Dear Alan,

My name is Michaela and I am newly registered on this website.

A couple of days ago my mum gave me a massage on the back of my neck and a bit on the shoulders with Deep Heat Arthritis cream, which contains methyl salicylate - I was feeling tired and i had sore muscles. I do not have arthritis.
I was very concerned, though, about the effects this very strong cream might have on the baby and I went and washed it off after approx 8 hours. I am 23 weeks pregnant and it is my first pregnancy. The baby moves and is very energetic as usual, nothing seems to have changed since the massage with this cream - we are going to have a little girl.
I browsed on the internet for information about the possible effects on the baby and on this products' ( Deep Heat Arthritis ) webpage i found the following, which really worried me:

"Pregnant animals given high oral or dermal doses of methyl salicylate has resulted in malformations in some off-spring. The significance of this finding for humans is not known at this time, however, pregnant women should consult their medical practitioner if they have concerns."

I haven't used the cream since, but I am very worryed that the small amount my mum used on me might have reached the baby.

Thank you, Michaela


Hi Audrey

Don't worry hun I am sure that you have not done any harm. The amount of cream you used is very small and your baby is just about fully developed.
One reason that your baby is not moving as much now is that it is running out of room. Another reaon that you think that your baby is not moving as much is because you used the cream.
i woulg suggest that you dont use any more Metsal cream. If you need something you could try Deep Heat.

Againj trry not to worry, everything will be fine.