Can Pregnant Women use Icy Hot?
Icy Hot is an analgesic patch or gel used to relieve mild body aches, sprains, cramps, muscle pain, joint pain and the like.
It usually contains ingredients such as menthol, salicylate, camphor, etc to create soothing effects on the skin
While it’s a topical treatment, and generally safe, it’s not safe during pregnancy, Icy Hot works for menstrual cramps.
Why is Icy Hot not safe during pregnancy?
Some of the ingredients mentioned above, particularly, methyl salicylate can be absorbed through the skin and diffuse into the bloodstream.
This chemical can reach the fetus and pose developmental risks to the baby, thus classified as a “reproductive toxicant”, and should be avoided by pregnant moms.
Again, another active ingredient of Icy Hot – menthol, can irritate the skin of pregnant women as their skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy.
Common reactions are allergic rash, redness and burning which can cause discomfort to the pregnant mother.
If you must use Icy Hot during pregnancy, then you should discuss it with your OB-GYN first.
Is Icy Hot safe for Pregnancy 1st Trimester?
Since Icy Hot doesn’t always cause harm to most pregnant mothers, people are more concerned about the pregnancy stage when considering Icy Hot patches.
Now let’s get to the point, during the first 3 months of pregnancy, fetal development is very sensitive.
The use of methyl salicylate or any salicylate at all, even a minimal application on the skin could expose the embryo to salicylates.
Although systemic absorption is likely lower than with oral drugs, there is still a risk when using it.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid Icy Hot completely during the first trimester to prevent any risk.
Can I use Icy Hot during Pregnancy 2nd Trimester?
As pregnancy progresses, muscle pain, back pain, chest pain, and lower abdomen pain may increase, and you might be tempted to use topical analgesics like Icy Hot.
While the risk is classified as a lower mid-pregnancy risk, the absorption concern remains the point of concern.
Repeated, frequent, or large-area applications which are more likely for pregnant women with constant aches, could raise exposure.
Therefore, it’s risky to use it when your pregnancy is less than 6 months, but not as risky as in the first trimester.
Icy Hot in 3rd Trimester
This is perhaps the riskiest time to use products containing salicylates.
According to Sexpally, topical salicylate/menthol lotions should not be used in the 3rd trimester.
Akin Chaktty stated categorically that it could have adverse effects such as on fetal circulation or increased bleeding risk.
What safer alternatives should pregnant women use?
Don’t always think of medications, that’s what I normally advise people, maybe because I’m a naturopath.
If you’re pregnant and having joint and body pain, gentle non-drug measures can work well to alleviate the pain.
Adjust your posture using supportive chairs or pregnancy pillows, do light stretching or low-impact exercise, even walking will do.
Use proper footwear – light, flat heel slippers. You would be surprised that these small changes can reduce back or joint strain.
Besides these, there are simpler topical or physical therapies with fewer risks.
For instance, mild heating pads or low-temperature warm compresses may soothe sore muscles without risking systemic absorption of potentially harmful chemicals.
Also, if you still want a topical analgesic, you should consider products whose active ingredient is not a salicylate.
You may try creams or patches with lidocaine.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, women are prone to more risk of doing things that are generally safe for others.
Therefore, speaking with your gynaecologist or paediatrician before taking medications is always advised.
If you experience mild pain during pregnancy, it’s normal and manageable, simply try posture adjustments, gentle exercise or stretching, warm compresses, or prenatal massage.
Most pregnant moms find these helpful for backache, hip or joint discomfort associated with pregnancy, without the risks that come with medicated creams.
If you do decide to use a topical analgesic, choose ones with simpler, safer ingredients as I’ve suggested and seek your doctor’s consent before use.
