How Soon After Giving Birth Can I Take A Bath?

For many people, bath time is sacred. There's nothing more relaxing than a soak in your tub with plenty of bubbles. It's a fantastic way to unwind and indulge in little self care. However, for bath time devotees, pregnancy and delivery can throw a wrench in their regime. You may find yourself wondering, how soon after giving birth can I take a bath? Because that's almost more important than your due date itself.

As with pretty much everything pregnancy related, your bathing timeline will depend on many different factors related to your own delivery. For example, following a vaginal delivery with no complications, you may be able to take tub baths again immediately following delivery, as noted by Baby Center. In fact, these soaks may provide many benefits by allowing you to relax, ease potential hemorrhoid pain, and generally unwind, as further noted by Baby Center. As always, though, there may be some additional specifics for your situation, so it's smart to have a thorough discussing about what is and is not advisable following delivery.

Next, a vaginal delivery with complications may present its own challenges come bath time. For instance, if you have a stitches from an episiotomy, then it's likely you'll be instructed to bathe often in warm water with no soap, as explained by the National Health Service. Again, this is a case in which your individual situation will play a big part into your ability to get back in a tub of bubbles.

Lastly, a C-section delivery comes with its own set of rules, and this definitely applies to your bathing schedule as well. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it's a good idea to avoid taking baths until your incision heals and the bleeding totally stops if you have a C-section delivery. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, bath fans). Fortunately, this bubble bath ban is not forever. As noted by New Health Guide, you can usually get the doctor's blessing to take a bath after about three to four weeks, so long as you make sure to dry your stitches once bath time is over.

So whether you can dive right into the tub or you have to wait a few weeks, give yourself the pleasure of a nice long soak in the tub as soon as possible. As a new mom, you have more than earned the need to relax for a few minutes. Chances are, it will be one of the best soaks of your life.