Friday, May 22, 2009

Water temperature?

I have a question for everyone who reads my blog...

What temperature is your water when you take a bath?

When I was doing my interview with Heidi for the Duke Study one of the questions asked about exposure to hot tubs, saunas, etc. She said that baths didn't count because the water isn't hot enough, but it really made me wonder. I take really hot baths and I wondered how the temperature of my baths compared to that of a hot tub. So, I drew my bath water just like I normally would and before getting in I took the temperature of the water with my digital thermometer. I took several readings and it averaged out to be 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, I don't know how accurate it is taking these temperatures with a household thermometer but my bath water is hotter than a hot tub.

They recommend not setting a hot tub hotter than 104 degrees and say that pregnant women shouldn't be in water hotter than 100 degrees for longer than 15 minutes.

If this is the case then I am in serious hot water....both literally and figuratively.

I think I might email Heidi about this and ask her what she thinks.

10 comments:

Tina said...

I wonder what they think the hot water will do? Boil the baby? I have been taking hot baths for my entire life and 5 kids later....not came out boiled. LOL

Mrs Banjo said...

i dunno how hot mine is but i know i am always red after and its hard 2 get in its so hot. i did know about the preggers thing so i cooled them down when i was preggers but i deff have my bath as hot as a hot tub

megan said...

Im with you about liking really hot bath water though I cant remember last time I took a bath probably when I was pregnant and in labor.....I would never to think to go in a hot tub while pregnant arent there signs posted near them that tell you not to? Im a bit confused are they asking if you did go in a hot tub or sauna while pregnant?

Holly said...

I found this and it makes me feel a little better:

What is the concern with hot tubs during pregnancy?

According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. ACOG also recommends that pregnant women never let their core body temperature rise above 102.2º F.

Although the specific degree differs, both OTIS and ACOG attest to the concern related to hot tub use during pregnancy.

Hot tubs are often factory programmed to maintain a water temperature of approximately 104º F. It takes only 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to raise your body temperature to 102º F or higher. To maintain a steady temperature, water is circulated and re-circulated through the hot tub to pump out cold water and pump in hot water.
So, is a hot bath safer than using a hot tub?

A hot bath, which is not uncomfortable or scalding, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.

Jodi Lansink said...

Hmmm.....makes you wonder huh? I personally do not like ot take baths----but I do like my shower water to be HOT! Something to think about??!?

Tami said...

You've got me interested now...lol. I'm going to have to run my bath and test to see how hot it really is. I too have always taken very hot baths. When I was pregnant with both kids I toned it down a bit butthey were still pretty hot. My husband always picks on me b/c whenever I get out of a bath I always have the red line around me that shows which half of my body was submerged in the water and which half wasn't. I know my water is much hotter than a hot tub as hot tubs usually aren't hot enough for me...I guess that could be a bad thing :/

Betty said...

Yeah, I dont think you are in any danger with the baths...like it said, your upper body is out, there is not as much of your body being exposed to the increased temp. It sort of balances out. But for the record, I LOVE mine hot too! :)

Alissa said...

Dont over worrie your self Huney, you did not cause Carleigh anencephaly or are any reason God took her- so dont you think its your fault! If it helps any I took really, really hot baths as well with little miss. Emma and she is fine so dont blame your self!

Sarah said...

Holly, I never take baths and don't get in hot tubs, but after Heidi asked me those questions for my interview about Emma I didn't even let hot water touch my stomach in the shower with Connor for a month. I found it interesting about hot tubs and hot water in general. My sister has taken baths through all 3 of her pregnancies without any birth defects. Once again I wish the answer was that...or at least something that easy! I don't get that one too much either.

melissa(mommy-2-3) said...

your blood count doubles when pregnant and your heart wroks double time to pump all the added blood thru your body... hot water can increase your heart rate and cause problems (dont necesseraly know of what sort) ANYWAY, i also take VERY hot baths especially when preggo since it helps me relax... if i feel i'm starting to have problems breathing or feel my heart racing then i turn on some cold water :) just a thought so far so good BUT i would always consult w a medical professional just in case... ALSO to be on the safe side why not just take wamr bath, lol:)

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