Being pregnant is a blessing, but it does come with discomfort. Your back aches, you have leg pain, and yes, stomach pain. Thankfully there are things you can do to ease the discomfort.
Have you wondered if you can use a hot water bottle on your tummy while pregnant?
The good news is, you can. It’s perfectly safe to use a hot water bottle while pregnant, and it can be a great way to get some relief from cramps and stomach pain.
Of course, there are some things to consider, so I will discuss using a water bottle during pregnancy in this article.
Safety First
Safety should always be your first concern in anything pregnancy-related, and that also goes for using a water bottle.
Before using a hot water bottle, inspect it for any signs of splitting rubber or any tears. Make sure the top to the bottle has a snug fit.
You can use very hot water to fill the bottle, but you want to avoid boiling water as this can deteriorate the rubber.
Fill the bottle only about ¾ full and never sit or lie on it. And never use a hot water bottle when using an electric blanket.
Will My Baby Be Safe?
She most definitely will. You’d be surprised at how well-protected babies are in the womb. Those muscles are very strong and specially designed to protect your precious cargo.
Your baby can not get burned because there are so many thick layers of muscle and tissue between the baby and the outside world, so there is no chance she’ll be affected.
What if I Overheat?
Being pregnant, especially in the summer, can certainly make you feel like you have your own built-in heater. And there are certain things you need to avoid at all costs to avoid overheating.
Hot tubs and saunas are forbidden as they have been associated with birth defects. But a hot water bottle is too small to affect your whole body.
You need to worry about heat and pregnancy only when it affects your internal temperature. While this could happen in a hot tub or a sauna, it won’t when using a hot water bottle, so do not fret.
When Should I Use a Hot Water Bottle?
As your belly grows and stretches, you may experience aches and pains in and around the muscles. Using a hot water bottle on your stomach can help your muscles relax and hopefully ease some of that tension.
Some women in pregnancy have to deal with symphysis pubis dysfunction, a condition in which the ligaments in the pelvic area become too relaxed. This can cause the pelvic joint to become uncomfortable and painful.
You can ease the discomfort of SPD by placing a hot water bottle on the pubic bone, only leaving it on for 10 minutes at a time.
Always Check With Your Doctor
Using a hot water bottle on your belly during pregnancy is perfectly safe but if you have any qualms or questions, be sure to speak to your doctor before going forward.
