
Yes, you can use back pain patches while pregnant. As with any other product, we recommend that you speak to your doctor before using the patch (which is all natural and free of synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances and dyes) if you have any questions or concerns. The patch won’t cause a miscarriage or a premature labor because it’s 100% safe for pregnancy.
- It’s pretty hard to get through pregnancy without aches and pains, whether it’s low back pain, joint pain, headaches or other discomfort. Most pregnant women (65 to 70%) take acetaminophen at some point; another quarter take ibuprofen. But what do experts say about taking pain medication while pregnant? Which pain relievers are safe—and which should be avoided? Here’s a look at some common pain medications, as well as alternative remedies.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)Most health providers recommend acetaminophen over other medications to relieve pain during pregnancy. However, it carries risks too. A study of 64,000 children found those whose mothers used acetaminophen while pregnant had a 13 to 37% higher risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); the risk grew the later in pregnancy the drug was taken. Some studies link frequent use to children developing asthma or mild developmental delays (others disagree). It’s best to take the lowest effective dose and only as necessary. Make sure you don’t inadvertently double-dose by also taking it in cold or other combination medicines.
Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)You should avoid ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) during your third trimester, because they can cause a serious heart vessel problem in your baby. If you must take ibuprofen after 24 weeks, your doctor may need to monitor your fetus’s heart and amniotic volume by ultrasound. You also should be taking the lowest dose possible to manage your pain. Most experts say NSAIDs are safe to take early in pregnancy, though some studies have found links to birth defects or miscarriage (other studies have not shown this).
AspirinRegular-strength aspirin (325 mg) is not recommended during pregnancy. If you take it early in your pregnancy, it may raise your risk of miscarriage or birth defects. In the third trimester, it’s linked to heart problems for the baby. Low-dose aspirin (60-100 mg daily) may be taken; but, because the dose is so much less than regular aspirin, it is usually less effective against pain. However, doctors sometimes recommend this low dose to prevent miscarriage, clotting disorders, and preeclampsia.
Oxycodone and other opioid pain relieversOxycodone (such as Oxycontin and Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodon, Norco) and codeine are opioids that healthcare providers prescribe if you have moderate-to-severe pain. Women who take greater-than-prescribed amounts of these drugs and for longer than recommended periods of time risk stillbirth, premature delivery, C-section, poor fetal growth, having babies born addicted to the drug (neonatal abstinence syndrome), and having the child develop learning and behavior problems later on. Some studies suggest opioids may slightly raise the risk of babies being born with heart defects or cleft lip and palate.
Migraine medicationsFor many women, migraines disappear in pregnancy. Others are not so lucky. To quell migraine pain during pregnancy, doctors recommend acetaminophen, low-dose aspirin (75 mg), relaxation techniques, and avoiding known triggers. If necessary, some prescriptions are OK: propranolol, amitriptyline, sumatriptan (if taken less than twice a week), and rizatriptan. Avoid ergotamine and aspirin above 75 mg. Topiramate or sodium valproate may increase the risk of birth defects, so discuss taking these with your healthcare provider.
Herbal supplementsIf you have arthritis, you may find it gets worse during your pregnancy. Water weight gain during pregnancy can also cause your feet, hips, knees, ankles and fingers to feel stiffer and more painful. Some alternative supplements for joint pain should be avoided during pregnancy, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and turmeric. One that’s safe to try: Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish oil supplements or by eating salmon and other such foods. Omega-3s can help relieve pain and stiffness, plus have other benefits, like reducing premature births and promoting healthy brain development in your baby.
Pain-relieving creams and ointmentsBen Gay, Icy Hot and other muscle creams can help sooth aching backs or other painful muscles—but you need to avoid these during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. That’s because the active ingredient in these is methyl salicylate, which is an NSAID. When you rub it on your skin, it can be absorbed into your body. Using it during the third trimester could harm your baby or cause bleeding in you or your baby during delivery.
