During pregnancy women may feel like they are drowning in a pool of misinformation. Today the internet is full of resources, but still it can be hard to find good advice. One question commonly asked, “is it safe to take baths during pregnancy?”  

Carrying a baby is hard work. Everything that improves a mother’s general health and wellbeing is worth considering and water is the element that can help transform feelings of exhaustion, heaviness and worry into the realms of relaxation, calm and trust. 

Baths can be especially important during the last trimester since the effect of weightlessness can be relaxing and reduce stress for pregnant women. Doctors and midwives strongly recommend swimming and water therapy.  

In 1960, Michel Odent, a French doctor living in England, introduced the concept of birthing pools to English obstetrics as an analgesic technique. It has been proven that in the first stage of labor, immersing in a warm bath increases maternal relaxation, reduces analgesic requirements and promotes a midwifery model of care (Cluett et al. 2009).

It is safe to take baths during pregnancy, just make sure the water is at a safe temperature. The temperature should not be more than 98 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too hot, it could reduce blood flow to the baby, which puts the baby under stress. As always, it is best to consult with your doctor or midwife first. 

Good for Mama founder, Ariel would be in her bathtub a few times a week. For her this was a sacred ritual. Set a date and treat yourself at least once a week with an epsom salt bath. Disconnect from your phone and the world outside and practice present moment awareness with a candle light and soft sounds.

Good for mama community’s favorite Epsom Salt is the Dr. Teal's lavender. Lavender increases the chill out moment. You can find it on Amazon and you should add a whole bag to your bathtub!

If baths aren't your thing or you do not have a tub, you can try a warm foot bath; pools, oceans, or lakes are also good alternatives.

Ariel’s favorite way to bathe is the sensory deprivation floating tank. It is a sensorial experience used for restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST). All the sounds and the outside stimulation are cut off in a closed room or even a bath with a lid and you float weightless because of the huge amount of Epsom salt. 

In the silence and darkness the brain enters into a deeply relaxed state allowing the water to hold your weight. This will release tension in your whole body, especially in the areas of your neck/shoulder and lower back, where we tend to suffer the most while pregnant. 

Remember, about 60% to 70% of our bodies are made of water. During pregnancy, babies grow in an aquatic environment. Water is around us everywhere, even our planet is 70% water. 

So surrender and through the water we can have a healing experience. Let go of the phone and the to-do list and take this time to meditate and connect with your baby, connect with this woman that is about to be reborn. Enjoy this time, fully connected with water. Light up a candle and trust the healing powers of the salts and water.

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Written by: Raquel Araujo
Edited by: Lily Zara