Has anyone else used a heating pad?

My back has been killing me since ealry on in my pregnancy. It probably started around 3 mo. and now I am 6 1/2. For awhile, a heating pad was the only thing that worked for me. I would come home from work and have a heating pad off and on almost all night (one of the moist ones you pop in the microwave for 1 min). I just came across another post where someone said using a heating pad can cause brain damage in the fetus. Now I am nervous! In all my pregnancy books and even the orthopedic dr. I went to for my back, recommend using a heating pad. They say the concern is not a hot heating pad in a localized area, but using a hot tub, electric blanket or something that raises your entire body temp. above 102 degrees, which is when you can damage the fetus.

I get so nervous when I hear things other than what my dr's say is ok. My dr. said ProActive is ok, others think differently. My dr. said a heating pad is ok and others think differently. I am just always so afraid I could do something that could hurt my baby. Does anyone else get nervous about this stuff????

Re: Has anyone else used a heating pad?

I actually just used a heating pad on my back last night for the pain! I also read that it is fine in articles online, etc.

I wouldn't be concerned. I think that post you are referring to was one in which the poster asked about putting a heating pad on her belly, which could heat up and be dangerous for the baby. But placing a heating pad on your back should be fine.

I know it's hard hearing so many different opinions about things. My own doctor will be so conservative about some things and much more open-minded about others. But in most cases you just have to go with what you feel is right. And if your doctor says certain things are okay than I would trust his or her opinion.

Re: Has anyone else used a heating pad?

I really used the heating pad on my butt b/c my sciatica was killing me. I think I have enough fat in my butt to absorb the heat...lololol. Plus the heat comes out of the heating pad so quickly, it really only stays hot for a few min. Not long enough to raise your body temp, ya know.

Re: Has anyone else used a heating pad?

I have been having severe back pain, and my OB recommended that I use a heating pad.

Re: Has anyone else used a heating pad?

Here's the article I found on babycenter. Hope this helps!

Btw, I am terrible with how to create links so I just copied the web address.

http://www.babycenter.com/plus/safe/quest.jhtml?iisCatId=1136641&iisCatName=beauty&iisQuestId=1136849

Re: Has anyone else used a heating pad?

I think it is ok as long as you don't have it directly on your belly. I really like thermacare patches because I can move around with them and I feel that they don't get as hot as traditional healting pads.

Re: Has anyone else used a heating pad?

Mild heat on your back and not stomach should be just fine - as long as it isn't too hot. I wouldn't worry too much about that - if you are using it on your back and not raising your body temp you should be fine.