My mother in law told me the most horrifying story back when I was pregnant with my first baby. Her sister had gotten married and was pregnant with her first child. When my mother in law, who had no children at the time, went to visit her she discovered that her sister had been forbidden from taking a bath while she was pregnant.
Her new family believed that if she bathed the baby would be harmed or even washed out with the bathwater. Thinking their superstitions to be a bunch of hogwash my mother in law snuck her sister out to the bath facilities and promptly set her up for a lovely bath. The baby of course was fine.
It is amazing that even 40 years ago there were people so ignorant as to believe that bathing was contraband for pregnant women. There is no evidence of any sort against it as a general practice. On the other hand, there are definitely some things to be aware of when taking a bath.
When you are pregnant your cervix is closed with a mucous plug. This plug blocks the entrance to your uterus and protects your baby from infection. Because of this the water in your bath cannot enter your uterus or disturb your baby in any way. In late pregnancy, when you are close to having your baby, the mucous plug will become dislodged. At this point it is possible for contaminants to enter the cervix, so bathing is probably not a good idea. Since the plug usually comes out within hours of going into labor, you are probably fine to have a bath in the last week or so of pregnancy, but if you are at all worried you might want to stick to showers or ask your doctor for peace of mind.
On the other hand, many women choose to give birth in water. It is suggested that water births are easier and may not be as hard on the baby. The warm bath water can ease the labor pains and tense muscles. So, bathing late in pregnancy may not be an issue at all as long as you are not using additives in the water such as bath oils and bubble baths.
The biggest concern about bathing when pregnant is actually related to the temperature of the water. If the water is too hot it can raise your body temperature thus simulating a fever. This can be harmful to your baby. Of course, this can go the other way. If you are overheated a cool bath can be a great way to cool down which is better for your baby and of course far more comfortable for you.
Bathing while pregnant is not risky or unhealthy. If you are unsure go ahead and talk to your doctor about it. As long as the temperature is not too hot and your mucous plug is intact you can relax and enjoy your bath time without worry.
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