Safety of Sauna and Jacuzzi Use in Early Pregnancy
Risks and Guidelines
- The Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy recommend avoiding physical activity in excessive heat, especially with high humidity, to prevent maternal hyperthermia and potential fetal harm 1, 2
- Hot yoga is an activity to avoid due to dehydration risk, as recommended by the guidelines 3
- Pregnant women are advised to avoid activities that could lead to overheating as a general safety precaution, according to the guidelines 4
- If a pregnant woman chooses to use a hot tub, she should limit exposure to less than 10 minutes, ensure water temperature is below 39.0°C, monitor for signs of overheating, and exit immediately if feeling unwell, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine guidelines 5