Epsom salt helps pregnant women in many ways. Over centuries, Epsom salt has provided many benefits to expecting mothers. Starting from providing relief from pains and aches, Epsom salt is known for its soothing of muscles, relaxing skin tones and boosting digestion. Apart from that it also helps in reducing the level of stress and replenishes any sort of deficiency in the level of magnesium. Apart from that Epsom salt is known for its ability to cure preeclampsia in pregnant women. Epsom salt can also help you to get rid of hemorrhoids. Bathing in Epsom salt will help you flush out all the toxins from your body.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, a pure, time-tested mineral compound with dozens of uses. It is an inorganic salt with the formula MgSO4(H2O)x where 0≤x≤7. Many centuries ago this substance was found in Epsom, England and since then it got the name.
How to Bathe in Epsom Salt?
Pregnant women can make use of Epsom salt while taking a bath in a tub. This salt is very easily dissolvable in water. There are many sportsperson who use this salt to relieve muscles and cure injuries.
In order to bathe in Epsom salt you need to add 2 cups of the salt in warm water. Then you need to soak yourself for 12 to 15 minutes. However, you should make sure that the temperature of the water is comfortable and it is not scalding. Raising the temperature of the water by a great deal is dangerous because it might hamper your child-to-be. That is why hot tubs should be avoided during pregnancy.
Read More: Postpartum Preeclampsia : Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Benefits of Epsom Salt
There are many benefits that Epsom salt has to offer. A pregnant woman can derive the benefits of this salt in a number of ways.
Good Muscle Soother
Epsom salt can soothe the muscle and back pain of a pregnant woman. A cup or two of Epsom salt in warm water is really beneficial for pregnant woman. It gets in the body through the skin and it helps in muscle recovery and lessens joint pain.
Read more: Home Remedies for Back Pain During Pregnancy
Improves the digestive system
Epsom salt is basically an inorganic salt. It aids in digestion as it helps in replacing magnesium from the body and increases the water content in the intestines. Its beneficial to pregnant women as it also prevents bloating which is a normal problem a woman face during pregnancy.
Stress buster
Epsom salt acts as a great stress buster and helps a pregnant woman to stay cool and calm. Intake of Epsom salt increases the serotonin level in the body which improves mood and emotions. It also helps a pregnant woman to have good sleep.
Restoring salt
Epsom salt replenishes salt in our body. So when a pregnant woman lacks salt in her diet, Epsom salt can meet that deficiency.
Due to chances of increase in the blood pressure, many pregnant women are told to consume lesser amount of salt, during pregnancy. However, that creates certain deficiencies in the body, especially in the salt balance. Bathing with Epsom salt can help in this regard.
Soothes skin
Epsom salt is known for its restorative and exfoliating properties. So a pregnant woman can take bath with warm water mixed with Epsom salt as it soothes the stretched skin.
During pregnancy the skin of a woman gets stretched by a great extent. For that reason they face certain post delivery problems. Epsom salt can really help in the soothing process and makes them look much fresher.
Read more: Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Natural Detoxifier
When taken orally, Epsom salt helps the body to flush out the toxins and other harmful metals from the cells which in turn relieves the pregnant woman from pain and helps the body to get rid of harmful elements.
Even if the woman is not consuming the salt, the toxins are being extracted from her system by means the pores of her skin.
Prevents constipation and hemorrhoids
Pregnant women are very susceptible to be suffering from constipation and also hemorrhoids. A hot bath in Epsom salt can definitely cure such problems in pregnant women. The anti-inflammatory property of Epsom salt certainly helps pregnant women to feel better. The warm water containing Epsom salt can also help a pregnant woman to relax her anal sphincter and that is why they tend to feel much better after taking the bath.
Read more: 15 Home Remedies to Treat Constipation During Pregnancy
Improves Mood
Mood swings are very dangerous during pregnancy. The constant change in the level of hormonal secretion can tend to damage the overall mood and well being of a pregnant mother. Bathing in Epsom salt water tends to energize the person and change the mood.
It has known to have positive impact on the overall well being and it helps in restoring calmness and composure.
Cures Constipation
Constipation is a very common problem that many women face during pregnancy. Bathing in Epsom salt tend to regulate bowel movement for pregnant women. It is a very helpful cure for any stomach related problems for to-be mothers.
Fights Off Cold and Flu
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties Epsom salt can cure common cold and flu in pregnant women. It provides them with the necessary immunity to ward off any sort of infection or virus.
Treats Preeclampsia
Very small percentage of pregnancies suffers from preeclampsia. However, it is a very life threatening disease. In a British study, it is being found that pregnant women, around the world, who were suffering from preeclampsia, were treated by magnesium sulphate. The result has shown that the risk associated with the disease decreases by 15% when the person is exposed to Epsom salt. It is being used since the 1900’s.
Precautions:
Under no condition a pregnant woman should consume Epsom salt. It might cause adverse effect. Bathing with Epsom salt is only beneficial, but even by mistake if the pregnant woman consumes the salt, the results might be devastating.
It can cause stomach and muscle cramp and can be poisonous for the child as well.
Reference:
http://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/epsom-salt-bath#5
