IS IT SAFE TO TAKE A BATH INSTEAD OF A SHOWER, DURING PREGNANCY??

May sound like a silly question, but lots of first time moms don't know!

A daily shower or bath, whichever you prefer, will keep you fresh and clean.  Tub baths are not harmful at any time during pregnancy.  However research indicates that soaking in very hot baths (hot tubs, sitz baths, saunas) for prolonged periods of time, capable of raising the body temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit or or 38 degrees Celsius, especially during the first 3 months can increase your risk for birth defects.  So limit your time in the tub to less than 10 minutes OR take only luke-warm bathes.  This warning applies to saunas as well.  As your get bigger and heavier, get someone to help you in and out of the tub.  The possibility of falling on a wet slipper floor/tub becomes increasingly more likely. 

When I am pregnant, I like to shower in the morning and then take a short bath at night.  It helps me to stay feeling fresh.  (You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge throughout your pregnancy)  The nightly bath can also help relax you and help you sleep if you are having trouble with that.

Be sure to only use gentle soap and use them with care.  Vaginal deodorant sprays are not recommended and the same goes for douching unless your health care provider suggests it. 

If you notice that your nipples are becoming caked from the exudation of colostrum you should wash them gently with soft cotton and warm water 2 or 3 times a day.  NO SOAP!!!  Soap tends to dry out your nipples as our skin produces our own natural oils and the soap will take that away.  Try avoiding nipple stimulation by patting them dry instead of rubbing them.  That too, will help keep you from rubbing away those natural oils.