Safe to use heating pad while pregnant?

I'm 26 weeks and been posting about the contractions I've been having -- seems I have what is called an 'irritable uterus. It basically reacts to everything I do other than lying down by contracting.

Anyhow, I also get back pain with them. Can I use a heating pad on my back to deal with this? Is the heat bad for the baby? They caution you about taking overly hot baths due to the risks of overheating the baby and the baby is so close that I'm afraid it will do exactly that.

I'm looking for other ways to deal with the discomfort, pressure and pain -- I don't want to be popping pills, even tylenol, and in fact would have to take them every day to help, which is just not a good idea. I forgot to ask my doc yesterday, hence me posting here. :)

[mikaleen]

It is safe to use a heating pad on your back, just don't leave it on all day long.  It won't raise your core body temperature like a hot bath will, and as long as it's not on your tummy it won't raise the temp of your body there either.  I would put it on low heat and keep it on for 1/2 hour and leave it off for a bit.  If you start feeling like you are getting warm sooner turn it off...


I hope it helps you a bit!

[kimmery]

Thank you, hun! :)

I think it will help. Baths also help, but of course I can't be in the bath all day long, lol! Hope you're having a better day today, yourself. :)