Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s body. She can feel warm one minute and cold the next. Their bodies might become sensitive to the temperature around them, thus making them feel the temperature more strongly. So, when you are feeling cold, can you use an electric blanket? Are electric blankets safe during pregnancy?
It is common for pregnant women to feel warmer or colder than others around them. It could be the pregnancy hormones causing hot flashes. Some women can feel very cold, requiring them to use multiple layers of clothing or electric blankets to keep their beds warm through the night. If you are planning to use one, it is important to know the pros and cons before you start using an electric blanket during pregnancy.
In This Article
- Is It Safe To Use An Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
- Are There Any Risks Of Using Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
- Precautions And Recommendations For Using Electric Blankets
- What Are the Alternatives To Electric Blankets?
- FAQ’s
Is It Safe To Use An Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe, as long as you use it with caution. Electric blankets, like other heating devices (heating pads, heated beds), can help keep you warm. An electric blanket also removes the need for a room heater and keeps your body warm when you are under it.
During pregnancy, you should be conscious of your core body temperature. According to some research and studies, a pregnant woman’s core body temperature should not exceed 39.0°C. (1) So, as long as the electric blanket’s temperature setting does not push the core body’s temperature beyond 39.0°C, it is safe to use an electronic blanket during pregnancy.
Are There Any Risks Of Using Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
Some studies show the use of electric blankets in the initial few weeks of pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. (2) Electric blankets maintain the temperature and do not let the body temperature dip beyond a point. This constant heat can, at times, lead to pregnancy loss. Using an electric blanket during pregnancy may carry the following risks:
Increase the Core Body Temperature
When the core body temperature goes beyond 39.0°C for more than a few minutes, it increases the risk of spontaneous abortion. safe levels
Temperature Control Not Working Properly
In the case of old or worn-out electric blankets, the temperature settings or control may not work properly. The blanket’s temperature can exceed the safe levels when you are asleep and you may not notice it immediately.
Fire or Electrocution
In the case of old electric blankets with frayed edges or exposed wires, the risk of fire accidents or electrocution is higher. Even mild electrocution or a slight jerk during pregnancy may not be safe at all times.
Short Circuit
If the blanket comes into contact with moisture (liquids or creams on the body), it can lead to a short circuit. This, in turn, can lead to electrocution, fire accidents, or the blanket not working properly. The settings can malfunction and increase the temperature quickly, despite a low setting.
Precautions And Recommendations For Using Electric Blankets
If you or your family members are using an electric blanket, especially when pregnant, the following precautions are necessary (3):
- Refrain from using an electric blanket on an airflow mattress. Airflow mattresses circulate air around the body to keep the skin cool and dry.
- Never use emollient creams when using electric blankets. If these creams seep onto the blanket and dry, it can increase the risk of fire.
- Do not use a hot water bottle along with an electric blanket, as water leakage can cause circuit damage.
- If your mattress does not have a thermostat control, unplug it before you get into bed.
- Check the blanket regularly for wear and tear of the fabric, scorch marks, frayed bits, or wire exposure.
- Older blankets may not have an auto shutoff mechanism, which can lead to overheating. So always check the temperature before getting into bed.
- Using newer models with thermostat control is safer as it allows you to control the temperature and also monitor it closely.
- Even if you like it warm, increasing body temperature in the initial few weeks of pregnancy can lead to spontaneous abortion. (4)
What Are the Alternatives To Electric Blankets?
Pregnancy can cause severe fluctuations in the body temperature. A pregnant woman can feel too hot one minute and too cold the next. To sleep better at night, maintaining the body temperature is important. Electric blankets can keep you warm and comfortable, promoting good sleep during pregnancy. You can also try these alternatives to maintain your body temperature:
- Room Heater: Your body will not be near the heat, thus taking time to increase the core temperature. It is a safe option when it is too cold outside.
- Hot Water Bottles: These are easy to carry and maintain. Hot water bottles can help increase the temperature of specific areas of the body.
- Duvets: Warm or woollen duvets are thick and help with compression too. These duvets can keep you warm and comfortable. They are easy to wash and do not carry risks related to electricity.
- Weighted Blankets: These are thick, cosy, and heavy blankets that provide compression. These blankets can not only help pregnant women stay warm but they also offer comfort and are good for anxiety and many mental health issues.
- Mattress Toppers / Covers: While blankets and duvets keep your body warm, mattress covers keep the mattress warm. So you will be sleeping on a warm mattress and you may not need a very thick or hot blanket to cover you.
Other Ways to Keep Yourself Warm During Pregnancy
Though electric blankets can keep you warm and comfortable, but there are other ways too that can help you keep warm during pregnancy. Lets take a look at the options:-
- Warm Pyjamas: Wearing thick pyjamas or warming your pyjamas before wearing them can help reduce the chill you feel and keep you warmer longer.
- Layers: When you wear multiple layers, you can always remove a layer or two if you experience a hot flash during the night. Layers are a great option if you regularly experience hot flashes or chills during pregnancy.
- Pillows: Surrounding yourself with fluffy pillows or hugging them close to your chest can make you feel warm. The pillows can reduce the air draft you feel.
- Warm Drink: Having a glass of warm water or milk before going to bed can increase your core body temperature and reduce the chill you feel. This reduces the need to heat the bed or linen before getting into it.
Electric blankets are a great option to keep you warm, especially when you are in a cold place or feel the chills at night. Electric blankets are safe during pregnancy if you use good-quality blankets and maintain your core body temperature.
FAQ’s
1. Is It Safe To Use An Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to use an electric blanket during pregnancy, as long as you take the necessary precautions and monitor your core body temperature. It is advisable to switch off the blanket if you are feeling warm, even if the temperature setting is within the recommended range for pregnancy.
2. How Long Can You Use a Heated Blanket While Pregnant?
You can use them as long as your core body temperature does not go above 39.0°C. It is safer to unplug the blanket before you climb into bed. Unplugging the blanket prevents accidental electrocution, short circuits, or an increase in core body temperature. If you are using the blanket through the night, use newer models and closely monitor the temperature settings.
Reference
- Core Body Temperature –https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323538501_Heat_stress_and_fetal_risk_Environmental_limits_for_exercise_and_passive_heat_stress_during_pregnancy_A_systematic_review_with_best_evidence_synthesis
- Spontaneous abortion and exposure to electric blankets and heated water beds – Sponhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9430266/
- Electric blanket precautions
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/product-safety/electric-blankets/
