Deep Heat

[sleb1]

Hi

I'm 17 weeks pregnant with my first baby having gone through 2 IVF procedures.

I have a very weak back. Without thinking I used deep heat last night to ease the pain. It wasn't until after I used it that I questionned whether it was safe. DH and I couldn't find anything on the packaging , but doing an internet search tonight I've seen that it wasn't a recommended move.Now I'm really worried I may have harmed my baby.

I'm quite sure one application will nothave harmed your baby.

Hello Sleb1

I did a bit of googling - menthol and methylsalicylate (ingredients of deep heat) should not be applied in the LAST 3 months of pregnancy - the first six months only when really needed. You are supposed to check with doc first but they always sya that...(MOST pharmaceuticals add this as a caveate anyway to protevt themselves from litigation).

If you are really concerned contact nhsdirect - a midwife has rung my sister back twice with info on safe meds. But one application...i really wouldn't be concerned.

Massage is your best bet or cold/warm compresses but nhs direct did warn against using heated belts/pads which are worn/exude heat over a long time because you do not want your core body temp to heat up (fetus cannot regulate its own temp so if amniotic fluid warmer baby may get too hot hence not supposed to go in jacuzzis/saunas/steam baths).

PLEASE try not to worry love - if i had a pound for everything i fretted about in the last 9 months (even a medicated strepsil cos the chemist told me off after the event)I'd be loaded by now! xx

Thank you - up at 5am fretting. Trying to keep it in perspective, you here stories of babies surviving alcohol and drug abuse by their mothers, so I guess one application of deep heat isn't the end of the world. Thanks for taking the time to post - really appreciate it.

I used an equivalent to Deep Heat at around 7 or 8 weeks when i seemed to have horrible pains around my shoulder and top of back. Instructions on the tube said to check with doctor before using in pregnancy and my obstetrician said it was ok. Haven't had to use it since though thank goodness so don't know about use during last 3 months.

Hope your back starts to feel better soon.

Don't worry. Use hot water bottle.

I (accidentally) got Deep Heat in my vag once and that was OK, although also not recommended. Sure it will be fine!

ecuse ok. How ?
And what do you mean it was 'ok' - Didn't it sting like hell?!

I am 6 weeks and went to the gp yesterday about severe pregnancy related back pain and she recommended deep heat and paracetamol as often as it recommends on the pack for everyone else. I kind of presume that it was all ok considering we had talked about the pregnancy and other symptoms! Just cant wait for the phsio appt - getting very bored of looking at the ceiling!

Well 'ok' insofar as I didn't die or get poisoned or anything. Yep, it stung like hell though!

Now I think about it, it wasn't Deep Heat, but one of those ibuprofen gels with deep heat type stuff in (so you get both the drugs and the warmth/tingle). I got myself all wound up that somehow I would poison myself with it so phoned NHS direct from a toilet stall at work saying "help I think I've just taken an overdose through my vagina". I am not that smart.

I wasn't pregnant at the time, but I thought it might cheer you up and calm your fears about the evilness or otherwise of Deep Heat, sleb1 :)

Yes, but HOW did you get it there 'accidentally' ?!

Aaaah. I use the stuff on my tummy and back for period pains. It's very soothing and I highly recommend it, but always remember to change your tampon FIRST before getting the gel on your fingers. A mistake I only made once

oops!

I know this post is like wayyy old but similar thing just happened to me. My fiance put deep heat on my back and then he went ans washed hands but then we did foreplay and think maybe was a bit left on his fingers. My vag is tingling and burning. How long did it last for you? Did u need meds? Did u get an infection? Thanks