5 Natural and Safe Muscle Relaxers for Pregnancy, Vetted by Experts

Pure Enrichment® PureRelief™ XL Heating Pad

Like a warm shower, heating pads are specifically designed to help alleviate muscle pain and stiffness by offering warmth to specific areas of our body. They also come with additional features, such as adjustable temperature settings or a timer, which allow users to customize the heating temperature based on their comfort level. Heating pads can be a helpful tool for managing muscle pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. 

However, finding a reliable heating pad can take time, as various brands are available. After testing and reviewing quite a few, we found that Pure Enrichment® PureRelief™ XL Heating Pad is an ideal muscle relaxant for pregnancy.

Pure Enrichment is a famous brand known for making high-quality health and personal care products. This PureRelief™ XL Heating Pad is no exception.

It consists of a pad filled with a heating element between the micro plush top and the polyester bottom. When plugged into electrical outlets, the device becomes activated. Then you can place the pad on a targeted painful area of your body. Since the pad is equipped with InstaHeat Technology, it doesn’t take long to make you feel warm and cozy. 

There is also an auto-shutoff feature that is designed to keep your skin from becoming too hot. Still, you shouldn’t use heating pads on your stomach or lower back, as the heat can raise the core body temperature, which can be unsafe for the developing fetus. However, you are good to use a heating pad on other parts of your body, such as the neck or shoulders.

It is always best to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions and use a heating pad as directed to avoid any potential injuries or adverse effects. 

Shiatsu Neck Back Massager Pillow

Massaging or applying heat to the affected muscle may help relax and reduce pain. For alleviating neck, lower back, and thigh pain, there are some good vibrating massagers out there. But what makes Shiatsu Neck Back Massager Pillow so popular?

We found that they have made this product from high-quality PU leather materials, while breathable mesh fabric ensures a soothing massage experience for users. The best part is its eight powerful deep-kneading nodes that offer stimulation similar to human fingers. That helps improve balancing energy and muscular tension. Plus, users can easily customize the amount of pressure they want using the long handle.

The other thing we love about this ergonomic shiatsu massager is that users can set a usage period. After that period, the device will turn off automatically to prevent overheating. This is an important safety feature that makes users feel safe and comfortable. The only con? Even though it generates a decent amount of heat for pain/tension relief, the heat level is not adjustable.

One important thing to note: experts usually advise against using Shiatsu or similar forms of massage during early pregnancy. However, the American Pregnancy Association doesn’t see any issues with massage therapy during pregnancy but recommends consulting a healthcare provider or a physical therapist to determine if a massager pillow is appropriate for a particular individual while pregnant.

URBNFit Exercise Ball

Have you tried exercise? Even gentle stretching exercises during pregnancy may help warm up your joints and muscles. For starters, we recommend getting an exercise ball. Also known as a birthing ball or fitness ball, it is a large, inflated ball used for various exercises and physical therapy settings to help improve muscle strength and balance.

Available in a dozen of different festive colors and sizes, URBNFit Exercise Ball would be a great option for pregnant women looking for relief from back pain and pressure. Made with sturdy PVC material, its design features a non-slip coating to prevent rolling and slippage during exercise. Also, the brand claims that the ball can withstand up to 600 pounds of weight, allowing users to perform regular exercise moves without worrying about bursting.

Plus, the ball’s thoughtful design allows you to use it for a variety of purposes. However, some users were unhappy with its air-holding capability.

What’s great is that the ball comes with all tools required to inflate. So you can start using this ball right away. While buying, make sure you are choosing the right size ball for your height. We recommend consulting with a healthcare provider or a fitness professional for guidance on properly using the ball and specific exercise suggestions.

Leachco All-Nighter Total Body Pregnancy Pillow

It is hard to get relief from muscle tension and pain when you have poor posture. A pregnancy pillow can be helpful in keeping your body aligned while sleeping and resting. 

While it’s hard to pick a body pillow that works for everyone, we found that this Leachco body pillow provides tons of support in different sleeping positions throughout pregnancy. It is big enough to support your head and then long enough to wrap all the way around your back, hips, and tummy. Plus, this versatile yet affordable body pillow is easy to keep clean and made with quality material.

We also recommend getting a well-cushioned rocking chair or glider for a comfortable and relaxing seating experience for pregnancy and beyond. 

Epsom Salt Bath

It’s believed that Epsom salt baths can help soothe sore muscles plus reduce stress and itching. Our experts recommend the Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Solution, which is packed with pure magnesium sulfate and natural essential oils. Apart from soothing inflammation and relaxing your muscles, soaking in a warm bath with these Epsom salts leave your skin in great condition.

It is important to remember that Epsom salts should not be ingested in any form, whether you are pregnant or not. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature since soaking in a hot tub for a longer period could pose a risk for your baby-to-be.