Bath bombs are like little magic orbs for your bath time, turning an ordinary soak into a fun and relaxing experience. Dropping one into your tub bursts into action.
It’s sorta fizzing and releases colorful swirls, delightful scents, and sometimes even flower petals or glitter. This fizzy explosion not only makes your bath water look and smell amazing but can also help you feel more relaxed and pampered.
But while expecting, it’s normal to ponder about the ingredients in bath bombs. Are they safe for you and your baby?
What are bath bombs made of?
The major ingredient in almost all bath bombs is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda is the muscle behind the fizz; when it mixes with water, it reacts and creates those cool bubbles.
Another leading player is citric acid. Citric acid teams up with baking soda to kick off that fizzy reaction when the bomb hits the water. It’s not all about the fizz, though.
Most bath bomb brands put in salts, like Epsom salt or sea salt, which can help relax muscles and soften the bath water. To make everything nice and moisturizing, oils are added to the mix.
It’s mostly essential oils for their scent. Perhaps lavender or eucalyptus, and other times, carrier oils like almond oil or coconut oil to help nourish and moisturize the skin.
And for those extra touches that make them so exciting, manufacturers might add colors and glitter (usually made from seaweed, so it’s safe for the tub and the environment).
A few times, they may add flower petals, too. These ingredients, all together, give bath bombs their signature look and feel.
Are bath bombs safe during pregnancy?
There’s some good news! In fact, many bath bombs use ingredients that are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
But not all of them are created equal. That is why we advise that pregnant women take a couple of minutes always to read the label of a chosen brand.
This tip allows them to avoid some dicey ingredients that may cause problems to them. It’s smart to be cautious about brands that contain strong fragrances or dyes, as they could potentially cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Some essential oils commonly found in bath bombs can be pretty potent, and there are a few that are not recommended for use during pregnancy. (I’ll talk more on these, soon)
It’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider if you’re uncertain about any of the ingredients listed on a bath bomb.
Benefits of Using Bath Bombs During Pregnancy
They can be a wonderful way to relax and take a moment for yourself especially during these times when your body is going through hefty changes. Here’s how bath bombs can help:
- Relaxation: Imagine sinking into a warm bath that smells amazing. The burbly of a bath bomb creates a mini spa experience right in your own home. This helps to soothe your mind and body. I call it a little getaway without having to pack a bag.
- Soothes Sore Muscles: Carrying a baby all day around isn’t easy. Some ingredients like Epsom salts, usually found in bath bombs, are known for helping to relax sore muscles. It’s almost like giving your body a gentle hug that eases those achy areas.
- Skin Care: I’ve been there! Pregnancy can do all sorts of things to your skin—make it drier, oilier, or sometimes a bit of both. Most of these bath pearls I’ve come across are packed with natural oils and butters. Both of these help moisturize and pamper your skin, making it soft and smooth.
- Boost Mood: Their sweet scents aren’t just to make your baths smell good. In fact, they can boost your moods and reduce mood swings. Scents like lavender and citrus are touted for their calming properties. Both of them can help give you a little lift. It’s more or less like a dose of happiness in your bath.
- Safe Pampering: When you’re pregnant, you might have to give up some of your usual pampering routines, like certain spa treatments. And these bath fizzies can offer a safe way to pamper yourself, making you feel special and taken care of without any worry.
While bath bombs can be fantastic, ensure to choose ones with safe, natural ingredients. Also, avoid overly hot baths. If you’ve got issues with your bath routine, check in with your doctor as well.
Tips and considerations to safely use bath bombs during pregnancy
Be mindful of these few tips and considerations to ensure you and your baby stay safe and comfortable:
Check the Ingredients
This is the most crucial step because some ingredients in bath bombs, such as specific essential oils, fragrances and dyes can be unsuitable during pregnancy.
Talking bout dyes specifically, those synthetic types labelled as tartrazine, usually FD&C Yellow #5 and carmine (also Red #4) have been shown to trigger allergies and skin issues in women who have pre-existing conditions like eczema.
Well, in the USA, the FDA approves these, but it would be in your best interest to double-check with your doctor for a green light, in case you spot them as part of the ingredients in your chosen brand.
Also, certain elements like talc, glitter, clary sage, rosemary, and juniper berry might have effects that can harm you and the baby. They can mess up your hormone levels and affect how you feel.
There’s more! Camphor, acetone, limonene, benzyl alcohol and ethanol found in some brands might also spark off migraines and worsen asthma in some women, thus avoiding them can be a smart choice.
