Can I Take a Lavender Epsom Salt Bath While Pregnant?
Wondering if you can take a lavender Epsom salt bath while pregnant?
Here are all the facts, safety tips, and benefits of taking a lavender salt bath throughout your pregnancy!
Can I Take a Lavender Epsom Salt Bath While Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you generally can. Lavender Epsom salt baths are great to naturally ease your aches and pains while relaxing your body while you are pregnant.
Always talk to your doctor because each person is different and will need different things.
Using Epsom salt in a bath while you are pregnant is perfectly okay, but do not ingest it!
There are things you need to be aware of in order to stay safe though. Here is everything you need to know about lavender Epsom salt baths during pregnancy.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is a crystal magnesium sulfate. It dissolves in the bath and may help your body soak up the magnesium.
It is safe to use in the bath, but it is not safe to ingest.
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How to Use Epsom Salt During Pregnancy
You can use Epsom salt all throughout your pregnancy in a bath, as long as you follow the proper safety measures outlined below.
Don’t Take a Hot Bath
You do not want to be overheated while you are in the bath, or it may harm you or the baby. So, don’t get your bath extremely hot!
If you do, you will also sweat a lot and can easily get dehydrated. Keep it warm and have the fan on so it doesn’t get too hot in the bathroom.
Don’t Ingest Epsom Salt
While it is safe to take a bath in Epsom salt, it is not okay to ingest it. Only use it in the bath!
Use the Right Amount
It is best to use one cup of Epsom salt or less in a bath. Again, you can always ask your doctor to see what they recommend for a good amount!
Don’t Get In Unless Someone Else is Home
This is especially if you are in the third trimester. Sometimes the bath gets very slippery and falling can be very dangerous for you and your baby.
It might also be very difficult to even get out of the bath with a large belly, so you might need someone to help lift you up!
There are so many things that can happen while you take a bath, it is just best to have someone in the home with you in case you need help.
Don’t Use it as a Detox Bath
It is not good to detox your body while you are pregnant. So if you are using epsom salt in your bath while you are pregnant, be sure not to add baking soda or other detoxing ingredients.
Detox baths also require hot hot water, which is not safe as well. It is best to keep the detoxing to after you give birth and heal!
Don’t Soak for Long Periods of Time
Long baths may be beneficial but, again this goes back to not getting dehydrated, depleted, and overheated.
It is usually best to take a lavender Epsom salt bath while pregnant for about 10-15 minutes at a time.
Add Essential Oils Correctly
If you plan to use essential oils, you cannot add them directly to the water. Essential oils and water do not mix, and may be harmful to your skin if you drop them into the water.
It is best to add your essential oils into an aloe jelly, mix and then with the Epsom salts to your bath. Only use up to 5 drops. Less is more; this aligns with NAHA and Tisserand safety principles.
Use Lavender Buds
You can use dried lavender in your bath as well!
If you plan to use dried lavender buds, it is easiest to add to a muslin bag and then put into the bathtub. That way you are not putting the flowers down the drain or have to clean them all up when you are finished 🙂
Epsom Salt During Fourth Trimester
While you are recovering from giving birth, depending on your circumstances, you might want to take lavender Epsom salt baths during the postpartum period too.
Talk with your doctor to make sure you can take baths during your recovery. Use these baths to help heal your perineum, relax your body, and so much more.
Check out my favorite herbal postpartum sitz bath recipe!
6 Benefits of Taking Epsom Salt Baths in Pregnancy
There are so many benefits of taking an Epsom salt bath in pregnancy. Here are some of the best benefits!
1. Relieves Aches and Pains
From growing pains to muscles being tired, hip and back pain, and those horrible leg cramps, there are so many pains related to pregnancy.
Taking Epsom salt baths can help to relax your muscles, especially when used in combination with lavender [source].
2. Helps Relax Your Mind and Body
Between the Epsom salt and the lavender in your bath, your mind and your body will be more relaxed after taking a bath.
Lavender is such a powerful tool to help everything in your entire body to relax and calm down, from your muscles to your nervous system.
If you are having trouble while you sleep, you can try taking a lavender bath right before bed!
3. Increase Magnesium in Your Body
According to research, most people are actually magnesium deficient. Some studies show that taking Epsom salt baths can help increase the magnesium in your body.
4. Keeps Your Skin Healthy
Lavender is known for being good for the skin. It can help heal small cuts and scrapes and can keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.
5. May Reduce Swelling
Some people see improvement in their swelling after taking a lavender Epsom salt bath while pregnant. It doesn’t hurt to try and see if that works for you!
6. Gives You Self-Care Time
Taking a bath is great for self-care time, especially if it is relaxing!
Once your baby is born, it is hard to find and schedule in “me time” so be sure to start practicing while you are pregnant!
Final Thoughts
Taking a lavender Epsom salt bath while pregnant can be so beneficial for you!
Make sure to always consult your doctor, just in case, and see if you can find some relief while pregnant!
If you ever find yourself wanting extra support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey, I’m here to walk alongside you through my virtual doula services — offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear whenever you need it.
