Hot Spa Baths / Japanese Onsen
- 08-22-2006, 06:09 PM #1Registered User
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Hot Spa Baths / Japanese Onsen
Hi All
I am planning to have our 1st baby sometime next year.
At the same time, in the first trimester is it safe to go to a hot spa or like a spring bath / Japanese onsen?
I've heard that if people experience pains around the body, a hot soak in a spa/onsen will ease the pain, is this true? Japanese traditions imply that an hot spring bath is good cure for women problems.
Will it be safe for the baby?
Please advise, thanks.
MM:groupwave:
The TANG Clan
- 08-22-2006, 11:07 PM #2Registered User
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I like to dip myself into the not-too-hot bath when I was preg, but without any bath salt. That really killed the back pain temporary. But I will not recommended you the Japanese spring bath or real hot hot bath, especially when first trimester the baby is not really stable yet. Don't take risk.
- 08-23-2006, 07:49 AM #3Registered User
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I would not risk it either...
In Japan, it is common for us to soak ourselves in bath everyday and we are used to it. However, soaking yourself in bath does stimulate the womb to contract and may lead to miscarriage. Different Onsen has different temprature and minerals, so it is best to check with wherever you are planning to go, but I would not risk it in the first trimester....
- 08-23-2006, 08:16 AM #4Registered User
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Hi Yan / Mousugumama
Thanks for the information.
Mousugumama if I go to an onsen which is like 40-45 degrees, and say for 10mins each session, would that be OK. I know that the ones which are 50-60 degrees would be risking it, since... my own body will not be able to bear that temperature.
I'm looking forward to visiting Japan, but would be a shame not to be able to experience an onsen. Eitherway, if it is taking risk...then I will have to wait until BB is born
Also, is there any problems with eating raw fish like Sushi / Sashimi? Should I be avoiding certain foods whilst in Japan? Please let me know, thanks.
MM:groupwave:
The TANG Clan
- 08-23-2006, 10:37 AM #5Registered User
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Hi,
You musn't eat raw fish like suhi/sashimi when pregnant and should avoid shellfish as well as raw or undercooked meat and cheeses and dairy products that have not been pasteurised- this is to avoid listeria poisoning which is very dangerous to the baby as it can cross the blood and directly reach the baby.
I know also that pregnant women are advised not to use hot tubs/jacuzzis when pregnant. This has something to do with the fact that the baby is unable to regulate his own temperature and so the only thing that cools the baby when he is too hot, or warms the baby when he is too cold is what you do to make yourself warmer or cooler.
- 08-23-2006, 12:52 PM #6Registered User
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I would ask your doctor if it is OK but the answer I received from mine was 'avoid it' due to the reason mentioned above. 40+ degrees is quite hot.
Also, bekyboo44 is right about Listeria. Although I did eat sushi/sashimi when I was pregnant (I just could not do without it for so long but I did avoid it the first trimester), you must also realize I grew up eating raw fish so my body may be a bit more immune to it. If you really want to do those things, I would wait until you are more stable to go to Japan....
- 08-23-2006, 02:13 PM #7Registered User
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According to Baby Center: Some studies show that raising your body temperature during early pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, so you should avoid soaking in hot tubs and Jacuzzis.
(see: http://www.babycenter.com/expert/pre...ness/7229.html)
- 08-23-2006, 06:01 PM #8Registered User
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Hi All
Thanks everyone for all your advices... I think I will have to rethink my plans.
I've never been to Japan before, but have been exposed to Japanese food / culture in the last 10 years. The food is great, and is kinda addictive. So Mousugumama I can understand that you'll miss the food.
Thanks again, you've been very helpful... and if there are any further advices...keep them coming!!!
Cheers
MM:groupwave:
The TANG Clan
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