Hay flower steam bath - why you're better off without it

Towards the end of pregnancy, from around the 36th week of pregnancy, a hay flower steam bath should loosen the pelvic floor. It is said to help relax the muscles and promote blood circulation. Many midwives recommend a bath with hay flowers to prepare for labour. You can read in this article why our midwife Katharina advises against a hay flower steam bath. 

Are you in the last few weeks of your pregnancy and want to prepare for the birth? Now you've read on the internet (or heard from other mums) that a hay flower steam bath is a good way to prepare for birth. A hay flower steam bath consists of various herbs, grasses and meadow flowers. These are dried and then added to hot water. The grasses contained are said to have a particularly relaxing effect. 

Hay flower steam bath is often not suitable

Our midwife Katharina rightly takes a critical view of the use of a hay flower steam bath to prepare for labour. If you suffer from allergies, for example, you should avoid such a steam bath. You may have an allergic reaction to the pollen it contains. This can be really unpleasant. 

The relaxing effect of hay flowers is said to have a particularly positive effect on blood circulation in the tissue. It is also said to relieve tension and alleviate pain. There are even pregnant women who swear by the positive effect as soon as the first contractions start. A hay flower steam bath is also said to prepare the perineum for the birth and minimise the risk of a perineal tear or episiotomy. 

>>> READING TIP: Perineal massage: Instructions, tips and tricks

No proven efficacy of hay flowers

However, there is no evidence of the pharmacological effectiveness of a hay flower steam bath. If you try to find information on the internet, you will quickly realise that there is no medical proof of effectiveness. But the lack of evidence of effectiveness is not the only reason why our midwife Katharina advises against steam baths. 

There is a risk of burning the labia during a steam bath. This is not only extremely painful, but can also hinder spontaneous labour and cause additional pain.

Sitz bath instead of steam bath with hay flowers

But what can you do instead of a hay flower steam bath to prepare your pelvic floor for the birth? 

First of all, you should know that hay flowers are said to be able to induce labour. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you should refrain from using them before the 38th week of pregnancy. Our midwife Katharina recommends that you take a sitz bath instead of a hay flower steam bath. This is because there is no risk of burns. 

The problem with a steam bath with hay flowers is the application. As with any steam bath, you have to sit over the water bath without underwear and stay there for a while. It is often recommended to put a pot of hot water in the toilet so that you can sit over the steam bath. 

Overall, the application is neither relaxing nor safe. You have to be very careful not to burn the labia. A burn is not only painful, but can also cause the tissue to tear.

>>> READING TIP: Everything you need to know about birth preparation

We therefore recommend a relaxing sitz bath in the bathtub. This has two advantages:

1. No risk of burning the labia due to hot steam
2. More relaxation in the bathtub

Relaxing hay flower bath

You can also make a sitz bath to prepare for labour without hay flowers. A few drops of lavender oil in the bath water will also help you relax. However, if you would like to make a hay flower sitz bath, you can proceed as follows:

• Boil about three litres of water in a large pot and add 10-15 tablespoons of hay flowers
• After about 10 minutes, scoop out the hay flowers and add cold water, as much as is comfortable for you
• Now pour the cooled brew into the bathtub
• Sit in the bath and let enough water run into the bath to cover your bottom and thighs
• The water temperature should be comfortable for you 

Stay in the bath for as long as it feels good for you. 

Attention: Circulatory problems

You should always speak to your midwife or gynaecologist before taking a sitz bath (with or without hay flowers). Sitz baths are not suitable for haemorrhoids, varicose veins or genital infections. 

Pay attention to your circulation during the sitz bath. Many pregnant women get dizzy when it's too hot. So take something to drink with you in the bath and make sure that someone is at home who can help you out of the bath in an emergency. 

Incidentally, you should do a sitz bath about once or twice a week. This is enough to prepare your pelvic floor for the birth. 

There are many other things you can do to prepare for the birth. In a birth preparation course, you and your partner will learn how to experience the miracle of birth together. If you haven't found a place in a local antenatal class or your partner doesn't have time, you can book our antenatal class online. You can find all information about the course from and with our midwife Katharina here here.