Getting pregnant brings up various unusual experiences, including discomfort in unexpected places. Because of your pregnancy, your viewpoint on aches and suffering has transformed.
There are times when you want to do anything to feel better because everything hurts. Searching for safe over-the-counter (OTC) medications or treatments sometimes feels like navigating a minefield.
If you’ve used Icy Hot before, you probably appreciate how it helps with pain, spasms, cramps, and sprains. Nevertheless, you are probably well aware of the unfortunate reality that a number of medications should not be used while pregnant.
So, can a lady who is expecting use Icy Hot?
Is It Secure?
Always consult your OB-GYN before beginning to use Icy Hot, just as you should with any drug you might need to take while pregnant.
Even beyond the first trimester, when the majority of medical professionals concur that some OTC drugs ought to be safe for use, doctors still disagree about whether pregnant women should take Icy Hot at all. There hasn’t been enough research specifically looking at Icy Hot usage among pregnant women to offer a firm conclusion.
The Chaos Around Icy Hot
While some medical professionals believe Icy Hot may be safely applied so long as the stomach is avoided, others think it should never be used. For this reason, you must consult your doctor before using it so that you can make an educated decision. The use of icy hot while pregnant is generally accepted to be safe even though it is not a substance that is prohibited.
Icy Hot’s chemicals can enter your system and then transfer to the fetus, which causes controversy. Methyl salicylate (also known as wintergreen oil), menthol, and camphor are a few of their key components. When using wintergreen oil, a chilly and warm sensation is felt at the same time, and menthol and camphor also have calming effects.
Wintergreen oil could be extremely important because it contains salicylates, a compound that is also found in aspirin. The amounts of wintergreen that are typically found in meals are generally regarded as safe to consume, even while pregnant.
Although it is frequently used externally by expectant women, there isn’t enough evidence to support its effectiveness. The fact that not all Icy Hot formulations contain methyl salicylate, however, adds to the uncertainty surrounding the safety of using this topical medication while pregnant.
If you have a history of aspirin sensitivity, Icy Hot shouldn’t be part of your pregnancy pain management plan. However, keep in mind that not every Icy Hot product includes methyl salicylate.
Who Should Avoid Using Icy Hot While Pregnant?
If you have a known aspirin sensitivity, Icy Hot shouldn’t be used as part of your pain management plan while you are pregnant. However, keep in mind that not all Icy Hot products include methyl salicylate. So it’s best to avoid using Icy Hot, which contains methyl salicylate, if you’re expecting and have an aspirin sensitivity.
What Further Methods Are There For Treating Pregnancy-related Muscular Pain?
We comprehend if trying to find the right kind of Icy Hot to release your tense muscles leaves you feeling disoriented. There are other, medically recommended methods for reducing pregnancy-related pain and discomfort.
- Examine your posture
We can sometimes be our own worst enemies when it comes to back pain, so working to overcome your tendency to hunch over could be helpful.
Make it a habit to stand and sit upright, with your shoulders back and relaxed, even though your center of gravity is altering due to your developing belly. When you’re sitting or sleeping, pay attention to finding comfortable seats or investing in a high-quality cushion to support your back.
- Safely use both heat and cold
If Icy Hot is off limits, go back to the basics by switching between ice packs and heating pads to relieve aching muscles on your back. Heating pads should be used with moderate settings and wrapped in a towel to prevent the formation of blisters.
- Consider holistic remedies
Some pregnant women who experience discomfort in their backs, hips,
shoulders, feet, or elsewhere may seek comfort with massage and acupuncture. Prenatal massages given by therapists trained to work with expectant women can improve circulation, improve sleep quality, and, yes, even soothe nagging pains. Find a registered healthcare professional with knowledge of treating pregnant people.
- Be active
Being pregnant is hardly a justification for inactivity. There is proof that low-impact exercises can aid pregnant women with back discomfort. Concentrate on relaxing activities like walking or swimming. Concentrate on stretching as well to relieve muscle stiffness. Just do what seems comfortable to you and pay attention to your body.
- Reconsider your footwear
Even though you love wearing stiletto heels and did so often before becoming pregnant, wearing them can become uncomfortable as your trimesters progress. Your center of gravity has altered, and wearing high heels might make you more likely to trip and tumble. Choose footwear with short heels and strong arch support.
- A hot water bath
Regrettably, taking really hot baths is not advised when pregnant. However, a
Warmer water in the bath is preferable and might be beneficial. If you want to relieve your soreness, you may safely add a small amount of Epsom salts.
- Consult your doctor about over-the-counter painkillers. When used in moderation, painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are pretty much safe to use while pregnant. However, it’s always advisable to see your doctor beforehand.
Understand When To Consult Your OB-GYN
Although back pain is a typical pregnancy symptom, persistent or severe back pain should not be disregarded. An important problem of growing concern may occasionally be a sign of a urinary tract infection or even of premature labor. If the constant twinge of discomfort doesn’t seem to be normal in any way, speak with your doctor. If an unidentified issue exists that requires additional care and attention, they will be able to identify it. Local therapy using patches or topical gels is frequently secure due to the relatively low uptake. But it’s best to utilize them as sparingly as practicable.
