The discussion in question 2 regarding the thermo regulatory center of our body and the baby being isolated from the external environment is the basis for our concerns about hot tubs. Body biochemical reactions are quite temperature sensitive and only work well between about 96 degrees and 102 degrees. Our bodies are very efficient at keeping our temps about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The babies core temp in utero runs about 99.5 to 100 as it's only temp regulation is related to the blood flow from baby thru the placenta.
As you would expect, the baby could get over heated if the mothers body temp is elevated and she is unable to cool herself such as in a hot tub. The normal body temp being close to 99 allows bath or hot tub water to be safe around 100 degrees. This would feel very warm to the touch and very comfortable and one could spend as much time as one wished at this temp. I recommend in water from 101 to 105 to limit time submersed to 10 minutes. This water would feel hot and would turn the skin red. At 104 -105 it would be hard to get into. Anything above 104 or so I recommend staying out of.
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