Cramps and heat pack

[Anonymous]

I am newly pregnant (wahoo!), about 5 1/2 weeks. I have been having some cramping, which I know is normal. It is more bothersome than not though, and I was wondering if I could use a heat pack for relief. I wasn't sure though, as I know about avoiding raising temps, so is the direct heat a no-no? I feel a little silly calling my doctor's office- we haven't been in for the confirmation appointment yet. Anyone else suffering, or been in my shoes? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I read you are supposed to stay away from electric blankets. I would stay away. They would be putting direct heat right on your uterus.

[Anonymous]

CONGRATS!!!! I am 30 weeks and have been cramping since the beginning as well. (Now they are braxton hicks contractions). Stay away from heat, apply an ice pack. And drink more that 64 oz of water a day. Also, don't life while cramping, it caused me to spot. Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

Short of a Tylenol, there isn't much to do in early pregnancy. I suffered non-stop menstrual-like cramps and ovarian pain while pregnant with DC1. The good news is that with DC2, I've had next to none, short of a few round ligament twinges and uterine stretching pains.

With DC1, I did use a heat pack for back pain in my last trimester. This time, I used a hot water bottle in my second trimester. And if DC2 decided to camp out on my sciatic nerve like his sibling, than I will most definitely use a heating pad again.

[Anonymous]

I thought heat was bad, but don't really remember why.