CBD productsCannabidiol (CBD) products have become popular, with CBD creams and oils often recommended for joint and muscle pain. CBD is a chemical derived from marijuana, but does not contain its active ingredient (THC) and is not psychoactive. However, there hasn’t been enough research on CBD products to know if they are safe for pregnant women. CBD may affect your hormones; plus, CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA and may contain THC or other contaminants. Marijuana use in pregnancy may cause miscarriage or affect a baby’s brain development. Therefore, it’s best to avoid CBD while pregnant.
Nonmedication alternativesTo find relief from joint pain or lower back pain without medication, try improving your posture (both while standing and sitting), wearing low-heeled shoes, lifting properly (squatting, not bending), sleeping on your side (perhaps with a pillow between your legs), getting a prenatal massage, using hot or cold packs, and doing low-impact exercise like walking or swimming. Therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic may help too. (Check with your doctor first, though.)
As a pregnant mother, you’re not only worried about your own health, but also the well-being of your baby. The Back Pain Patches are the natural way to get rid of back pain, without the use of drugs or surgery. While the back pain patches may not be right for you during pregnancy, there are other ways to relieve your back pain. If you’re experiencing discomfort on a day-to-day basis, try some simple exercises to help strengthen your core muscles and take pressure off your lower back.
What Can I Use For Back Pain While Pregnant
While your back pain is most likely a result of the added strain on your body, there are some products and strategies that can help you cope with lower back pain during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your doctor first. You may have tried many different creams, gels and heat packs to ease your back pain while pregnant. Unfortunately they can’t help you because they aren’t specific to the unique challenges you face each day. This pregnancy back pain relief belt is specially designed to provide you with personalized support to relieve your back pain when you need it most.
Consider seven ways to give pregnancy back pain the boot.
1. Practice good posture
As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. To avoid falling forward, you might compensate by leaning back — which can strain the muscles in your lower back and contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Keep these principles of good posture in mind:
- Stand up straight and tall.
- Hold your chest high.
- Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
- Don’t lock your knees.
When you stand, use a comfortably wide stance for the best support. If you must stand for long periods of time, rest one foot on a low step stool — and take time for frequent breaks.
Good posture also means sitting with care. Choose a chair that supports your back, or place a small pillow behind your lower back.
2. Get the right gear
Wear low-heeled — not flat — shoes with good arch support. Avoid high heels, which can further shift your balance forward and cause you to fall.
You might also consider wearing a maternity support belt. Although research on the effectiveness of maternity support belts is limited, some women find the additional support helpful.
3. Lift properly
When lifting a small object, squat down and lift with your legs. Don’t bend at the waist or lift with your back. It’s also important to know your limits. Ask for help if you need it.
4. Sleep on your side
Sleep on your side, not your back. Keep one or both knees bent. Consider using pregnancy or support pillows between your bent knees, under your abdomen and behind your back.
5. Try heat, cold or massage
While evidence to support their effectiveness is limited, massage or the application of a heating pad or ice pack to your back might help.
6. Include physical activity in your daily routine
Regular physical activity can keep your back strong and might relieve back pain during pregnancy. With your health care provider’s OK, try gentle activities — such as walking or water exercise. A physical therapist also can show you stretches and exercises that might help.
You might also stretch your lower back. Rest on your hands and knees with your head in line with your back. Pull in your stomach, rounding your back slightly. Hold for several seconds, then relax your stomach and back — keeping your back as flat as possible. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions. Ask your health care provider about other stretching exercises, too.
7. Consider complementary therapies
Some research suggests that acupuncture might relieve back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment might provide comfort for some women as well. However, further research is needed. If you’re considering a complementary therapy, discuss it with your health care provider. Be sure to tell the chiropractor or acupuncturist that you are pregnant.
Know when to consult your health care provider
If you have severe back pain during pregnancy or back pain that lasts more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider. He or she might recommend medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other treatments.
Keep in mind that back pain during pregnancy might be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during pregnancy that’s accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever or burning during urination, contact your health care provider right away.
Many pregnant women experience back pain at some point in their pregnancy, but for some it can be a more persistent problem. Keeping up with exercise and stretching are important ways to prevent back pain, but what can you do if you already have pain? Back pain can be a common problem during pregnancy and it could be a sign that you’re carrying your growing baby a little lower than normal. Back pain is often treated with medication but there are some things you can do to help yourself feel better. Here’s what the experts recommend to keep your back in shape while you’re pregnant.
