I'm really scared after reading many places online that you aren't supposed to use a heating pad on your belly during pregnancy. The past two days I've used one for about thirty minutes both times . Is there a chance my baby's been damaged? I'm about 9 weeks. :(
Thank you so much everybody for your input. I was using it because of very very mild discomfort-I think it was kinda all in my head. But after I took it off I started to feel worse kinda and very hot, it was only one of those microwave rice-bag kind of heating pads. I had no idea that just throwing it in the micro for a minute and a half would be damaging, I'm still worried so I think I'm going to go see my doctor tomorrow, and definitely not use any more heating pads.
You don't say why you are using it. Are you in pain? There are other methods. You are supposed to stay out of hot tubs and hot baths too.
Both can cause miscarriages.
To tell the truth I took aspirin while pregnant and nothing went wrong. I know they say that is a problem too. But, I had arthritis when young and that was the daily cure.
Please be very careful. Do not use it on your stomach. Only use it on your back. I don't think 2 x 30 mins is that bad but if you or the baby become over heated there can be problems. But only of you were using it ALL the time. I am not trying to scare you but it is not recommended.
The idea is that the neural tube is developing in the first trimester. If your internal body temp gets too high (I think like 103 degrees), it can cause neural tube defects. It is impossible to predict what temp baby got to, how long baby was exposed to the high temp, and if there was any damage done. The important thing is to be aware of the danger so you don't do it again. Chances are that baby is just fine. The risk is pretty low. Think of it as putting a newborn to sleep on their tummy one night. The risk of SIDS is real enough, but not likely. It is hard, but try to relax and let it go.
Cramps during the first trimester are totally normal, and that is likely what you were experiencing.
I've used a heating pad all my life, and for the life of me, I can NOT understand why everyone is so paranoid about them.
Mine is falling apart, and I've been wanting to buy one, but was unable to even find it. Don't worry. I'm the super health nut in my neighborhood - no BSTs in my milk, NO SHOTS for my children until they are at LEAST 6 mos old, etc. etc. However, I think you're OK on that one!
I'm sure it didn't do any damage. It's not like you left it on there for hours at a time. Those rice things don't stay as hot as long as a regular heating pad either. There are a lot of different factors at play here. 1) how hot was it? 2)length of exposure 3)number of times of use. Yes, I imagine that using a heating pad on hot consistently during your pregnancy could cause damage. However, twice for 30 minutes each time...not likely. The baby is an itty bitty bean right now. It's well cushioned by lots and lots of stuff. I wouldn't be too stressed out about it. Call your doctor if it will help to ease your mind, but I'm sure you and your baby are just fine :)
Stop using it immediately, but why were you using it to start with? Are you experiencing soreness or pain? If that is the case, find out from your doctor what you can do. Maybe a lukewarm bath or some gentle stretching will ease the discomfort.
i doubt it, but if you're worried go have it checked. i just wouldn't use them again...you're body is hot enough for the baby as it is.
