Heating Pad

MalyJ · July 2016

I've got some intense lower back pain. Hurts to do pretty much anything. It's not pg related, as it's been here for a month or so but has recently amped up in intensity.

I'm wondering about using a heating pad? Just for short periods of time to try and get some relief. My doctor's office is closed until Tuesday for the holiday, otherwise I'd call.

Just curious if any of you had any guidance from your doctor either way.

MonaLisaRalphio · July 2016

I have, and the guidance was NOT to use a heating pad, hot water bottle, rice bag, etc. Unfortunately, right now, the best you can do is take some Tylenol and rest up. Hope you feel better soon.

turtlemobile2 · July 2016

With my last pregnancy I use a heating pad every now and then but not for long periods of time. I would suggest a chiropractor. Dr. Magic Hands helped me throughout my whole pregnancy with back pain and it was wonderful. I also used one of those electrode muscle things... I forget what they are called, you can get them at like Rite Aid or CVS and they are ok for use during pregnancy because it doesn't penetrate below the skin. That gave me some relief as well. But honestly if you're at all worried about doing harm I would grin and bear it until you can get medical advice, or try calling your insurance company. Many have 24 hour nurse lines that can assist you.

momousekee · July 2016

If you're really miserable, urgent care or your doctor's answering service might be able to hook you up with some lidoderm patches. My OB says they're safe in pregnancy and I get a lot of pain relief from them.

varimama · July 2016

I've read not to use heating pads, electric blankets, etc... I'm going to miss using my heated seats in my car. I used to use them all year round bc DH freezes me otherwise lol.

I would wait for Tuesday or try the PP suggestions of calling insurance or seeing if there's an On call nurse at your doctor's.

cinderin · July 2016

you are not supposed to raise your body temperature. no heating pads, hot tubs, etc.

christac1010 · July 2016

*Lurking from Jan 2017*

I had severe lower back during the first trimester (somewhat pregnancy related but I've had it since high school). My OB said absolutely no heating pads or excessive heat. She did recommend warming a wet towel and to buy a pregnancy pillow to sleep with at night. She also told me to look up some prenatal yoga stretches for the morning and suggested I look for a local class. It's important to let your doctor know about the back pain when they reopen, because it helps to have it documented if it continues. My doctor discussed the possibility of physical therapy and a support later in pregnancy. I bought a Snoogle pillow and it helped so much! I hope you feel better soon!

ohstars · July 2016

Thanks for this thread. I'm a STM and I've never heard this.

MalyJ · July 2016

Thanks everyone! Looks like I'm grinning and bearing it for awhile.

SPurp13 · July 2016

ohstars said:

Thanks for this thread. I'm a STM and I've never heard this.

Me neither. I use a hearing pad every night and did so last time as well. I also take hot baths.

MommaBean · July 2016

Heating pads are ok in moderation - not too hot and not too long. The issue is with raising your core body temp, which moderate heat won't do.

varimama · July 2016

This is probably a dumb question but if the concern is raising your body temp is piling up regular blankets bad too? Even in the summer I'm rarely found without a blanket on.

MommaBean · July 2016

@marriedhamstermom are you sweating profusely under there? If not, you're good

Knottie16288692 · July 2016

My OB told me it was safe to use a heating pad just as long as the heat wasn't too high and it wasn't left on for a long amount of time. It was a life saver for my first pregnancy! My lower back ached constantly.

Tennis11785 · July 2016

WHAT - I'm going to have to give up my heated seats in my car?! But my husband keeps the car SO COLD. UGH, it's gonna be a long winter.

Gingersnap · July 2016

Tennis11785 said:

WHAT - I'm going to have to give up my heated seats in my car?! But my husband keeps the car SO COLD. UGH, it's gonna be a long winter.

I always used my heated seats with DD.

cantalopes24 · July 2016

My OB said heating pads for short times on not super high settings were fine. I use them for my back and neck. I use heated seats all year round if I'm in a car that has them.

SPurp13 · July 2016

Because of this thread, I started turning the heating pad off before I go to sleep, (which, honestly, is recommended to everyone--you aren't supposed to sleep with it on anyway) but I don't plan on giving it up. No thanks.

MalyJ · July 2016

Talked with any OB and she said totally fine for short periods of time, a few times a day. Thank goodness!

varimama · July 2016

Gingersnap said:

Tennis11785 said:

WHAT - I'm going to have to give up my heated seats in my car?! But my husband keeps the car SO COLD. UGH, it's gonna be a long winter.

I always used my heated seats with DD.

I'm curious why would heated seats be OK and not a heating pad? It basically is a heating pad and mine is both the seat and the backrest that heat up so if anything it covers more area.

It'll be a long winter but I'd rather be safe than sorry. @Tennis11785 try talking your husband into turning up the heat in the car or keep an extra blanket in the car.

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