Hot Spa Baths / Japanese Onsen

B

BBTang

Registered User
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
 
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.
 
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....
 
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 :agree:

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
 
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.
 
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....
 
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. :biggrin:

Thanks again, you've been very helpful... and if there are any further advices...keep them coming!!!

Cheers
MM
 
Hi there

My googling suggests any water over 98 degrees farenheit (these sites are all american! But that translates to 36.7 degrees celsius) isn't safe for the baby. Here's one link from good ol' doctor phil: http://drphil.com/articles/article/288

A pity you'll miss out on your onsen, but I did stay at one ryokan in Kyoto that had a private onsen with taps - we were able to adjust the temperature. If you brought a thermometer along you could create a pregnancy safe version! :)

So sad to miss out on the sushi too, but at least you can eat delicious udon, soba, yakiniku (if well cooked) and so much more tasty japanese food!
 
Thanks pinemarten, I will definitely ask/make sure before dipping in. I was planning to stay in a private room at a ryokan near Lake Ashi or Kyoto as well. Any you can recommend where you can adjust the taps?

I am salivating at all the yummy alternatives to Sushi already!!
 
soooo beautiful

Hi pinemarten

Your pictures look soooo beautiful!! I am really looking forward to visiting Japan now.

Also, how many weeks were u pregnant at the time you went to Japan. Did u have any problems with flying?

Cheers
MM
 
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