Pain Management and Pregnancy

earthycrunchymama

Okies... I *know* tylenol is supposed to be safe for pregnancy. BUT I'm curious - 

I keep getting cramping (the entire pregnancy). it's likely because I have muscle breakdown so the cramps are probably related to it being weak and stretched. not abnormal for me given my diagnosis.

I typically use heating pads for pain before meds. BUT I think heating pads are bad... and I'd hate to fry the little bean! I have poor sensation anyway so I don't necessarily know when things are hot/very hot.

I can't take NSAIDs (last time I did I got aseptic meningitis and spent 17 weeks in the hospital, so bad idea!) and I tend to go toxic on Tylenol at a normal dose since I poorly metabolize drugs. I've had to be "detoxed" from tylenol in the past (in ICU) because it builds up bad and fast... so I'm running out of options. 

anyone know any good (and safe) alternatives to meds for pain?  

 

acppa

This sounds like a question for your DR and OB.  

court1703

acppa:

This sounds like a question for your DR and OB.  

Ya it sounds like there are a lot of things to consider so I would consult your doc for that.

earthycrunchymama

I don't go to MFM til next week and I feel ikky now. :[

I just keep taking hot baths but I'm going to turn into a prune if I stay in there much longer!  

MrsAmyB

I wanted to say, the crampy feeling is very common; its your baby stretching and growing.  You can call your Dr too, they should be able to help you out asap.

earthycrunchymama

Oh true. I hate calling doctors cuz somehow I always get sent to the ER and admitted... but this isn't an emergency so I don't wanna bug em at night. I slept half the day and missed office hours. oops!

Ready2006

I don't have any great advice, but wanted to let you know a heating pad is ok. It doesn't raise your core temp as long as you don't leave it on high for an extended period of time. I've been using it for a sore lower back and cramps and it's been great!

peapod530

If you are using a heating pad on your low back I would think (ask Dr. first) but that it would be ok as long as you time it and don't leave it on for more than 15 mins (thats a good rule of thumb regardless).  You could try Ice as well (no more than 15 mins as well)  What type of pain are you having, can you describe it... What other conditions do you have that restrict you? 

earthycrunchymama

it feels to me a lot like period cramps. its been like this since week 3 coming and going but I've had 4 ultrasounds so I know I"m fine. :]

I was actually convinced I wasn't pregnant and that my "period was just stuck" by how it feels.

it's not bad, just rather annoying. I do have lidoderm patches (lidocane) that I sometimes use for cramps. maybe I should see if they are safe for pregnancy.

I wanted the heating pad for my abdomen, not my back. I'd be less concerned if it was a leg or something. I don't wanna fry the kid!

 

ladyyoung

don't use the heating pad on your abdomen! definitely contraindicated as far as i was taught (i am a physical therapist).  your OB may be able to set you up with a pain management team, including a physical therapist.  if you live in or near boston, you should be able to find a good women's health PT to help you out with the multiple pain/muscle issues you may face during your pg. 

The Housewife

If the pain isn't that bad and just "rather annoying" why don't you just suck it up and deal with it? Pregnancy causes cramps, back pain, round ligament pain, ect.