Take the weight off your back while pregnant! Our pregnancy pillow is specially designed to support your body while keeping your spine aligned, so you can sleep with less stress on your back.
Can I Use Icy Hot Patches While Pregnant
You can use icy hot patches while pregnant, but the patch should not be applied over your belly. Place it on the area that is most painful or where you have inflammation. These patches are safe to use while pregnant, however they are not made specifically for women during pregnancy so you should consult a doctor before using them, You can use icy hot patches while pregnant, as long as you only put it on once a day. It’s best to avoid putting it over your belly and hip areas because of your increased size. Make sure to wash your hands after applying it, since icy heat can stain fabric if it gets on it.
If you have a known aspirin allergy, Icy Hot shouldn’t be part of your pregnancy pain management plan. Still, remember that not all versions of Icy Hot contain methyl salicylate. Therefore, a good recommendation is to avoid using Icy Hot that contains methyl salicylate if you’re pregnant and have an aspirin allergy.
What are some other ways to relieve muscle pain when pregnant?
If the thought of trying to find the right kind of Icy Hot to soothe your sore muscles has you feeling overloaded, don’t worry — we understand! There are other, physician-approved ways to help ease the aches and pains of pregnancy.
Check your posture
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies when it comes to back pain, and trying to kick your slouching habit might be helpful.
Even though your center of gravity is changing thanks to your expanding belly, make it a point to stand and sit up straight, as well as keep your shoulders back and relaxed. Also, focus on finding supportive chairs or investing in a good pillow to give your back support when you’re sitting or sleeping.
Use heat and cold safely
If Icy Hot is a no-go, go back to the basics by alternating between ice packs or heating pads on your back to soothe sore muscles. However, heating pads should be used at lower temperatures and wrapped in a towel to avoid causing burns.
Try holistic treatments
Massage and acupuncture can provide relief for some women who are experiencing pain in their backs, hips, shoulders, feet, or elsewhere during pregnancy. Be sure to find a licensed provider who has experience with prenatal patients.
Stay active
Being pregnant isn’t an excuse to be sedentary. There’s evidence that low impact activities can help reduce back pain in pregnant women. Focus on gentle activities like walking or even aquatic exercises. Also, focus on stretching to help ease sore muscles.
Rethink your footwear
Even if you love sky-high heels and wore them often before pregnancy, that type of footwear will become unrealistic as you progress through the trimesters. Your center of gravity has changed, and high heels can increase your risk of falling. Opt for shoes with low heels and good arch support.
Know when to talk to your OB-GYN
While back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy, severe back pain or pain that lasts for weeks shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes severe back pain can be a sign of preterm labor or even a urinary tract infection. So, if that constant twinge of pain doesn’t feel normal, talk to your physician.
Icyhot Patches are a temporary solution to manage back pain. You can use them while pregnant, as long as there is no medical reason not to. As with most other meds, it’s best to check with your doctor before using any medication while pregnant. In some circumstances, doctors will recommend a different painkiller for pregnant women. Being pregnant is an amazing experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most difficult parts of being pregnant is managing your pain.
Can I Use Pain Relief Patches While Pregnant
Are pain relief patches safe during pregnancy? Which are the best brands to use? And do I need any extra precautions when applying them? The good news is that you can use pain relief patches while pregnant, so long as you know the facts. When applied correctly and before bedtime, they help with aches and pains while sleeping.
Pain relief patches are safe to use during pregnancy and can help you feel better. They contain similar ingredients to prescriptions, so you should discuss any concerns about using them with your doctor. Pain Relief Patches can be safely used during pregnancy. These patches do not contain any drugs or medications and don’t affect the baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should avoid using Pain Relief Patches if you are allergic to the ingredients of the patch, have a systemic infection (like an infection of the blood), liver disease or skin diseases such as burns, scabies and eczema.
You can use this patch for pain relief during your pregnancy. However, before you decide to use it, make sure that it does not have any side effects on the baby or the mother.