Can pregnant women use bath bombs?

What is a Bath Bomb?

Bath bombs, also known as bath fizzers, are dry ingredients that are designed to effervesce once in contact with warm water. Once it hits the water, it releases essential oils, scents, colors, and bubbles to elevate your bath experience. Bath bombs can help condition the skin and soothe sore muscles. Additionally, they may help detox and relax the body and mind.

Traditional bath bombs are made up of a few simple ingredients that, when submerged in water, make a fantastic chemical reaction! Here is a list of the essential ingredients used in making most bath bombs:

• Sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda or bicarb)
• Citric acid
• Magnesium sulfate (commonly known as Epsom salts or bath salts)
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder
• Coconut Oil
• Various Essential oils (optional)

How Does it Work?

The “bomb” aspect of a bath bomb is the fizziness. But what’s going on in those spheres that make them so fizzy? Two of the key ingredients to a bath bomb are citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. You might also know sodium bicarbonate by its more common name, baking soda. These two ingredients are what cause the impressive and delightful fizz when the bath bomb enters the water.

When sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) comes in contact with water, the sodium (Na) molecules break off from the bicarbonate (HCO3). At the same time, the citric acid is dissolving, with a single hydrogen ion (H+) separating from the rest of the molecule. When the released hydrogen ion from the citric acid encounters the bicarbonate from the baking soda another reaction happens! This time, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is released as one of the end products. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles in the soap and bath water, and rushes to the surface with a delightful fizz.

How Bath Bombs Benefit Skin

• Beyond being fun additions to baths, bath bombs offer real skincare advantages:
• Hydration - Ingredients like oils and butters moisturize and replenish skin.
• Relaxation - Essential oils provide aromatherapy benefits to reduce stress.
• Cleansing - Baking soda and Epsom salt draw out impurities and detoxify.
• Exfoliation - Gently removes dead cells for smoother, softer skin texture.
• Soothing - Aloe and oats calm irritated or inflamed skin and reduce redness.
• Circulation - Effervescence massages and promotes healthy blood flow for a natural glow.
• Self-Care - The indulgent experience uplifts mood and provides a mental/emotional break.

Can pregnant women use bath bombs?

What better way for a pregnant woman to relax than getting into a hot tub or having warm baths and using bath bombs? None!

Everyday bath products like bath bombs are, in general, safe to use based on the ingredients found in them. But expectant mothers should consider certain safety precautions to protect themselves and their growing babies from pregnancy complications.

Certain ingredients in bath bombs might cause complications like early contractions for women during the early weeks of pregnancy. These ingredients should be avoided to prevent fetal risk. A comprehensive list of these ingredients includes:

• Juniper berry

• Basil

• Clary sage

• Bitter almond

However, other products have perfectly safe ingredients that provide an acceptable acidic balance. Plus, they are even infused with safe essential oils.

Essential oil such as Epsom salts helps soothe the body and alleviate mood and stress levels. The safe ingredient list is as follows:

• Corn starch

• Epsom salt

• Citric acid

• Baking soda

• Water

• Ylang ylang

What are the potential dangers when using bath bombs during pregnancy?

Bath bombs can lull you into staying in hot tubs for long periods, which can, in turn, cause complications because of the hot temperature.

Heat stress can be an issue during pregnancy and should not be overlooked. Yes, having a soak in hot water can be relaxing, but it can be harmful to pregnant moms

It's important to note that there is nothing wrong with being too careful when matters involving pregnant women arise.

Though the risks involved are not well-known due to a lack of research on the topic, there is basic knowledge about pregnant women who use bath bombs.

While using lush products for self-care or cosmetic use is superb, some special oils and perfume materials should be avoided.

When you wish to purchase a bath bomb, double-check the ingredient list, and make sure there are no harmful substances that can affect you and your baby.