Epsom Salt While Pregnant: Benefits and How to Do?

Pregnancies are a very exciting period in any woman’s life. It puts together a myriad of feelings and worries. The first time mothers perhaps go through the most amount of stress. Such long term stress can be quite harmful or the child and the mother. A very easy way of reliving oneself is by taking a stress reliving bath using the correct ingredients. A very common choice is using Epsom salt. It is a huge stress relief. Here in this article you will see epsom salt bath during pregnancy how it can be used to benefit you the most.

Benefits of Epsom Salt Bath During Pregnancy

If you are unsure about using Epsom salt bath, then read through the following points which will assure you of its therapeutic value.

1. It is a very good pain reliever. It will give you relief from the constant back aches.
2. It ensures high blood circulation.
3. It reduces the swelling associated with the last months of pregnancy.
4. It helps in minimizing the stretch marks.
5. It reduces the stress associated with pregnancy.
6. It gives relief from the constant urges of nausea.

1. As a Pain Reliever

• When used in baths, it serves as a wonderful remedy for leg cramps and back pain – common discomforts during this time. The magnesium ions of the salt come in the way of pain receptors in the brain, thus combating with 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 work towards reducing swelling that mostly occurs during late pregnancy.
• However, if you notice excessive swelling of your face and hands, contact your doctor right away 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 which 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 in rejuvenating your mood as well as providing a good night’s sleep.

5. As a Laxative

• It is a natural laxative, helping in increasing the intestine’s water content as well as 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 draws out the toxins from the rectum minimizing itching and swelling. However, in case the hemorrhoids get worse, consult your doctor.

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 levels of calcium in the muscles of the uterus, which would otherwise have triggered them to contract.

Best Ways To Use Epsom Salt During Pregnancy

1. Epsom Salt and Baking Soda Bath During Pregnancy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• 2 cups of baking soda
• Bath tub full of like warm water

Procedure:

• Add the ingredients to the bath tub
• Immerse yourself into the water
• Gently scrub yourself
• Relax yourself in the water
• Stay for 30 minutes
• Dry yourself with a towel

Repetitions: 3 to 4 times a week.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes.

Best Time To Apply: Whenever convenient.

How It Work:

• It detoxifies the body.
• Soothes itching and irritated skin.
• Cleanses the hair.

Tips: Add any essential oil to the water.

2. Epsom Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar Bath During Pregnancy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
• Any essential oil
• Bath tub full of like warm water

Procedure:

• Add the ingredients to the bath tub
• Immerse yourself into the water
• Gently scrub yourself
• Relax yourself in the water
• Stay for 30 minutes
• Dry yourself with a towel

Repetitions: 3 to 4 times a week.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes.

Best Time To Apply: Whenever convenient.

How It Work:

• It fights against any germ growth
• It soothes irritated skin.
• It relieves the joint aches.
• It improves your hair condition.

3. Epsom Salt and Lavender Bath During Pregnancy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
• 20 drops of lavender oil
• Bath tub full of like warm water

Procedure:

• Add the ingredients to the bath tub
• Immerse yourself into the water
• Gently scrub yourself
• Relax yourself in the water
• Stay for 30 minutes
• Dry yourself with a towel

Repetitions: 3 to 4 times a week.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes.

Best Time To Apply: Whenever convenient.

How It Work:

• It protects the body from free radicals.
• It removes toxins from the body.
• It reduces stress.
• Relieves you of head aches.
• It also improves your sleep.

Is It Safe to Take Epsom Salt Bath During Pregnancy

Using Epsom salt for a bath is quite safe. It is however important that you do not consume the salt. It will adversely affect your pregnancy. You must keep your salt bath limited to a maximum of 4 times a week. over doing it will harm your health. As a precaution the water should not be too hot.

These are some of the ways in which Epsom salt can be effectively used for baths during pregnancies. We recommend using the epsom salt as it doesn’t cause any side effect, however if anyone encounters any side effect or allergic reaction we advise seeking medical help immediately.

You Might Also Like:

• Does Epsom Salt Help a Sprained Ankle?
• Acne During Pregnancy: Causes and Home Remedies
• 10 Foods High in Magnesium That Are Super Healthy
• Epsom Salt Bath: Benefits, Recipes and Risks
• Apple Cider Vinegar Bath: Benefits and How to Do?

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