Is It Safe To Use A Heating Pad During Pregnancy?

Heating pads can bring relief to the different aches and pains in the body. But are they safe to use when you are pregnant? You definitely need to be careful as prolonged exposure to heat in the body can pose risks such as miscarriage and birth defects.

Here’s everything you need to know about using a heating pad during pregnancy.

Heating Pad During Pregnancy: What Are The Benefits?

Using a heating pad is a common method of treating muscle and joint pain. This method is not addictive. So when you experience recurring pain like the aching back, hips, or joints as your pregnancy progresses, it must be treated with heat.

The heat therapy from a heating pad helps to open the blood vessels and increases the blood flow. This in turn helps in bringing fresh supplies of nutrients and oxygen to the body. The result – is reduced joint pain and soreness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments get eased. Plus, the warmth from a heating pad can also improve the range of motion while helping ease muscle spasms.

Why is There Body Pain During Pregnancy?

You can experience back and pelvic pain during pregnancy due to these reasons:

Hormone levels rise: As your body prepares itself for delivery, there is the release of hormones that cause your ligaments to soften and your joints to loosen up. This can prevent your back from being well-supported and can lead to discomfort and pain. 

Gravity change: As your uterus expands to accommodate your growing baby, the centre of gravity changes. Community Expert, Dr Pooja Marathe says, “It’s mainly due to the growing foetus inside the womb, which requires a safe space. Even a little jerky movement by the expecting mum can result in lower back pains which are quite common.

Increase in weight: When you gain weight during pregnancy,  your back has more weight to support which causes pain.

Change in posture: When you are adjusting to your new shape, it can lead to poor posture. Standing or sitting for too long, or even bending over, can worsen the pain in your back and hips and make them sore.

How To Safely Use Heating Pad During Pregnancy?

A heating pad provides temporary pain relief for the discomfort in the back or pelvis including muscle cramps. Plus, using a heating pad on the isolated parts of your body does not raise your core body temperature, unlike a hot tub or sauna.

Here’s how to use a heating pad during pregnancy:

• Avoid applying a heating device directly to your skin. You can use it over your clothing or wrap it in a thin towel.
• Community Expert Dr Pooja Marathe recommends not to apply heat for longer than 30 minutes and use it only for relief from the pain.
• Use the lowest temperature setting that helps ease your pain if your heating pad has temperature settings.
• Do not sleep while using your heating pad.

Dr Pooja Marathe says, “As an alternate, you can use ice packs to get temporary relief, but it depends on one’s convenience.” You can also try an electric heating pad or a microwaveable heat pack for pain relief during pregnancy.

Can I Use Heating Pad On My Pregnant Belly?

Avoid using a heating pad on your abdomen during pregnancy. Gas, bloating, round ligament pain and constipation can be the reason for abdominal pain while you’re pregnant. Hence, a heating pad is not the right solution as abdominal pain could be a symptom of a more serious condition during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you have pain in your abdomen along with these symptoms:

• Spotting or bleeding
• Lightheadedness
• Fever or chills
• Vaginal discharge
• Painful urination
• Nausea and vomiting

While a heating pad provides temporary relief from pain, it is important that you take enough rest and even take a warm bath to soothe the discomfort. You may also try simple stretching exercises or yoga by consulting a doctor. Staying active during pregnancy is important but be careful to not overdo it. 

Cover image credit – Homehardware