Heating wraps or rubs?

Good morning ladies! I was wondering if anyone could tell me- is it ok to use heat rubs or wraps of any sort?? (like the icy hot patches and so forth) I woke up this morning and I feel like someone beat me in my lower back all night long. It's not painful, but the aches are horrific!! I haven't been sleeping so great and I've noticed that more and more my low back is starting to ache. I'm having trouble just sitting comfortably here in my computer chair this morning because oh the throbbing.

I know that back pains are a sign of ealry labor and whatnot, but I honestly think this is just aches from the many sleepless and restless nights I've been having lately. :(  My DH will be switching to night shift this week, so it's me and the girls at night and I'm really contemplating sleeping in the recliner after he does- it's the one place I seem to be able to get comfortable enough for a few hours of restless sleep.

Thanks for the help!! Oh and that football game yesterday- GO STEELERS- did NOT help me with all my screaming and stressing!!! LOL I was texting my mom telling her I was just praying I didn't go into labor and how much I so could have used a drink or a cigarette (IT's all good tho- no drinking or smoking in this house- well, hubby had some beers, but he's allowed hahaha) We're 1 week away from 4 months of NO smoking for hubby and I- it's AMAZING!!! :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday- I'll be watching more football :)

I was addicted to bengay when I found out I was pregnant and so I called my doctor..they said NONE of the rubs are ok since they are absorbed into your skin.  I even looked online at bengay, biofreeze, aspercream, tigerbalm, icyhot....they all have warnings on them.  SO.....I ended up using a heating pad which I was told is ok by my doc, but to be sure to put it on and off every 10 minutes or so.  I have a horrible kidney stone and my lower back is always hurting.  I honestly can't say if the heating pad helps as great as my bengay, but its better than nothing.  I will be interested to see what all the others say and maybe they will have better info!

That def stinks..my biofreeze was my saving grace for years, but I haven't used it in so long. I'm for sure interested in seeing if anyone has any other suggestions as well. I thought I had read that the creams weren't recommended, but I'm curious about the patches since they aren't the actualy analgesics like the creams. I have a dr's appointment on Thursday and I'll be sure to ask there too. I'll let ya know if I find anything out ;)

Can't comment on the back rub, but it sounds like they are all out.  Heating pad is always good.  You might also want to try going to a chiropractor.  Your body is going through massive changes for the baby.  A good adjustment on a regular basis during pg can help you with the physical changes in your body.

As far as the sleep goes, I think you should do whatever you can to get your sleep now.  Sounds like the lazyboy is your ticket right now.  And big congrats to you DH on 4 mos sans smoke.  That's awesome.

Thanks Maryn! It's been tough but we're both a work in progress...and the difference in smelling...WOW!

I SOOOOOOO wish I had some type of chiro benefits or the extra cash to go see a chiro. I worked for one for almost 4 years as an assistant and God do I MISS my regular adjustments! My body hasn't felt that good in so long!!! Well, it looks like the heating pad is going to be the ticket hopefully. I'm just glad I'm towards the end! I have LOVED being pregnant, but I won't say i'm not ready to get my body back to myself lol

Not to mention- I can only imagine how much the back pain will increase with carrying a little one around...ahhh the joys of pregnancy and motherhood!! :)

Is your OB an MD or an OD?  If he or she is an OD then perhaps you can get an adjustment at your next appointment.  My OB adjusted my hips and back at every appointment to help with the pain and discomfort so I didn't have to go to the chiropractor.  Good luck.

I meant DO not OD. 

I just use a ho****er bottle and that does the trick for me!