Heating Pad During Pregnancy??

My doctor said a heating pad is fine as long as you dont put it on your belly and leave over night for long time. You might just give your doctor a call and ask. Tell them about your back and maybe he/she will give you something for pain or tell you what to do. I always just called and asked the nurse or they would ask the doctor and call me back. Dont be afarid to ask them.

I've used one MANY times with my pregnancy, all 3 of them and never had any problems.
It just heats your skin and muscles, it won't go internal so don't worry.
Keep it on low or medium and make sure it has a cover over the hot pad.

Hope you feel better!

I have pretty bad back problems from previous injuries and being pregnant with my third doesn't help either. My doctor recommended using the non-medicated heat patches and said I could take Tylenol if the pain was truly severe. Other than those two things you really have to just endure.

Its not a dumb question! I am with Nattalie, I think for the most part it is reasonably safe on lower settings...however, the hospital I teach at has recently came up with a policy that says they do not recommend any "super"heated types of comfort aids...I assume they mean heating pads...the reason is that it is not a good idea to use direct heat for prolonged times because there is some chance of overheating and possible burns due to nerve compression making it hard to feel. I personally like to use a rice sock...Also now frowned upon at my hospital >:0( A rice sock is just what it sounds like: a man's sock filled with long grain uncooked rice and you tie it off and stick it in the microwave for a couple of minutes and it is a nice heavy moist heat that lasts a long time without the risk of getting any hotter. Of course you could always get someone to give you a nice back rub or a massage! Hope your back feels better soon! Or better yet, see a chiropractor! Why not?
Marianne

I used a heating pad during my latest pregnancy for abdominal and lower back pain. I was concerned like you were, but my mom (who's an RN) and my OB/GYN assured me it was okay and not going to get hot enough to harm the baby. I had heard you were not supposed to use hot tubs when pregnant, but I guess heating pads don't get that hot.

I had the same question earlier. Now i know as long as the heat source isnt on the belly its fine.

M.,

I was always told not to, though it feels sooooo good. You can ice your back and it will help more than the heat. The ice helps with the pain better than the heat. Ask your doctor. But with me, 3 boys later, I was told no heat. : )