Is it OK to use a hot water bottle in labour?

[purpleaura]

Hi all,

I'm 40+1 (exciting times!) and had a little period type pain last night. I've read that some people get quite a bit of this type of pain in the run up to labour. I always used to soothe period pains with a hot water bottle, but I'm worried it might overheat the baby... Is it safe to use one? What about for lower back pain in labour?

Any advice or suggestions v welcome. Thanks x

Hi there, how exciting, hope this is the start for you I used only a hot water bottle in labour as it eased my back pain so much, the midwife even topped it up with hot water for me when I arrived at hospital. I don't know how I have coped without it. Hope this helps and good luck

I used my hot water bottle for hours in early labour last time. Also it gave DH something useful to do when it needed re filling with hot water...

I think once you're in labour you do pretty much whatever you can that helps you feel comfy! A hot water bottle sounds like a good idea. I spent most of my labour in a hot bath.
Good luck!

That's great to know, thanks so much for your replies. I love my hot water bottle!! I like the bit about giving dp something to do too :)

I saw midwife at 32 weeks for cramp pains and backache and she told me fine to use a hot water bottle. I can't tolerate it as hot as I did for period pain so maybe our bodies protect baby