Hot water bottle during pregnancy

[Sunshinekel]

Hi everyone!

I am 14 weeks into my first pregnancy (woohoo) and have been using a hot water bottle on my tummy to ease aches and cramps almost every day until my friend mentioned that this is a bad move and could overheat the baby 😳 There is so much conflicting information online I don't really know what to believe and am starting to panic about any potentialdamage I may have caused. Does anyone have any advice? I'm hopefully just overthinking 😕 x

I'm 17 weeks and have been getting back ache, my MW said at my 16 week appt a 'warm compress' is fine to use on my back but to avoid my abdomen. So I wouldn't use a hot water bottle as they tend to be hotter than a compress. Try a warm bath instead. If you've had your dating scan I'd assume all was well with baby and just avoid hot water bottles from now x

I used one a lot in the early days for my back, and all is well I am now 24 weeks. The worry is overheating as baby cannot regulate temperature and if your body overheats it can cause harm/distress to baby.
As @Rosieposy89 said just use it warm not hot xXx

Yes had scan almost 2 weeks ago and all was well thank god. Yes seems wise to stay away from any heat source around the tummy area from now on. Im hoping that the extra layers of lockdown weight helped keep the baby well protected! 🙄

I'm sure this is fine for short periods, I used one in labour!

I've seen loads of articles saying its fine and that your body provides enough protection for it to not effect the baby. I think because its an outside object giving heat to one place on the body the chances of it raising your core temp are very low, I think with things like hot tubs and saunas your core temp is raised because of the large surface area that is exposed to the heat . Im going to try to not worry and keep away from them all together because to be honest I have scared myself! 🥴

I use really hot water bottles around my back and even thighs, at times it’s near my abdomen so I’m going to stop 😟 I didn’t know it could distress baby if I overheat x

Just make sure it isn't too hot. Just like you're not meant to have hit baths when pregnant x

Hot*

Don't worry too much about it, this really put my mind at rest. 🤗

"According to the NHS, the answer is yes - it's perfectly safe to use a hot water bottle during pregnancy.The heat from the bottle can help relax your muscles to combat any aches or pains you might be experiencing during your pregnancy. And don’t worry - your baby won’t be able to feel the warmth from it as you would be amazed at how much protection there is thanks to the layers between the hot water bottle and baby.

Whether you’re pregnant or not, there are a few rules you should follow when using a hot water bottle for your safety."

www.google.com/amp/s/www.motherandbaby.co.uk/amp/pregnancy/health/wellness/hot-water-bottle-pregnancy