Electric blankets often reduce or even eliminate the requirement of a heater in the bedroom. These blankets can be used to either warm up the bed or keep you warm while you’re in it. However, you should be careful while using electric blankets during pregnancy since they may raise the core body temperature. Other heating devices, such as heating pads and heated water beds, should also be used with precaution during this time. Read on to learn if using an electric blanket is safe for pregnant women, how it may affect pregnancy, and what precautions you should take when using it.
Is It Safe To Use An Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
You may use electric blankets as long as the temperature setting is not high. The core body temperature should not rise beyond 102°F (38.9°C). If the temperature crosses this level for more than ten minutes, then it could lead to overheating and an increased risk of dehydration and miscarriage (1).
Potential Risks Of Using Electric Blanket During Pregnancy
Here are some of the probable negative effects of the use of electric or heated blankets on pregnant women and the developing fetus.
A study conducted at Yale University found an increase in the risk of pregnancy loss (miscarriage) while using an electric blanket at the time of conception and pregnancy (2).
Some studies note that prolonged use of an electric blanket causes a slight increase in the risk of fetal neural tube defects (3). However, it needs further research.
Electric blankets emit a low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMFs), and the fetus can get exposed to it. A study noted that these EMFs cause an increase in the risk of congenital urinary tract anomalies (CUTAs). This scenario was especially noted in women with a history of sub fertility (delay in conception) (4).
Another study reported an association between low-frequency EMFs and some brain tumors in children (5). However, it often happens due to occupational EMF exposure, and an electric blanket may not always cause such effects.
Precautions And Recommendations For Using Electric Blankets
If you have been using an electric blanket before pregnancy and want to continue it, then talk to your doctor about it. Also, follow these precautionary tips.
Alternatives To Electric Blankets
Here are some better and safer alternatives to avoid any adverse effects on the mother and the unborn baby.
Blankets: Go for the old-fashioned, non-electric blankets made of materials such as cotton fleece, wool, and cashmere. Also, using two or more blankets could help you stay away from the cold. Image: Shutterstock Hot water bottles: Keep a hot water bottle close or use a warm compress to heat the bed. Although old-fashioned, it is likely to keep you warm. But avoid using hot water as it can cause burns. Warm clothes: Putting on a thick pair of pajamas, socks, a warming nightcap, or thermal inner wear can keep you warm and cozy.
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title: “Is It Safe To Use An Electric Heating Blanket In Pregnancy " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-26” author: “Nancy Chapman”
Electric blankets often reduce or even eliminate the requirement of a heater in the bedroom. These blankets can be used to either warm up the bed or keep you warm while you’re in it. However, you should be careful while using electric blankets during pregnancy since they may raise the core body temperature. Other heating devices, such as heating pads and heated water beds, should also be used with precaution during this time. Read on to learn if using an electric blanket is safe for pregnant women, how it may affect pregnancy, and what precautions you should take when using it.
Is It Safe To Use An Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
You may use electric blankets as long as the temperature setting is not high. The core body temperature should not rise beyond 102°F (38.9°C). If the temperature crosses this level for more than ten minutes, then it could lead to overheating and an increased risk of dehydration and miscarriage (1).
Potential Risks Of Using Electric Blanket During Pregnancy
Here are some of the probable negative effects of the use of electric or heated blankets on pregnant women and the developing fetus.
A study conducted at Yale University found an increase in the risk of pregnancy loss (miscarriage) while using an electric blanket at the time of conception and pregnancy (2).
Some studies note that prolonged use of an electric blanket causes a slight increase in the risk of fetal neural tube defects (3). However, it needs further research.
Electric blankets emit a low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMFs), and the fetus can get exposed to it. A study noted that these EMFs cause an increase in the risk of congenital urinary tract anomalies (CUTAs). This scenario was especially noted in women with a history of sub fertility (delay in conception) (4).
Another study reported an association between low-frequency EMFs and some brain tumors in children (5). However, it often happens due to occupational EMF exposure, and an electric blanket may not always cause such effects.
Precautions And Recommendations For Using Electric Blankets
If you have been using an electric blanket before pregnancy and want to continue it, then talk to your doctor about it. Also, follow these precautionary tips.
Alternatives To Electric Blankets
Here are some better and safer alternatives to avoid any adverse effects on the mother and the unborn baby.
Blankets: Go for the old-fashioned, non-electric blankets made of materials such as cotton fleece, wool, and cashmere. Also, using two or more blankets could help you stay away from the cold. Image: Shutterstock Hot water bottles: Keep a hot water bottle close or use a warm compress to heat the bed. Although old-fashioned, it is likely to keep you warm. But avoid using hot water as it can cause burns. Warm clothes: Putting on a thick pair of pajamas, socks, a warming nightcap, or thermal inner wear can keep you warm and cozy.
