Pregnancy is full of many questions and concerns about what is safe or not safe to do or use during those long nine months. One of those things that you may have wondered about concerns the use of heating pads while pregnant.
If used correctly, heating pads can be safe to use during pregnancy. The main problem with heat when it comes to the baby has to do with your body's core temperature. Since a baby cannot sweat like we can, it has no way to regulate it's own body temperature inside the womb. Such things as fevers, soaking in a hot tub or hot bath, and rigorous exercise increase our body's core temperature, which in turn increases the baby's core temperature. It can have drastic effects on an unborn child, especially during the first 3 months of fetal development. It can lead to birth defects such as spina bifida and can even cause miscarriages. You should never allow your temperature to rise over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.33 Celsius). If your temperature does reach this point, you should contact your doctor and have them tell you what to do.
The reason that heating pads are okay to use is because they do not raise your core temperature, but instead heat up the local area to which they are applied. Although they do not raise your core temperature, you should never apply a heating pad directly to your stomach. It will heat up the area your baby is located and will cause their core temperature to increase, therefore leading to problems. Any other area of your body that is not directly near the baby is perfectly safe.
Why Use A Heating Pad While Pregnant
Heating pads during pregnancy can be used to treat such things as
Sore muscles Leg cramps Tension headaches when applied to shoulder/neck area Injuries Aching joints
The next time you are feeling a little achy, don't be afraid to pull out that heat pad and put it to good use. You will be feeling better before you know it!
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