Can you take an ice bath while pregnant?

As a soon-to-be parent, your baby’s safety will inevitably be at the forefront of your mind. After all, you want to make sure they stay as healthy as possible before the big day, which may mean adjusting your workout routine to accommodate this.

Naturally, this means that you probably have plenty of queries surrounding what kinds of things are safe to do while pregnant, and what exercise or well-being practices are best avoided during pregnancy.

So, if you’ve got questions about the safety of ice baths, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the topic, looking at what to bear in mind as well as any potential risks associated with icy water when pregnant.

What are the general benefits of ice baths?

In general, ice baths are known for their multitude of health and wellness benefits, and they’re widely loved by wellness enthusiasts for their ability to ease sore muscles and reduce inflammation.

They’ve been shown to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation, not to mention their benefits when it comes to pain relief too. Along with this, there are plenty of benefits associated with ice baths and mental well-being. Cold water is a proven mood booster, and it also has the potential to spark mental alertness.

So, if you’ve heard about positives such as this, you may well be curious about whether it’s safe to reap these fantastic benefits during pregnancy? Well, we’ll offer you our insights on all things ice baths and pregnancy below.

Can you take an ice bath when pregnant?

During pregnancy, it’s crucial to practice caution when introducing a new practice of any kind, but can you take an ice bath while pregnant? Well, put simply, research on ice baths and pregnancy remains fairly limited, however, the general consensus is that you should avoid freezing temperatures while pregnant (especially if your body is not used to them).

Hypothermia is a main concern with cold water therapy, and you’ll also need to avoid subjecting your body to any shock which could be caused by coming into contact with cold water.

Healthcare professionals typically suggest avoiding both extreme heat and extreme cold during pregnancy (with this being especially important during the first trimester), and because research on the topic of ice baths and pregnancy is still somewhat limited, seeking advice from your healthcare professional should be your first port of call.

They will be able to best advise you on whether it’s safe for your unique situation, taking into account factors such as age, your overall well-being, and any other pre-existing health conditions you may have.

And of course, it goes without saying that every pregnancy is unique, so personalised professional guidance is essential.

Best practices and precautions if using an ice bath while pregnant

So, with the above insights in mind, are there any specific precautions associated with using an ice bath while pregnant? Take a look at our considerations below:

1. Set your ice bath to an appropriate temperature

Are you wondering what temperature should I set my chill tub at? Well, typically, ice baths and cold plunges involve exposing your body to temperatures below 15°C. However, extended exposure to such temperatures may lead to a process called vasoconstriction.

This may have an impact on blood flow to the uterus (which may lead to altered nutrient and oxygen supplies). So, many go by the rule that if you choose to use your tub while pregnant, you should safely readjust the temperature.

You should avoid extremely cold water, the general recommendation being that you set the temperature above 15°C. At temperatures such as this, you’ll still be able to reap the benefits of cool water, but you don’t have to worry about excessive cold causing any harm.

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, a gradual acclimatisation to the water is also essential.

2. Avoid overexposure

Next, you’ll need to be extra careful with how long you spend in cold water during pregnancy. You’ll need to eliminate the risk of prolonged exposure to the cold, so it’s recommended that if you hop in, you should keep the duration of your dip relatively short.

Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia. So, it’s important to monitor your temperature and ensure you aren’t allowing yourself to become too chilly (a telltale sign of this is excessive shivering).

So, our top tip would be to listen to your body intently, exiting cooler water if you start to feel at all uncomfortable.

Buy your first ice bath with Chill Tubs

So, there we have it: our insights on the topic of ice baths and pregnancy. To summarise, if you’re thinking about cold plunging during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your healthcare professional first. This will help ensure both you and your baby remain healthy and happy!

Many also rely on ice baths during post-partum recovery, so if you’re eager to purchase your own, why not check out the Chill Tub range?

Simply get in touch, and our experts will be on hand to answer your burning questions. Then, head on over to the Chill Tubs blog for plenty more articles like this one!

You can read about how to warm up after an ice bath, or dive into guides such as the truth about ice baths: are they actually good for you?