Can I use shower gel when I’m pregnant?

Shower gel is a common cleaning product in life. Both men and women use shower gel when taking a bath. However, men and women have different considerations when choosing shower gel. Women prefer moisturizing shower gels, while men prefer shower gels with bactericidal effects. Women must be careful in all aspects of life during pregnancy, so can they use shower gel to take a bath at this time?

Can I use shower gel when I’m pregnant?

Pregnant women can use shower gel. The bath products for pregnant women should be non-irritating, without strong fragrance, and moisturizing. It is best to use shower gel specially designed for pregnant women to avoid hurting the sensitive skin of expectant mothers. because:

1. If you use inappropriate bath products, you may experience allergic reactions such as dry skin, peeling, or even rashes.

2. If you use bath products with too strong fragrance, it will not only be irritating, but also smell uncomfortable and easily cause dizziness. So by the same token, you should not place air fresheners in the bathroom, because they are irritating to pregnant women and fetuses. Just keep the bathroom clean and odor-free.

It is safe for pregnant women to take a hot bath with a temperature less than 37.8℃, and it can make pregnant women relax enough, as long as the bath water is not too hot. Experts say that bath water temperatures above 39°C are unsafe for pregnant women. Hyperthermia is dangerous to mother and baby, but it is unlikely that the body can reach such high temperatures unless it is exposed to very high temperatures for a long time.

Taking a hot bath during pregnancy can be relaxing for pregnant women, but the water temperature must not be too high. High temperatures can cause dizziness or lack of oxygen in pregnant women, which is unsafe for the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to the water temperature and the temperature of the room when taking a hot bath.

Generally speaking, as long as the water temperature is close to your body temperature, about below 38°C, it is safe for pregnant women to take a hot bath. If the water is too warm and your body becomes too hot, your heart rate will increase, which will reduce the amount of blood flowing to the fetus, which may cause stress to your baby.

1. If you choose to soak in hot water, then several precautions should be taken

The water temperature should not be higher than 37.9℃ and the soaking time should not exceed 10 minutes. Purchase a thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Overheating can cause people to feel weak or dizzy, break out in cold sweats, and shiver. Other signs of an increased temperature are extreme thirst, dry mouth, nausea, or feeling overheated.

If these symptoms begin to occur, the pregnant woman should leave immediately and contact a healthcare provider. In addition, when taking a hot bath, it is best to have someone to help you. If you feel dizzy due to the temperature, at least there is someone to help you to prevent accidents.

2. Leave the hot area before you feel any signs of danger

If you soak in a tub, sauna, or steam room before you know you are pregnant, your risk is probably low. If you don't feel any warning signs of danger and get away before it gets too hot, the risk factor is extremely low. Most women will leave the heat zone before there are any danger warning signs.

High temperatures can have extreme effects on both mother and child. If the internal temperature remains too high for too long, blood pressure drops, causing less oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the baby. The child may have birth defects, such as neural tube defects, and spinal cord complications are also possible.

Temperature-related precautions include not only staying in an overheated room or bathing in a tub, but also being aware of whether you have a fever. Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration caused by fever, high room temperatures, and bathing in the tub. If you have any questions, the doctor will guide you. Dehydration in pregnant women can lead to serious consequences, so expectant mothers should be especially careful.