Are Bath Bombs Safe to Use During Pregnancy?


Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring on some fears. While bath bombs might seem harmless enough to use during your pregnancy, you might still be wondering if they’re safe for you or the baby at all.

Some state that bath bombs with “special oils” may cause a yeast infection. However, there is no real research that backs this statement. It’s still crucial to take a bath with a bath bomb at an optimal temperature which is about 99F, to avoid neural tube defects.

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There’s a lot to think about when it comes to using bath bombs while pregnant. One of the main questions is whether using a bath bomb during pregnancy is safe. But thankfully, we’re here with the top 8 things you need to know.

Are Bath Bombs Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

No institution has provided specific contraindications regarding the use of bath bombs during pregnancy. If you want to use a bath bomb while being pregnant, go ahead. It’s still recommendable to take the necessary safety measurements to make sure that no accidents happen while you’re taking a bath.

Let’s take into account this post from Healthline about baths during pregnancy. While the website links sources that talk about the optimal temperature (which is about 99ºF to avoid neural tube defects) and duration of the bath for pregnant people, nothing else is backed up by actual research.

The website mentions that using “bath bombs or special oils” can cause a yeast infection. This is because they modify your vagina’s acidic balance. Considering that most medicines to treat yeast infections cannot be used during pregnancy, it can be an unpleasant experience. However, no real research exists that links bath bombs with yeast infections or similar problems.

Furthermore, most bath bombs clearly specify that their products are 100% safe to use while being pregnant. However, as we’ve mentioned, they still recommend taking the safety measurements you need to take a comfortable and relaxing bath.

We can safely assume that you can use bath bombs while being pregnant without worries, as long as you use them as they’re intended to.

Can I use Lush bath bombs while pregnant?

Lush has a whole section dedicated to the indication of its products during pregnancy. Similar to what we’ve mentioned in the previous section, Lush bath bombs are safe to use while being pregnant, as long as you use them as they’re supposed to – so, you can go ahead and take a relaxing bath to alleviate some stress.

On the other hand, Lush states that they follow the norms provided by the International Fragrance Association to make sure that their products are 100% safe to use at all times, including during pregnancy.

Furthermore, Lush says that there isn’t any contraindication regarding the use of essential oil in your skin (their products contain essential oils to a certain degree). Most warnings refer to the ingestion of these substances, which will not happen while you’re taking a bath in normal circumstances.

As long as you’re using your Lush bath bombs as they’re supposed to be used, you should be okay. These products are not harmful to you in any way. However, you should still take the necessary safety measurements to avoid any potential accident from happening while you’re taking a bath.

However, if you’re still having doubts, we recommend contacting your physician or midwife to confirm that you can use Lush bath bombs safely.

Can you use (Epsom) bath salts while pregnant?

Epson bath salts are made of magnesium and sulfate. They are safe to use while being pregnant, and they can actually be helpful. 

  1. It relieves sore muscles.

Epsom bath salts are mostly used by athletes who claim to feel relief after a workout session. It is excellent for alleviating sore muscles, and given that back pain is quite common during pregnancy, we can safely assume taking a bath with Epsom salt can make you feel better. It is also known to help with leg cramps.

  1. It reduces stress.

Many pregnant people claim to feel less stressed after taking a bath with Epsom salt. This is due to the presence of magnesium, which is known to be a natural stress reducer.

  1. It soothes your skin.

Most pregnant people (if not all) experience painful skin stretching throughout the duration of the pregnancy period. However, Epsom salt is known to have a relieving effect on your skin. Plus, the muscle-relief properties make it an excellent companion during your baths.

  1. If ingested, it can help you digest.

Epsom salt can help you with digestion. However, please note that it’s a practice not recommended to everyone, and you should always consult with a professional before consuming something uncommon.

Furthermore, considering that Magnesium deficiency is quite common, ingesting Epsom salt can help you replace what you usually don’t consume on a daily basis. If you think that you’re not getting enough salt from your diet, you can consult with your physician to get appropriate advice based on your situation. 

You should not ingest Epsom salt unless a professional specifically instructs it.

Does Epsom salt truly have such healing properties?

