Electric Blankets whilst Preggers!!!

[Taddy]

Hi,

I was just wondering is it safe to use an electric blanket while pregnant? I am just over 4mths and wasn't sure. Everyone tells me different thats why I didn't use one while pregnant with DS. We have got one on our bed and I turn it on before we go to bed to warm the bed up then when it comes to time to go to bed I switch my side off and unplug it while DF is turned on throughout the night. Is this safe?

[au01]

Hi There,

I didn't think it would be safe to use during pregnancy because of the electromagnetic fields as I know you can't use the magnetic underblankets when pregnant.
I have done some research before replying though-

http://www.emraa.org.au/powrlines/Appliances.htm

As for warming the bed and then turning it off (both sides) this seems safer but I am not a expert so I would maybe ask your doctor.
Have a look at the link anyway.

ME - 33
DP - 34
DD - 6:smiliedance:
DD - 3:devil6:
DD - 5mths:)

[Jem]

ive definitley heard that it is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy.. i myself went without one :yes:

[Taylors_mum]

Taddy i did what you are doing now (warming my side but leaving DF's side turned on) the whole way though my pregnancy and had no probs.

I think the biggest concern is overheating.

Maybe towards the end of your pregnancy it would be a good idea to turn DF's side off just incase your waters break in bed :eek:

[Squiggles]

I have been doing the same thing as you - I warm the bed up before I get in and then turn it off when I get into bed.

From my understanding it is ok to use them this way - I was told the main concern is the way that your body regulates heat. When you sleep with an electric blanket on your body can cycle through different temperatures and can cause a spike if you get too hot - and when your temperature spikes that is when it is dangerous for the baby. When you just have blankets/ doonas etc the body is able to move around and distribute the heat more effectively and is less likely to cause a temperature spike. eg - those nights where you have left your electric blanket on and woken up in sweats and are just boiling hot... it takes ages to cool down and you feel pretty sick, wheres as with blankets/doonas you can kick and throw them off while you are still sleeping.

This is the information that I have been told - but I am no Doctor so please don't quote me on being totally correct, I just thought I would share what had been told to me.

Perhaps ask next time you are at the doctors?

[ourfirstbubba]

hello
I have read that they are unsafe to use under any conditions due to the risk of overheating and also the electromagnetic fields. Much better to maybe heat your bed with a hot water bottle or just snuggle up to your man!

[cheezelkat]

I just used hot water bottles :D I even made my own covers. I am such a nerd :laughing:

[Gumby]

I like to heat my bed up before i get in then i switch the blankets off. I dont think evan if i wasnt pregnant, that I would leave them on over night because of the risk of electricution (sp?). Also i find that once in bed my body starts to warm up as the blanket is cooling down so i wouldnt need it over night.
Oh another prob i have found with them in pregnancy is evan thought the wires that run threw are VERY small, they still cause me to get worse leg cramps then when i didnt have it on the bed. My muscles just dont seem to like being rolled over them,... Weird huh?!! lol

[annsam]

I concur that if you heat your bed then turn it off its ok. Its just that it elevates your body temp too much which isn't good for bub if its left on while you are in it and also the electricity running around isn't particularly great for anyone let alone a pregnant woman. Hot water bottles are great.

[hummingbird]

I also turned off mine before getting into bed and no problems here. I agree that it is because of overheating that it is an issue. I don't underestimate that electromagnetic fields are also an issue, but that being said, it would then be a problem to be near your server on a computer, or your electric alarm clock beside the bed, or your mobile in your handbag....