Pregnancy and Heating Pads

My doctor was pretty laid back, she always said if it was something that was bad for the baby it would most likely be uncomfortable for me, she not only okay'ed a heat pad she also told me it was unlikely that I would be comfortable in a tub that was "too hot for the baby" so she said if I wanted to take "hot" baths that was alright as well. She was right, as much as I had LOVED hot baths pre-pregnancy I could not stand water to be that hot while pregnant...I think if you are keeping it on low you will be fine. I do recall being told I could Not use icy hot...

According to the Mayo clinic website, it's ok to using a heating pad.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/HQ00302

Here is another answer from Baby Center

http://www.babycenter.com/406_is-it-safe-to-use-a-heating...

As one of the answers says, ice may be a better bet. Or you could alternate ice and heat. Max 20 minutes at a time for each one.

Another alternative is a chiropractor. I went to mine weekly during both of my pregnancies. Get some recommends for one that is good with pregnant women. Some have special tables that accommodate a growing belly.

If you are the least bit concerned with a heating pad, fill a long tube sock with rice and knot it closed. Heat it in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes and the heat lasts at least an hour. I have slept with mine draped over my back at night to help with the pain. I like the rice sock because it is shapeable. You could also sew specific shapes if you wanted it to fit a certain area. The only downside is the smell of the the hot rice but my hubby doesn't notice the smell so maybe it's just me being pregnant.

you can not let your body temp get over 100 degrees or something to that effect ... are you swollen or achey?

You might want to try laying on the floor (when someone is home to help you up) flat back with your legs bent heels of your feet as close to your bum as possible for about 20min then soak in the tub (warm) for about 20 min and then lay down like this again.

p.s. take your good bra off and put on a sports bra the clasp often hurts if it is on your back when you lay down like that.

Sleep on your left side.
Or in a chair.
That is what I had to do, when pregnant.
My Doc said, sleeping on your left side... is supposed to alleviate pressure somehow... on your body.. sorry, I forget the specifics.

But many times, I ended up having to sleep upright in a chair too.

Just be careful if you fall asleep on your back. Laying on one will make it hotter and could burn you if you fall asleep on it. I always recommend the microwave heating pads/wraps. They're great because they cool off if you fall asleep with one, so you can avoid any burns.

use the heating pad!! lol i use the wrap on ones while im at work, and ooh they make a huge difference! i have cronic back pain from an injury i sustained right before i got pregnant, and finding alternative ways to deal with the pain have been, well, not fun. but the heating pad has done wonders, long hot showers help alot too! just remember heating pads left on thru the night are fire hazards my husbands grandparents's house caught on fire and burnt about 1/2 the house, sso make sure u un plug it before u go to sleep. (my husband wont even let me have an electric blanket now :( which i loved and it helped my back bc i layed on it) another thing is stretching throughout the day. dont over stretch though, i hope ur back feels better soon!

Yes. I lived on mine in the last few months...back pain sucks!