Dear acg125-ga;
Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question.
It seems that the opinion on this is somewhat divided pending further
research but the popular contention is that heating pads do not pose a
significant risk during pregnancy as long as they are used responsibly
and appropriately. The difference in opinion, oddly enough, doesn’t
necessarily stem from risks caused by the increase body heat but also
because of the amount of information that is still out on studies
related to the potential risks associated with fetal exposure of
electromagnetic fields. This of course doesn’t mean that
electromagnetic fields are dangerous so much as it indicates that we
do not know for certain if they are or not. There simply hasn’t been
enough research in this area to make an informed judgment at present
so at the moment it isn’t uncommon for physicians to recommend that
women who are at a particularly high risk for miscarriage avoid
heating pads, electric blankets and other similar appliances
altogether.
Having said that, I have included some related excerpts from pertinent
sources that support my answer that there is currently no hard
evidence to indicate there is an increased risk to a pregnancy or to a
fetus due to the use of heating pads (when used responsibly). Keep in
mind too that no doctor would recommend the direct application of a
heating pad to the abdominal area while you are pregnant because of
the abnormal increase in body temperature it can cause. In addition,
the use of a heating pad on the lower back in the last trimester (just
like saunas and hot tubs) could actually mask labor pains and the
normal symptoms of labor that might otherwise be alerting you that it
is time to get to a hospital without delay. I found nothing
substantial in terms of a medical report to indicate that using a
heating pad on the lower back is risky but you’d definitely have to
use common sense the later in the pregnancy you are. Beyond this
however, I find no hard data to support a risk any greater than the
obvious (but relatively low) risk of burn or shock that anyone would
normally face from using an electrical device like this. You would be
well advised to read each article in its entirety though so you can
learn more about each statement, as we cannot provide medical advice,
but merely point out what has been published on the topic.
“Heating pads, when used appropriately, are safe to use during
pregnancy and will not increase the risk for malformations.”
PREGNANCY & BABY
http://pregnancyandbaby.com/inside/look/285.htm
MOM'S MEDICINE KIT FOR PREGNANCY-RELIEF
“For sensitive, swollen breasts [use] heating pads on a warm (not hot)
setting”
PREGNANCY WEEKLY
http://www.pregnancyweekly.com/topics/helpful_lists/medicine.htm
“Heat is for mild to moderate pain. It helps expand blood vessels,
increases blood flow to the area, and provides relaxation for the
tissues. You can get heat therapy from heating pads, rice socks, warm
water, etc. This is also beneficial for labor.”
COMFORT MEASURES FOR PREGNANCY - CHILDBIRTH CLASS TWO
http://pregnancy.about.com/library/class/blclass2d.htm
“A warm bath, strategically applied heating pads, hot water bottles or
gentle leg massage before bed, perhaps with warming sandalwood massage
oil, can also ease symptoms [of restless leg syndrome].”
PREGNANCY & BABY
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancyandbaby/pregnancy/concernpreg/articles/0,,16_167790-3,00.html
Below you will find that I have carefully defined my search strategy
for you in the event that you need to search for more information. By
following the same type of searches that I did you may be able to
enhance the research I have provided even further. I hope you find
that that my research exceeds your expectations. If you have any
questions about my research please post a clarification request prior
to rating the answer. Otherwise, I welcome your rating and your final
comments and I look forward to working with you again in the near
future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga
INFORMATION SOURCES
Defined above
SEARCH STRATEGY
SEARCH ENGINE USED:
Google ://www.google.com
SEARCH TERMS USED:
“HEATING PADS” PREGNANCY
“HEATING PADS” RISK PREGNANCY
“HEATING PADS” TRIMESTER RISKS |
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