I am a bath taker--no shower in my house--and yes, I like them hot.

I just took a bath as normal, and my oral temp went from 98.4 before to about 98.8 in the tub/just afterwards. (I got out as I was starting to feel hot, and didn't want to do any damage!) I have been taking these types of baths since I conceived and now don't know if I have done any harm to my little one.

I keep telling myself that the consensus seems to be 101 degree body temp is when damage may occur, that bath water doesn't stay that hot forever, and that the body tells you when you're overheating--I think I got hotter today doing my "experiment" than I ever have before. Plus, the tub is never full...my upper body is always above to help keep me cool, and I usually don't stay in that long.

Can anyone shed any light on this? Please?

i've been looking online for reasons for ths too and if found the follwing from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/h-ottubs.htm
"A hot bath, which is not uncomfortable or scalding, is a safer way to relax (than hottub). In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating."

I have a feeling it might be better to wait till later in the pregnancy to take a hothot bath as well.

Question: Is it safe to have hot baths during pregnancy?
BabyCentre Editorial Team: Warm baths have been used for centuries for all sorts of reasons and the relaxing effect on body muscles and on the mind is well known. There is something "luxurious" about soaking in a warm bath and there is nothing to suggest that this is unsafe in pregnancy.

However, you do need to be cautious about "hot" baths as there is little known about the possible effects on the blood flowing through the placenta or on the baby. If the water is too hot, you could also feel faint or sick, as it could lower your blood pressure a bit too much not a good thing.
So how do you decide if your bath is "hot" or "warm"?
Test the water with your elbow or forearm before getting in as you would for a child. This part of your skin is more sensitive to temperature than your feet or hands. Warm should be just comfortable so that you can get straight in without having to get in bit by bit! A too-hot bath is also likely to affect the colour of your skin, turning it red, and you may find yourself sweating.
Happy soaking!