Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use

Table of Contents


Overview

Using a hot tub or sauna can raise your core body temperature. Having a core body temperature that's too high is called hyperthermia. It can harm the fetus. Hyperthermia during the early weeks of pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of neural tube defects.

Experts don't forbid hot tub or sauna use. But if you use a hot tub or sauna, you do need to be careful.1


References

Citations

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2017). Antepartum care. In Guidelines for Perinatal Care, 8th ed., pp. 149–211. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed October 2, 2023.

Credits for Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.