Pregnancy can bring its fair share of sore muscles, and many pregnant women think about using a heating pad to alleviate some of those aches and pains. However, some are concerned about the electromagnetic fields from the heating pad or even the heat itself harming their unborn baby. Luckily, these fears are unfounded; according to BabyCenter.com experts, using a heating pad during pregnancy is safe.
Step 1
Decide which type of heating pad you would like to use. Although experts agree that heating pads should be safe, according to BabyCenter.com postings, many women feel more comfortable using the kind that are not plugged in, such as warmers filled with rice and heated in the microwave. However, this is just a personal preference and you should use whatever type is most convenient for you.
Step 2
Inspect the heating pad before use. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring that the unit is in proper working order before using can minimize the risks of burns or other hazards associated with the use of heating pads. If any part of the heating pad looks damaged or frayed, do not use the product.
Step 3
Minimize heat from the heating pad. This may include using the heating pad on its lowest setting, but the March of Dimes also suggests wrapping the heating pad in a towel to minimize heat from the unit.
Step 4
Place the unit on top of the area you want to soothe. The temperature of the heating pad could increase to dangerous levels if trapped, according to the FDA, so it is unwise to lay or sit on top of the unit.
Step 5
Monitor your overall body temperature. Although it is unlikely that using a heating pad on a specific area will cause your body temperature to rise, having a body temperature that is too high can cause unnecessary risk to the baby, says BabyCenter.com. This is the reason why saunas and hot tubs are generally considered unsafe during pregnancy. Therefore, it may be wise to use the heating pad only for short periods of time and stop if you feel yourself getting too warm, as a precaution.
Tips and Warnings
- If you still feel uncomfortable using a heating pad during pregnancy, you can also use ice packs or hot water bottles to ease pregnancy aches.
- Persistent or severe pain may be a sign of potentially serious pregnancy complications, according to Dr. Russell Turk, an obstetrician and contributor to BabyCenter.com, so you should report all pain without an obvious cause to your doctor. If you would like to use an over-the-counter pain medication in addition to the heating pad to ease your aches and pains, talk to a doctor before doing so to make sure it is safe to take.
