Written by Sindhuja Prabhu
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
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
If you or your family members are using an electric blanket, especially when pregnant, the following precautions are necessary (3):
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:
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:-
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.
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.
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
Sindhuja, a mother of two, is an obsessive mom with a keen interest in psychology, especially child psychology. Her quest for knowledge and way with words led her to become a passionate content writer. She transformed her love for writing into a full-fledged career which incidentally also turned up being the perfect stress buster for the last 5 years.Read more.
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