Pregnancy is a joyful experience, full of expectations and hopes. However, it does involve some discomfort and pain in the muscles and joints, especially in the lower back. Follow these instructions to safely use a warmer during gestation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Directly Apply the Warmer to the Body
Unless you've set the warmer to maximum temperature or don't want to keep it for long periods of time, you can rest it against your body on the painful area. The heat relieves discomfort and in some people reduces inflammation. It is particularly useful for the back and knees.
Step 1. Use the warmer for short periods of time
Try to apply it at intervals of 15 minutes and for a maximum duration of 15 minutes. Often, the heat that remains in the muscle or on the back is enough to make you feel good until the next application.
Step 2. Avoid high temperatures
If you use it too much or set it to the maximum, you can risk burns. Don't sleep while it's on, and keep it at the lowest effective temperature.
Step 3. Do not place it directly on your stomach
Although there is no evidence that warmers release electromagnetic waves that are harmful to the baby, it is possible that temperatures above 39 ° C can cause complications.
- For this reason, do not put it directly on the abdomen for more than a couple of minutes, or do not do it at all.
- Consider using a hot water bottle instead, or putting on an extra blanket and removing it when your skin is warm to the touch.
Method 2 of 3: Cold Packs
Some women find the alternation between hot and cold quite effective in relieving pain and inflammation. If you've had a minor back injury, put on an ice pack (or a cold one) first for the first two days and then switch to the warmer.
Step 1. Start applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth
Instead of starting with a hot pack right away, start with the cold. You can also use a cold pack if the ice is unbearable.
The preventive application of ice will make the warmer appear warmer and more effective even at low temperatures. It is particularly useful if you have suffered a strain of an abdominal or pelvic muscle
Step 2. Alternate cold and hot treatment
This constant change gives relief to the muscle or back more quickly, as well as avoiding overheating the skin.
Step 3. Make your own cold pack
Instead of using the ice pack or instant pack you buy at the pharmacy, you can fill a bottle with cold water, wet a cloth with cold water, or take a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer and wrap it in a towel before placing it against your skin.. You can use these packs between applications of the warmer.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Warmer Indirectly
If you do not like the idea of placing the warmer directly on your body when you are pregnant, to avoid damage to the skin, or because you are worried about electromagnetic waves, you can consider an indirect application.
Step 1. Use it to warm the bed
Turn on an electric blanket or warmer and place them under your regular blanket or between the sheets. Remember to remove these power tools or turn them off when you go to bed. This way you will enjoy all the benefits of heat therapy without worry.
Step 2. Wrap the warmer in a blanket or cloth
To limit the effects, you can cover it so as to interpose layers between your body and the electric instrument.
- If your back hurts, try putting the warmer under a light pillow, which is also placed under your back, when you lie down on the sofa or bed. However, remember that the heater is on and that you must turn it off before sleeping, to avoid the danger of fire or burns.
- Wrapping the warmer in a layer of fabric, like an old sweatshirt, makes applications safer in the abdominal area.
Advice
Warmers are also considered safe for pregnant women by some institutes such as the US Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology; however, remember to use moderate temperatures and for short periods
Warnings
- Always turn off the warmer before going to sleep or when it has reached the desired temperature to avoid burns and accidents.
- Although back pain is normal during pregnancy, call 911 immediately if you experience severe, persistent, rhythmic pain that tends to get worse; there may be complications.
