Aug 29 2008
Don’t Take a Bath when you’re pregnant
I was just browsing through some articles and came across this list of myths. “Number 9. Don’t take a bath when you’re pregnant.”. I was shocked at the first thought of some pregnant woman not having cleaned herself for nine months! Then it occurred to me that “taking a bath” in the States means using the bath tub to wash one’s self. In other countries, taking a bath generally means taking a shower, or swimming in the ocean or something like that. Basically get yourself wet and clean.
But here’s the explanation for the myth:
“Apparently, concerns about contracting an infection that could spread from the vagina, through the cervix, into the womb led to recommendations to avoid bathing. However, there is no well-established risk known to be associated with bathing during pregnancy. The water should not be too hot, since raising body temperature above 101 degrees F may cause problems. And there may be times to avoid bathing altogether, for example, if your water has broken or there is bleeding” -health.yahoo.com
Heck I had a bath right up until the hour before each of my boys came into the world! I think they used to say not to wash your hair whilst have your period too - and we think we live in strange times!