Use of Heat for Pain Relief During Labor
The use of heat for comfort in labor is not new, though most hospitals still need ready access to sources. The most common type of using heat is through a heating pad, rice sock, or water bottle. Except for an electric heating pad, A microwaveable heating pad loses heat as time goes on, and that is why herbal heating pads are safe to sleep with because they need to be reheated.
SACKSY THYME Microwavable Heating Pad:
Heat is Great for Helping You Relax
Heat is a great way to help ease pain and make you feel more relaxed. Many people turn to heating pads, blankets, or other sources of warmth for this purpose. It is always important to find what works best for you and your body during labor.
Some people prefer using heat while others do not, but you might already have a good idea from your everyday life. If you are a big fan of a heating pad or other source of warmth, it's up to you how you would like your pain relief to be done in labor!
Using a Heating Pad During Labor
The use of heat during labor can be an effective way to reduce pain and increase comfort. Herbal heating pads are safe for all stages, except on areas that have been numbed through the epidural nerve block (if you have one), as well as if your temperature is too high due to having a fever.
Common places to put heat sources are as follows:
Back:
Your back labor is no fun, and the pain can be unbearable. But using a heat source such as a Hot Therapy relief Microwavable heating pad or hot water bottle will help to ease your discomfort in just minutes! It's also possible for you to get relief from both Heat & cold treatments, so take advantage of these benefits!
SACKSY THYME Microwavable Heating Pad for Back Pain:
Introducing an innovative heating pad that offers targeted and effective relief, specially created to alleviate back discomfort. The microwavable feature ensures quick and hassle-free heating, providing instant relief from pain. Its compact and portable design allows for easy use at home, in the office, or while on the go.
Neck:
Using a Sacksy Thyme's Microwavable Neck Wrap can help relieve tension and stress during labor, which is especially important because it's one of those things you don't want to risk forgetting.
Sacksy Thyme microwavable neck wrap for neck pain:
Our Sacksy Microwavable Neck Wrap helps alleviate stiff neck and shoulder tension naturally by providing the perfect balance of moist heat. Thoughtfully designed to give you the option of either a fleece or cotton side, and made with eight heat emitting chambers to keep the filler in place. Retains heat for up to 20-30 minutes, which is the recommended timeframe for hot and cold therapy.
Pubic bone:
If you have experienced symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy, you may feel a lot of tightness or pressure at your pubic bone. This can make it difficult to move around after delivery. However, using hot packs can help you relax and improve your mobility during the healing process. So, consider using heat therapy to relieve the discomfort caused by SPD.
Keeping Warm During Labor
During labor, women often experience chills, a common symptom that can be managed with various warming strategies to enhance comfort. One effective method is the use of herbal heating pads, which can be placed on the abdomen to provide soothing warmth. Additionally, socks filled with rice serve as another DIY heat source; these can be gradually moistened to improve heat retention from body contact. Hospitals may also offer heat-seeking blankets for full-body warmth, ensuring a more comfortable labor experience.
Safety is paramount when using any heat sources. It is crucial to wrap heating pads or rice-filled socks in a towel to protect the skin from potential burns and ensure that no open flames are nearby to avoid fire hazards. If direct contact with DIY heat sources feels too risky, commercial heating pads and specially designed thermal blankets are safer, more controlled options. These measures not only provide physical comfort but also help in reducing stress, making the labor process a bit more manageable.
Benefits of using heat therapy during labor:
- Reduces pain: Heat therapy helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and ease pain sensations.
- Promotes relaxation: Heat can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can be beneficial during labor, as anxiety and tension can intensify pain.
- Improves comfort: The warmth from a heating pad or hot compress can provide a sense of comfort and well-being during labor.
How to use heat therapy during labor:
- Choose the right heat source: You can use a heating pad, hot compress, or warm bath for heat therapy during labor.
- Apply heat to the affected area: Apply the heat source to the area experiencing pain, such as the lower back, abdomen, or sacroiliac joint.
- Limit application time: Use heat therapy for 20-30 minutes, with breaks in between.
- Monitor for discomfort: Stop using heat therapy if you experience discomfort, such as burning, redness, or itching.
Safety considerations:
- Avoid overheating: Do not use excessively high temperatures or apply heat for extended periods to avoid burns.
- Protect the skin: Place a towel or thin cloth between the heating pad and your skin to prevent direct contact and reduce the risk of burns.
- Avoid using heat therapy on certain areas: Do not use heat therapy on areas with open wounds, numb areas, or areas with impaired circulation.
- Consult your healthcare provider: Talk to your midwife or doctor about using heat therapy during labor to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.
- Be mindful of epidurals: If you have an epidural, heat therapy may not be recommended as it could interfere with the effectiveness of the anesthesia.
Tips for using heat therapy effectively:
- Start with a low temperature and gradually increase it as needed.
- Move the heat source around to avoid applying it to one spot for too long.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Combine heat therapy with other relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or massage.
- Listen to your body and stop using heat therapy if you experience discomfort.
Remember, heat therapy can be a helpful tool for managing pain during labor, but it is important to use it safely and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for you.
When Not to Use Heat
In the opinion of experts, there's no need to worry about using heat in labor. Good news! There have been few studies on this topic specifically so far. A small study shows that heat in labor doesn't negatively affect fetal monitoring or your pregnancy progress.
Some people are so good at advising that they forget the most important thing- YOU. It is a known fact not to use heat or cold on the skin without feeling, such as when an epidural has been given and numbed areas of your body for fear it might hurt you more than necessary; however, this can cause burns if done accidentally by someone else who doesn't know better! Be safe.
It is important to be very careful using any heat source if you have an epidural. It includes the risk of numbed skin, which can also cause overheating. This change in our bodies' dissipative abilities will lead us to become warmer than normal for some period after delivery when we are most likely trying so hard. Not only physically but emotionally, too!
The same warning goes with fever during labor - being around high temperatures may result in serious problems whether they offer relief, such as muscle relaxants, etc.