Electric blankets can be an incredible investment during the cold winter nights. Without much effort, these heated blankets can keep your bed and body warm, paving way for that much-desired sleep that you’ve been longing for. But now that you’re pregnant, you can’t help but wonder, can I still use an electric blanket? Are electric blankets safe in pregnancy? You’ll find the answers right here.
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How do electric blankets work?
Electric blankets produce artificial heat that can be used to warm the bed in preparation to sleeping. The heat comes from the integrated coil wires that are installed within the blanket. These wires are connected to a switch where you can regulate the heat settings. The blanket will then need to be plugged in an outlet for it to begin working.
Most electric blankets are made with sturdy materials like polyester and acrylic that can withstand and maintain warmth without burning.
Is it ok to use an electric blanket while pregnant?
Depending on when and how they are used, electric blankets can be safe for pregnant women.
However, you may encounter concerns about the use of electric blankets during pregnancy. Specifically, the concerns revolve around these two issues:
Overheating
The major concern in using electric blankets while pregnant is the excessive build-up of heat which may be risky for the pregnant mom and the baby inside her womb.
Experts recommend that pregnant moms need to keep their body temperature at bay and will not exceed 102°F (38.9°C). Overheating while pregnant is linked to the following risks:
Neural tube defects
These are the malformations in the development of your baby’s brain, nerves and spinal cord. Studies found that overheating during the first trimester increases the risk for neural tube defects.
Miscarriage and Intrauterine death
The risk of losing your baby either through miscarriage or intrauterine death increases when you are exposed to excessive heat while pregnant. The possibility of miscarriage is at its highest up to 7 weeks of pregnancy.
Dehydration
When your body loses too much fluids due to overheating, it may also lead to dehydration. Dehydration can be a life-threatening condition for both the pregnant mom and her baby. Of course, this is something that can be easily prevented.
Electromagnetic Fields
Another safety concern about the use of electric blankets while pregnant is the presence of electromagnetic fields (EMF) due to the flow of current in its surfaces. This EMF is similar to what the other electronic appliances and gadgets emit when in use. Most of us are aware of the possible health risks of too much EMF exposure, and they may be worth considering, especially now that you’re pregnant. Continued exposure to high settings of an electric blanket is linked to increased rates of miscarriage and infants with low birth weight.
These are some of the reasons why experts are taking a drawback on the use of electric blankets during pregnancy. When they are left plugged for long hours while asleep or if the settings are too high, electric blankets may possibly cause overheating which may be risky for the pregnant mom. Similarly, too much exposure to EMF may affect the wellbeing of the pregnant mom and her baby.
Nevertheless, if the electric blanket is used safely and within the temperature limits, pregnant mothers can enjoy the use of electric blankets without needing to be concerned.
So essentially, it comes down to this – follow the safety tips below, and try not to use the blanket excessively.
Electric Blanket Safety Tips For Pregnant Women
Knowing that the use of electric blankets is not without risks, you may wonder how you can still enjoy a warm and comfy bed with the help of electric blankets while pregnant. Here are some tips on how to use electric blankets safely during pregnancy:
Choose an electric blanket with a low voltage and self-regulating temperature
These blankets are less likely to overheat at night, making them safer to use while pregnant.
Turn off and unplug the electric blanket before you get in the bed
This will enable the electric blanket to warm your bed enough before you actually get into the bed, but will limit your exposure to EMF and too much heat. Once you get yourself covered with the blanket, it will trap your body heat to retain heat naturally, even without the continuous use of the electric current.
Limit your use to low settings
The risks associated to the use of electric blankets often involve high settings. Limiting your use to the low settings may be a way to minimize pregnancy-related complications.
Place a thick duvet between you and the electric blanket.
This will increase the distance between your body and the electric blanket. According to experts, the greater the distance, the lesser will be your exposure to EMF.
Avoid using electric blankets during the first 7 weeks of pregnancy
This period is when the critical part of your baby’s development occurs. It is also when the risk of miscarriage is at its peak. So if you’re going to buy electric blankets, it will be much safer if you use them beyond the 7th week of pregnancy.
Be careful in using electric blankets during the last weeks of pregnancy
Your water may break anytime as you approach the last few weeks of pregnancy. You wouldn’t want to sleep under a wet electric blanket worrying about the possibility of electrocution or fire. So for a bit of a peace of mind, store your electric blanket away as you approach your expected due date.
Consider Alternatives
If you’re worried about the risks of using electric blankets or you’re experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, you may also try some of these alternatives in heating your bed:
Hot water bottle
Place a hot water bottle under the blanket to warm the bed before bedtime. This technique was used long before the electric blankets are invented.
Microwavable heating pad
You can use it as a bed or body warmer before you sleep. Heating pads can be placed under your blanket too, but for additional safety, simply refrain from placing it directly over your tummy.
Layer up
You may also go for the traditional way of layering your clothes to combat the cold winter nights. Several layers of clothing will enable your body to retain more heat and will eliminate or at least minimize the need for electric blankets.
Our Top Electric Blanket Recommendations
The following electric blankets have adjustable settings and automatic shut-off, making them a safer choice for pregnant women.
Conclusion
Electric blankets can be safely used by pregnant women provided that they are aware of the risks and ways on how to avoid these complications. Alternatively, you may also consider sticking with other traditional approaches for a while, especially if you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.
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