There's a common belief that bathing at night while pregnant can lead to a larger belly and difficulties during childbirth. But is it really true? Can bathing at night harm you? Let's explore the truth in this article!
Is it beneficial for pregnant women to bathe at night?
Before delving into whether bathing at night during pregnancy makes your belly bigger, let's first examine if bathing at night is good for you.
Pregnant women should be aware that after 10 p.m., body temperature drops significantly, which can make night baths more harmful than beneficial. Nighttime bathing can pose several risks such as:
- Sudden Death: Night baths can cause fluctuations in body temperature, constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to the risk of stroke or seizure.
- Chronic Headaches: Washing your hair at night can expose the scalp to cold, increasing the risk of neurological disorders. Pregnant women may experience chronic headaches, migraines, or dizziness.
- Increased risk of pregnancy complications: Pregnant body temperature is usually higher than normal, so many mothers have a habit of bathing at night. When the body sweats, pores open up, and bathing at night can easily lead to catching a cold. This can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, negatively impacting the health of both the mother and the baby.
Does bathing at night during pregnancy make your belly bigger?
There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that bathing at night during pregnancy will make your belly bigger. However, bathing at night can leave behind many unforeseen consequences. Therefore, it's best for mothers to limit nighttime baths to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Scientific principles of bathing during pregnancy that mothers should adhere to
To ensure health during pregnancy, mothers should pay attention to the scientific principles of bathing as follows.
Avoid prolonged baths
Pregnant women should not take baths for too long, as the ventilation system in the bathroom is poor and humidity is high. This will cause the mother's blood vessels to dilate, blood to pool in the extremities, and blood flow to the brain and uterus to decrease, adversely affecting the fetus. It's best for mothers not to bathe for more than 15 minutes.
Avoid bathing in water that is too hot
Bathing in water that is too hot will raise body temperature and amniotic fluid temperature. Meanwhile, the fetus is immersed in the amniotic fluid, which can affect the fetus's nervous system. It may even cause abnormalities in the baby, such as spinal deformities or brain absence. Therefore, during pregnancy, mothers should bathe in water with a temperature between 34 – 36 degrees Celsius.
Use a handheld shower instead of a bathtub, limit the use of bathtubs
Taking baths in a bathtub can increase the risk of bacterial infections attacking the mother through the vaginal canal, posing a danger to the health of both the mother and the baby. Therefore, pregnant women should limit the use of bathtubs and instead use a handheld shower every day. Not only does it help with cleanliness, but the water jets from the handheld shower also provide massage therapy to help mothers relax and reduce fatigue.
Avoid bathing when the body sweats heavily or after eating
When the body sweats heavily, blood pressure decreases. Bathing immediately can cause sudden dilation of blood vessels, slowing blood flow to the brain. Additionally, it deprives the fetus of adequate nutrition and oxygen, resulting in unforeseen consequences.
Furthermore, pregnant women should never bathe right after a full meal. At this time, the abdomen is stretched, and bathing can cause sudden dilation of blood vessels, pooling blood in the lower body. Digestive system receives insufficient oxygen, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption.
Mothers should quickly dry themselves after bathing
After bathing, mothers should quickly dry themselves to avoid slipping or catching a cold. Additionally, mothers should apply a little camphor oil on the soles of their feet or rub it on their hands to warm up their bodies after bathing.
So, do pregnant women's bellies get bigger when bathing at night? The answer is there's no scientific basis. This is a folk belief with no scientific evidence. However, night baths are not advisable, so mothers should pay attention and follow proper bathing principles to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Moreover, to prepare for the arrival of the baby and to have the best pregnancy care products, mothers can visit Mytour stores or shop online. Mytour confidently meets all the needs of mothers with various mother and baby products. Plus, Mytour offers many discount programs and promotions to support mothers during pregnancy and effective childcare. Mothers can explore Mytour's reputable mother and baby products at https://www.Mytour.vn/.
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