Pregnancy Related Pregnancy Epsom Salt Bath While Pregnant

Epsom Salt Bath While Pregnant

Epsom salt has been popularly used in baths since time immemorial to attain relief from aches and pains. Contrary to its name, it is not a true salt as it lacks sodium chloride, with magnesium sulfate being its major component. Owing to its anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties, it has worked wonders for pregnant women, making them feel relaxed.

Epsom Salt Bath During Pregnancy

Can you safely use Epsom salt during Pregnancy?

Though it comes in the FDA pregnancy Category D for consumption, its external use has not been listed. Moreover, there have also been no records of any adverse effects. However, a gynecologist’s advice is required when one intends to use it for treating diabetes, swollen feet, and edema.

What are the benefits of Epsom salt bath when Pregnant?

1. As a pain reliever

When used in baths, it is a wonderful remedy for leg cramps and back pain – common discomforts. The magnesium ions of the salt come in the way of pain receptors in the brain, thus combatting inflammation and pain.

2. For swelling and edema

Apart from being a strong anti-inflammatory agent, its magnesium sulfate content enhances blood circulation, minimizing fluid buildup. Hence taking a foot bath in Epsom salt would reduce swelling that mostly occurs during late pregnancy.

However, if you notice excessive swelling of your face and hands, contact your doctor immediately, as it might be a sign of preeclampsia.

3. For stretch marks and overall skin health

Since magnesium sulfate soothes your skin when used as a scrub, exfoliating and softening it, this bath is beneficial in minimizing the reddish streaks of stretch marks that commonly occur during this time. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help with pregnancy-related acne and hives.

4. Stress-reduction

Because of its magnesium content, which raises the body’s serotonin levels, an Epsom salt bath before bed helps rejuvenate your mood and provide a good night’s sleep.

5. As a laxative

It is a natural laxative, helping increase the intestine’s water content and cleaning waste matters from the colon. Though ingesting Epsom salt when pregnant is not a safe option, you can soak yourself in it for about half an hour and repeat this at least thrice a week to get relief from constipation.

6. Hemorrhoid Relief

An Epsom salt sitz bath would help women suffering from hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory property. Moreover, acting as a detoxifying agent, it even removes toxins from the rectum, minimizing itching and swelling. However, consult your doctor if the hemorrhoids get worse.

7. Nausea and morning sickness

The presence of magnesium in the salt helps to relieve nausea. So, a bath would help with morning sickness that mostly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy.

8. Prevention of preterm labor

Magnesium sulfate plays a major role in preventing preterm contractions, possibly by reducing the calcium levels in the uterus muscles, which would otherwise have triggered them to contract.

How to prepare an Epsom salt bath

Depending on the condition you are using it for, either soak your feet in the water or take a complete bath.

  • Add about two cups of Epsom salt to your bath water.
  • Soak in it for around 15 minutes.

You may add apple cider vinegar (two to three teaspoons) and baking soda (one to two tablespoons) for a detox bath to cure hives or vaginal yeast infection. However, consult your medical practitioner before doing it.

Safety tips for taking an Epsom salt bath in pregnancy

  • Ensure that the water temperature does not exceed 100°F, as overheating yourself can be dangerous for the unborn baby.
  • Avoid adding essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus to your Epsom salt bath, as there are a lot of doubts regarding their safety.

References:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/epsom-salt-bath
  2. https://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/epsom-salt-bath-during-pregnancy/
  3. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath
  4. https://www.medhealthdaily.com/epsom-salt-bath-while-pregnant/
  5. https://www.mypregnancybaby.com/epsom-salt-bath-while-pregnant/

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