomen or involve lying flat on your back, particularly later in pregnancy."
• Book a massage: Massage therapy from a certified prenatal massage therapist can also offer significant relief from common pregnancy discomforts. "Massages may help reduce muscle aches, swelling and stress, while also promoting better sleep and overall well-being," Priestley shares.
• Look into other relaxation techniques: Lastly, Priestley recommends relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness. "These can help calm the nervous system, lower stress levels and improve emotional well-being," she explains.

When to consult your health care provider

Before using a hot tub—or even safer alternatives—it's always best to talk to your healthcare provider first.

"High temperatures can be harmful to fetal development," explains Dr. Tiao-Virirak Kattygnarath, an OB/GYN and fertility expert in Toronto. "Patients need to be aware of the recommended maximum temperature and exposure time for each stage of pregnancy. It's also important to understand that some individuals may have additional risk factors and should avoid hot tubs altogether," he says.

Your doctor can offer personalized guidance based on your unique health needs. "Every patient's risk is different," Dr. Kattygnarath stresses. "Consulting your healthcare provider ensures that all factors are considered, so you can avoid unsafe activities during your specific trimester."

The bottom line

Hot tubs might sound like the ultimate pregnancy indulgence, but the risks—from overheating to dehydration—can quickly outweigh the relaxation. If you’re craving a way to unwind, think warm (not hot!) baths, heating pads or a good prenatal massage instead. And, as always: When in doubt, check in with your doctor.

Experts

• Dr. Beth Oller, MD, FAAFP, is a practicing family physician focused on obstetric care.
• Dr. Janice Krystal Ascencio, MD, MBA, FACOG, is a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in New York City.
• Dr. Christine Greves is a board-certified OB-GYN.
• Dr. Angelika Priestley is an OB/GYN with Hoag Health in Southern California.
• Dr. Tiao-Virirak Kattygnarath is a globally trained OBGYN and fertility expert with over 20 years of experience.