Uses for a Heating Pad in the Early Stages of Pregnancy

Round Ligament Pain

• Round ligament pain is the pain associated with the stretching of the growing uterus in pregnancy. The round ligaments hold the uterus in place. According to EMedicineHealth, the uterus grows during pregnancy, and the ligaments stretch to accommodate this growth, causing pain and discomfort that is often felt in the lower abdomen or groin. This pain often begins as early as the first trimester. If you are experiencing a sharp stabbing or a dull aching pain in your lower abdomen that particularly occurs when you change position or even when you cough, you are likely suffering from round ligament pain. Of course, you should first seek the advice of your medical professional. If this is indeed what is ailing you, you may be advised to apply a heating pad--set on low heat--to the area to temporarily relieve the pain.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

• According to the Birth Source website, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is the separation of the symphysis pubis, the joint located in the front of the pelvis. During pregnancy, the body naturally produces the hormones progesterone and relaxin. These hormones are intended to prepare your body for childbirth, softening the muscles of the pelvic region to enable your baby to pass through the area more easily. In some cases, these muscles stretch too much, causing the separation of the bone. When this occurs, you will experience extreme pain in the pubic region--either the front, back or both--hips, upper thighs and groin. The condition makes walking, climbing stairs and lifting tedious tasks. You may also feel and hear your hip bones pop out of the sockets, particularly when you roll over in bed. Though typically an affliction later in pregnancy, it can occur during the early stages of pregnancy. One way to find relief from this pain is with the heat of a heating pad.

Sciatica

• Another common ailment that women experience during pregnancy is sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs down the lower back to the legs and feet. During pregnancy, the growth of your uterus and your baby can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve can also be affected by the increased hormones that your body is producing. With sciatica, you will likely experience pain in your lower back and buttocks, and that pain often radiates down to your legs and feet. This pain may come and go, or it be a persistent problem through the duration of your pregnancy and thereafter. In early pregnancy, sciatica is often caused by the increase in hormone production. According to the What to Expect website, a heating pad is one way to ease the pain of sciatica.