Is It Safe to Use Heating Pad for Back Pain in Pregnancy?

If you need temporary relief when dealing with back pain, pelvis pain, or muscle cramps, a heating pad can be an excellent way to go. One reason this is an option over a sauna or hot tub is because it only affects one part of your body and doesn’t raise your core body temperature.

Some people will recommend a microwaveable heat pack or an electric heating pad. When you are using either, you should follow these simple guidelines if pregnant:

• Be sure to not apply the heating pad directly to skin. It’s best to have a layer of clothing and/or a towel in between you and the heating element.

• Only use for twenty minutes or less intervals. This is a normal cycle that many heating pads automatically turn off.

• If there are temperature settings on your heating pad, choose the lowest one that provides relief.

• Try not to fall asleep while using the heating pad.

Can I use a heating pad on back while pregnant? Yes. But, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor before using a heating pad in case there is a problem.

Keep Good Posture

As the baby grows, your gravity center shifts more forward. To compensate, and keep from falling forward, many women start to lean back more. This can strain your lower muscles and create more back pain while you are pregnant. The following posture tips can help:

• Stand tall and straight.

• Focus on hold your chest high.

• Push your shoulders back and keep your body relaxed.

• Keep your knees loose and relaxed.

While standing, keep your legs shoulder width apart. If you stand for long periods, keep a low stool around for resting one foot on or taking breaks on. To maintain good posture, you should be sure to sit with your back supported.

Have the Right Equipment

Try to make sure you wear shoes with a low heel, so they offer support. Make sure they are not flat and that there is good arch support as well. High heels will make you shift your balance forward even more so can be dangerous. Many women find a maternity support belt to be useful. Research is still out as to how effective these belts actually are, but for some, it is helpful.

Properly Lift

You must make sure to use your legs and not your back when lifting. You need to squat down and use your legs, instead of your back, to lift. Know how much you can lift and ask for help.

Have Side Sleeping

Can I use a heating pad on back while pregnant? Yes. Besides, you can try side sleeping to relieve back pain. Sleeping on your side instead of your back is another way to help relieve the pain. It’s also recommended to use support or pregnancy pillows between your bent knees, under your baby belly and behind your back.

Do Daily Physical Activity

Being active every day can help keep your back strong and even relieve back pain while you are pregnant. With your OB’s approval, keep at gentle activities. These can include walking, stretching, yoga, and water exercise. If you are unsure, ask your physician for some guidance.

Stretch your back out. You can do this by resting your hands on your knees and keep your head and back aligned. From this position, pull your stomach in and round your back like a cat. Work to keep your back flat. Repeat this as many as ten times. This along with other stretching exercises recommended by your doctor can drastically improve your back pain.

Complementary Therapy

There is research supporting that acupuncture can help to relieve pregnancy back pain. Treatment from a chiropractor can help to provide comfort as well. Be sure to discuss it with your health care provider. If you see an acupuncturist or a chiropractor, be sure to let them know you are pregnant.

Please note that if you are in chronic pain, if you can’t find relief or if you are concerned, you need to contact your doctor right away.

Can I use a heating pad on back while pregnant? Yes. You may use your heating pad to help your back, hips and other joints that are causing you pain. You should, however, avoid using it on your abdomen. There can be times when you have pain in your abdomen. This can be from round ligament pain, bloating, gas or constipation. There are some cases where abdominal pain can be the symptom of serious trouble.

Please see your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding or spotting

• Chills

• Fever

• Lightheadedness

• Vaginal discharge

• Vomiting or nausea

• Pain while urinating

If you are just uncomfortable without any of the above symptoms, find comfort by taking a warm bath, or moving around. If you are seated, try walking; if you are up, try lying down for a bit.