While it's exciting growing a new life inside you, pregnancy certainly takes its toll on mums, both physically and mentally. A soak in the tub is a good way to relieve yourself from the aches and worries of pregnancy. There are many bath oils, soaks and gels on the market made for mums-to-be, that will give you some relief from the stresses pregnancy puts on your body. If the idea of sinking into a bubble bath that is surrounded by candles, with your head resting on a bath pillow, sounds like pure bliss, you need our recommendations of the best pregnancy bath products.
What bath products can I use when pregnant?
Most bath products are safe to use during pregnancy, and they won't harm your baby. However, heavily perfumed soaps and shower gels can irritate your intimate areas and cause itching. You're best to use specialist pregnancy bath products as they're designed with mums-to-be in mind.
Best pregnancy bath products for mums 2024
Best beautiful blend of essential oils
You can expect to feel rejuvenated and relaxed once you've had a soak using Neal's Yard Remedies Mother's Bath Oil. The uplifting ylang-ylang and bergamot-infused oils smell absolutely divine.
Review: "I add a few drops to my salt baths and it helps moisturise. Good stuff will keep buying."
Pros
- Certified organic
Cons
- Only 6 to 8 baths worth in a bottle
Best nourishing bath soak
www.boots.com
Immerse yourself (and your bump) into the water and breathe in the gorgeous aroma of this bath soak from My Little Coco. Its sweet blend of coconut oil, rosehip and almond oil will help to keep your skin supple and soft throughout your pregnancy.
Review: "I have been using it since beginning of 2nd trimester (now entering my third) and my bump is never itchy and I don’t have any stretch marks and I think this is why! I use it around 2-3 times a week. Smells gorgeous and makes your skin feel super soft and calm. The strong isn’t too overwhelming so if you’re suffering from sickness it (hopefully) won’t set you off!"
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty free
Cons
- Stings if it gets in your eyes
Best luxury pregnancy bath and shower gel
www.cowshed.com
Fan of floral fragrances? Give this Cowshed bath and shower gel a go. Pour a couple of dashes into warm running water, and your bathroom will be filled with the scent of patchouli, rosemary and sea buckthorn oil.
Review: "love cowshed's products and really like their ethical credentials and the fact that they are all made in the UK. This is a wonderful combination of grapefruit and orange and provides an uplifting spa experience for a reasonable price. It produces lots of bubbles when poured into a bath and is soothing and nourishing when applied directly to the skin."
Pros
- Free from parabens and sulphates
Cons
- Expensive
Best bath salts pregnancy bath product
www.boots.com
Lovingly made to be the simplest and softest of formulas for all Baby Mamas, these bath salts are enriched with nourishing organic coconut oil and rosehip to care for you from bump and beyond. Restore and relax with these 'me time' bath salts to help hydrate, soothe and nurture your growing bump and care for your post-pregnancy body. A warm bath using these salts will help calm aching muscles and relieve the feeling of tight skin for times when Mama needs a mindful moment and a little extra TLC.
Review: "This has got to be my favourite bath salt. The smell lingers and it is just so relaxing. Great for use during pregnancy and now it's great for baby and I. Would absolutely recommend."
Pros
- Enriched with coconut oil
Cons
- Some reviewers liked the smell but didn't feel any benefits
Pregnancy bath products FAQs
Can you take hot baths during pregnancy?
Women tend to feel hotter when they're pregnant, and it's completely normal to experience hot flashes in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, you do need to be careful not to overheat. It is possible that a significant rise in your core temperature could be harmful in pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks. With this in mind, it's probably best to avoid hot baths during pregnancy.
The NHS states that when you overheat, more blood flows close to your skin to help cool your body by sweating. It means there's less blood flow to internal organs, such as your brain, and it can make you feel faint. You can feel fainter when you're pregnant, so you should avoid situations where you could get too hot, like sitting in a bath.
Ideally, your bath water temperature should be less than 32 degrees. You can easily test this with a baby's bath thermometer, so you can give your little one's a test before they arrive.
Is it safe to soak in the bath while pregnant?
You're more prone to UTIs and thrush when you're expecting - using soaks, milks, and gels in your bath can increase your chances of contracting them. While it is safe to have a lukewarm bath, you're best to limit the time your soaking time. Around ten minutes is ideal as you won't overheat or dry out your skin.
Are Epsom salt baths safe while pregnant?
Yes, it is safe for women to have Epsom salt baths while pregnant. However, before you add bath salts to your tub, it is always best to check the back of the packaging to check if they are safe for pregnant women to use. We also recommend asking your midwife for their advice on any pregnancy-safe bath products, just to be sure.
Epsom salt is designed to relieve achiness once dissolved in water, so it's just what you need to relieve hurting joints and muscles, particularly helping to soothe back pain, as well as aches in your neck and shoulders.
You may also find an Epsom salt bath is a Godsent during post-partum, helping to dull any soreness after a vaginal delivery.
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.