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Questions and Answers

Q. Is it safe to take a bath at 6 months pregnant? I was told it wasn't, that it could cause a still birth among other things.

A. Perhaps the person who gave you such information had heard that taking a hot bath or sitting in hot-tubs, whirlpools, etc. was dangerous during pregnancy.

It is perfectly safe to bathe in warm, not hot, water during pregnancy as long as the bag of waters surrounding the baby has not broken. Many women who start labor with a rupture of the bag of waters will want to take a shower and will be able to do so with no problem. In fact, standing or sitting on a stool in a warm shower can be a very nice way to deal with contractions during active labor.

Enjoy your "tub time" and keep your water comfortably warm---not hot, and of course be careful getting in and out of the tub (it can be tricky for pregnant ladies).

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.