When Can I Take A Bath After Giving Birth?

Congratulations—you just had a baby! Doesn’t a nice warm bath sound good? You can absolutely take a bath after birth, but experts recommend a short waiting period of two to six weeks based on whether you birthed vaginally or by Cesarean. 

If you gave birth vaginally, the general recommendation is to wait about six weeks to take a bath. If you had a C-section, you should wait between four to six weeks, or when your healthcare provider give you the greenlight. In both cases, a sitz bath (a shallow bath designed to help with perineal healing) is safe to take sooner. This is because a sitz bath is only taken for a short time (about 10 minutes), using a small amount of water (rather than fully submerging).

Here’s all you need to know about incorporating bathing into your post-birth recovery routine. 

How soon after delivery can you take a bath?

After a vaginal birth 

You should wait at least four to six weeks after vaginal delivery to fully submerge in the bath tub. Your cervix is still a bit dilated in the first few weeks postpartum and there may be a slight change that bath water can travel into the still-open cervix and uterus and cause an infection (although it’s important to note there’s no specific research behind this theory). If you had a significant vaginal tear, an episiotomy (an incision made to widen the vaginal opening), or other complications in your vaginal birth, notice how your wound is healing and check in with your provider before taking a bath.

If you're concerned about cleaning  your perineum you can use a peri-bottle, take sitz baths (more on that below!), or invest in adding a bidet attachment to your toilet.

Once you're cleared to take that relaxing bath, be sure to keep the water warm rather than very hot, limit your soaking time, and avoid irritating or overly scented soaps and cleansers. 

After a C-Section

You should wait four to six weeks after a Cesarean birth to take a full bath. You want to ensure that the incision from your surgical birth is fully healed before you submerge it in water. Keep baths warm (not blazing hot!) and relatively short, no longer than 30 minutes. 

When bathing after a C-section, it’s always a good idea to pat your incision dry (rather than rubbing). Avoid applying any creams, lotions, or oils to your incision during the first few weeks, until after your provider checks your incision at your six-week appointment. Once your incision is fully healed after six weeks, you may be able to use a Cesarean healing balm or other products that feel good to you. 

If your incision is red, painful, hot to the touch, swollen, or making pus or discharge, it may be a sign of infection. Avoid a bath (a shower can be ok) and contact your doctor or midwife ASAP.

Sitz baths: A soothing alternative

Sitz baths are well-known postpartum healing aide. They can help with swelling, provide needed pain relief, and promote overall perineal healing (including any pesky hemorrhoids you may have developed during pregnancy). You don’t have to wait six weeks for a sitz bath, either, as it’s ok to start taking them as soon as a few hours after giving birth. Sitz baths can also feel amazing for C-section moms as well, especially if you pushed for any amount of time before you went to the operating room.

The term sitz bath comes from the German word “sitzen,” which means to sit. Essentially, it’s a shallow bath that primarily targets your vagina, perineum, and anus. You only need a few inches of water in the bat tub, or you can buy an insert for your toilet. To make a sitz bath, use plain warm water, Epsom salts, or even dried herbs from an herbal sitz bath blend or other trusted sources.

Keep the water warm rather than very hot. Generally, you’ll want to soak in the sitz bath for about 10-15 minutes, once a day. 

Tips for your first postpartum bath

Here are some things to keep in mind for your first postpartum bath:

• Keep it clean: Make sure your bathtub is clean before hopping in. You can also put a clean mat on the bottom to avoid slipping. 

• Keep it simple: Use basic bath products that are free from harsh chemicals or synthetic scents. 

• Keep it gentle:  For those first few baths, wash your incision site or vaginal area by hand rather than with a loofah, bath sponge, or even a washcloth to avoid irritating the area.

• Make it special: You waited for this bath, so make it special! Light candles, play music or a podcast, get a comfy bath pillow or a new book—whatever feels like self-care to you.

What about showering after birth? 

You can take a shower after a vaginal birth as soon as you feel ready and are physically able to stand. For many women, this is pretty soon after birth but if you're still not up to it, don't push yourself. If you had an epidural, you will need to wait until you can safely stand on your own (especially in a slippery shower). 

If you had a C-section, you can generally shower as soon as the next day, as long as you can stand. Be mindful of your incision and avoid washing it roughly or with irritating bath products. Always check with your provider before discharging, as everyone's situation is unique.

There’s no rush to shower after birth—do what makes you feel good!

Additional postpartum hygiene considerations

It’s important to stay clean during the first few weeks postpartum. Of course, doing so may be easier said than done between breastfeeding, a newborn that demands to be held and a lack of sleep, but there are many ways to feel fresh and clean.

We’ve already covered showers, baths, and sitz baths, but keep in mind that using a peri bottle or a bidet can also be great ways to keep your vagina and perineum clean after birth. You may also consider using perineal sprays or pre-moistened wipes. 

Avoid harsh cleansers and choose mild, fragrance-free soaps or body washes. Try not to scrub intensely—gentle movements with your hand should be enough to wash your vagina, perineum, and anus. 

It may feel good to air dry after a bath or shower—this can be especially useful if you have stitches in your vagina or an incision in your abdomen. And no matter how you’re bathing, be sure to change your sanitary pads frequently. 

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Everyone's postpartum healing journey is unique, and you know what feels normal to you. Still, there are a few symptoms that mean you could have an infection and require attention from your healthcare provider ASAP. 

These include:

• Excessive bleeding

• Fever

• Chills

• Foul-smelling discharge or pus

• Increased incision pain, swelling, redness, or heat

• Extreme fatigue or weakness

If you experience any of these, contact a healthcare provider immediately. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially when you’re considering when to call a doctor postpartum. 

The Bottom Line

Although it’s important to wait up to six weeks before your first postpartum bath (whether you birthed vaginally or by Cesarean), there are plenty of ways to stay fresh and clean during the postpartum period. Enjoy shorter sitz baths and nice warm showers while you heal.