While no research can indicate if Epsom salt can make you feel relief, recent research says that your skin can absorb the magnesium sulfate, which causes the relief effect on your skin and muscles. Some experts argue that the amount we absorb is not enough to have such a prominent effect.

So, while some doctors may recommend it to you to feel relief on your skin, muscles, or back while you’re pregnant, it is impossible to determine whether it is as effective as many people believe it is.

Which essential oils should you avoid during pregnancy?

Some essential oils are known to cause problems, such as uterine contractions, or the effects on you, or the fetus are unknown. You should not use the following essential oils while being pregnant, not even in aromatherapy:

  • Cinnamon
  • Thuja
  • Mugwort
  • Birch
  • Sage
  • Fennel
  • Basil
  • Pennyroyal
  • Birch
  • Tansy
  • Wormwood
  • Wintergreen
  • Tarragon
  • Parsley seed and leaf
  • Tarragon
  • Marjoram
  • Clary sage

Are there any pregnant-safe bath bombs? 

Most homemade bath bombs are safe to use during pregnancy. As mentioned in the sections above, no research indicates how “bad” or “good” can be a bath bomb for you. While some posts around the internet state that they’re terrible for your vagina’s health, some experts have confirmed that bath bombs will not mess with your vagina’s ecosystem unless you are sensitive.

Furthermore, there is no research about the effects of bath bombs on pregnancy. Lush, for instance, states that its products follow the guidelines provided by the International Fragrance Association and are entirely safe to use during pregnancy.

Ingredients in bath bombs that you should avoid while you’re pregnant

Now, while bath bombs are safe to use during pregnancy, there are some ingredients that you should avoid to take care of yourself:

  • Potent fragrances and dyes are strong chemicals that can make you feel genital irritation and may mess with the pH of your genitalia, which can lead to major problems like bacterial vaginosis.
  • Talc has been associated with ovarian cancer, although there is still a discussion going on about this topic. Still, it would be best if you avoided it just in case.
  • Parabens and phthalates have been associated with endocrine disruptions, which can cause you to have hormonal problems. Experts recommend avoiding these agents in all beauty or hygiene products.
  • Glycerin is the best moisturizer that nature can offer. However, it can contribute to the overgrowth of yeast, which can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
  • Glitter is a common ingredient in many bath bombs. They make the water look funny and make the bath feel fancier. However, it’s quite complicated to get rid of glitter, and you may end up scratching the skin in your vagina.

While none of the elements mentioned above have been associated with pregnancy problems, they have been associated with vaginal problems. Dealing with these health issues while being pregnant can be quite unpleasant and may make you feel more stressed than you already are.

How long can I take a bath while pregnant?

Bath is an excellent way of relaxing after a stressful day. However, although it is safe to take a bath while you’re pregnant, it is also recommended to take into account certain precautions. In this case, it is highly recommended to stay in the water for only 15-20 minutes. This way, you will decrease the risk of contracting an infection. 

Safe bath temperature during pregnancy

Experts recommend keeping the water bath around 104ºF. Considering that a pregnant woman’s body temperature is usually around 99ºF, it is highly recommended not to drop increase it more than 101ºF.

A study has found out that being in the bathtub for about 20 minutes while the water temperature is at 104ºF will not raise your body temperature levels in any way. However, it is essential to be aware of your reactions to temperature to avoid overheating.

Tips for taking a bath safely while being pregnant

Being pregnant is a wonderful experience, but it can be quite complicated. While you can continue taking baths as per usual, it’s recommended to keep in mind the following advice to prevent certain problems from happening.

  • If you want to use a bath bomb while being pregnant, we recommend you take a look at the ingredients to make sure that none of them will cause irritation.
  • Experts don’t recommend using bath oils, bath bombs, or similar ingredients as they can cause irritation on your vagina (or your skin, if you’re sensitive).
  • Epsom salts are okay to use, as well as oatmeal baths.

Besides that, remember that the bathtub is slippery. Make sure you take the necessary precautions. Furthermore, we recommend you consult with your doctor to confirm what bath products you can and can’t use while you’re pregnant.

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