Can you use a heating pad while pregnant?

A heating pad is an excellent alternative to pain medications for relief of back pain while an individual is pregnant, according to WebMD. A heating pad can be used on low heat and for no more than 20 minutes at a time, according to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Group in Davenport, Iowa.

Other alternatives to help with pain when a woman is pregnant include a warm bath or shower to help reduce cramps from stretched muscles; just be sure the water does not get above 98 degrees Fahrenheit. A pregnancy girdle or elastic sling can help support the abdomen, and proper diet and exercise should be followed at the recommendation of an obstetrician.