Is Saunas and steam rooms safe during pregnancy?
Best skipped during pregnancy because they raise core body temperature. Fine to return to while breastfeeding.
PregnancyNot recommended
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceModerate
What the sources say
Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding saunas and steam rooms in pregnancy: they are designed to heat you up, can raise core body temperature (a concern for fetal development, especially in the first trimester), and can cause dehydration and dizziness. MotherToBaby says sauna use in pregnancy should be limited because it can cause hyperthermia. MotherToBaby notes fever or overheating does not appear to affect the ability to breastfeed.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
banya, dry sauna, infrared sauna, sauna, saunas, steam room, turkish bath
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.