How to check them? Simply look on the packaging where the ingredients should be clearly listed. If you come across anything unfamiliar or you’re uncertain about its safety, a quick internet search can help.
Better still, you could make a quick call to your doctor for advice. Always, and I repeat, always seek out bath bombs that are made with pregnancy-safe ingredients if possible.
Pregnancy-safe, I mean Epsom salts, Citric acid, corn starch, sodium bicarbonate, ylang ylang, CBD oils, rose and lavender. Products labeled as natural or organic are always a good bet.
However, even then, checking the ingredient list is key. This way, you can be sure of enjoying your relaxing bath time without worrying bout risks.
Patch test
Everyone, as a matter of fact, every pregnant mom, has a little bit different skin and might react to some ingredients differently than they did while not pregnant. That’s why a patch test is crucial.
To go by this, simply dissolve a little piece of the bath bomb in a small amount of water and apply it to a patch of skin, maybe on your arm or leg.
Think of it like trying a tiny bite of a new food to check if you’re allergic. Wait for a day to see if there’s any reaction, such as redness, itching, or irritation.
This little step can be very helpful as well as perhaps ensure that your time in the tub will be soothing and safe.
Watch the Water Temperature
Hot baths might sound perfect for unwinding, but they can raise your body temperature too much. This isn’t ideal during pregnancy because it can make you feel dizzy and uncomfortable.
Plus, it doesn’t help with baby’s growth. Instead, aim for warm water that feels nice and soothing without causing any sort of overheating.
Think of the temperature you’d use for a newborn’s bath—comfortable and warm but definitely not hot.
Short Soak Time
Staying in the bathtub for a prolonged period can sometimes be too relaxing for your body, making you feel lightheaded or overheated, which isn’t great when you’re expecting.
A brief bath lets you enjoy the fun and relaxation of the bath bomb—watching it fizz and release its colors and scents—without staying in the warm water for too long. Around 10 to 15 minutes is just perfect.
This way, you get all the benefits of a relaxing bath without any concerns about feeling too warm or uncomfortable.
Moisturize
Bath bombs can make your skin smell great but might also strip moisture from it, especially if you’re soaking in them regularly.
The best remedy is always to apply a good moisturizer after your bath. Moisturizers lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.
You don’t want to skip this step as your skin as your skin might be more prone to dryness or be hypersensitive during these times. Look for moisturizers that are gentle minus strong fragrances or chemicals.
Slathering on a bit of these not only keeps your skin happy but also can be a moment of self-care. It can offer some quiet time to focus on yourself and your well-being. And it’s also a chance to give your growing belly some love with gentle massages that your baby enjoys.
Beware of Slippery Tubs
Most bath pearls contain oils and butters that create a cheerful moment but also leave a slick residue behind. Your safer bet is to move slowly and hold onto something sturdy when stepping in and out of the bath.
Think of this as walking on a super slick surface and be on the qui vive. You might want to use a bath mat with a good grip both inside and outside the tub to help avoid slips.
Or, you could ask someone to lend a hand when getting in and out of the tub, just to be on the safer side.
FAQs ~ Can I Use A Bath Bomb While Pregnant?
Of course, you can use bath bombs in the first trimester but always go for ones with natural and safe ingredients. Since your body is extra sensitive during this time, avoid brands with strong fragrances or chemicals.
While there aren’t brands specifically labeled just for pregnant women, look for bath bombs made with natural and organic ingredients.
Those that use essential oils, Epsom salts, and avoid synthetic fragrances are worth trying. Always read reviews and check out ingredients closely. It’s always a good idea to run your choice by a healthcare provider just to be sure.
If you notice any skin problems like itching, redness, or irritation after using a bath bomb, then you definitely don’t want to use that brand again.
However, if you experience symptoms like burns while in the bath, get off it and rinse off with plain water. You can then use a mild, unscented soap to help remove any residue.
It’s also wise to apply a gentle moisturizer to soothe the area. If it gets worse, reach out to your doctor for advice.
Can I Use A Bath Bomb While Pregnant? Wrap
Enjoying a bath bomb while you’re pregnant can be a lovely treat for yourself. It’s a thumbs-up for relaxation and comfort as long as you stick to brands with safe, natural ingredients and keep that bath water warm, not hot.
It’s all about being mindful and choosing what’s best for you and the little one. Always pay heed to your body and check on how you feel during and after your bath. When in doubt, talk to your OB-GYN. Happy bathing!
