Electric Blanket During Pregnancy: Potential Risks, Tips, And Alternatives

When used at a controlled temperature, electric blankets can be safe.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mamta Sahu, MBBS, DGO Dr. Mamta Sahu Dr. Mamta SahuMBBS, DGO MomJunction on Facebook Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyExperience: 18 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Aneesha Amonz MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 2 years
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A woman is sleeping with an electric blanket during pregnancy

Image: MomJunction Design Team

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.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Electric blankets are used to heat the bed or keep a person warm.
  • However, using these blankets for a long time may increase the core body temperature beyond 102­°F or 38.9°C.
  • Some studies show that electric blankets may increase the risk of miscarriage or cause abnormalities in the fetus.
  • Therefore, it is best to avoid using an electric blanket in early pregnancy and late pregnancy.
  • Before choosing an electric blanket during pregnancy, it is suggested to take advice from a doctor or healthcare provider.
  • Some alternatives to electric blankets are regular blankets, hot water bottles, and warm clothes.

Is It Safe To Use An Electric Blanket During Pregnancy?

You may use electric blankets as long as the temperature control 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). Therefore, before using these electric blankets, consider your pregnancy, any associated condition, stage of pregnancy, and overall health. You should also consult your doctor if you have any doubts regarding the use of an electric blanket for your pregnancy.

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 can impact the fetal development by causing 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 subfertility (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, talk to your doctor about it. Also, you may follow these prenatal care precautionary tips.

  1. Avoid using an electric blanket in early pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is high.
  2. Do not use the electric blanket during the last weeks of pregnancy (or end of the third trimester) as the waters could break anytime. It may increase the risk of an electric shock.

    Avoid electric blanket in last stages of pregnancy as water could break anytime

    Image: Shutterstock

  3. Buy an electric blanket that emits low EMF, and has a temperature-regulating feature.
  4. Keep low-temperature settings regardless of the pregnancy stage to lower the risk of overheating and EMFs.
  5. Use the blanket for pre-warming the bed instead of sleeping under it. If you wish to use it while sleeping, then turn it off after some time. Prolonged maternity use could increase the risk of overheating.
  6. Do not use any extra blanket or quilt on top of the electric blanket as it might overheat and cause other problems. Also, avoid sitting or lying on it. In case it is very cold, then you may use a thick duvet or comforter as the base bedding to sleep between the duvet/comforter and the electric blanket.
  7. Use it flat, and do not wrap it as it could damage the internal coils.
  8. Read the instruction manual and safety warnings before handling the blanket for safe sleeping.
    Do not wrap the electric blanket
      Image: Shutterstock
  9. Read the instruction manual and safety warnings before handling the blanket.

protip_icon Caution
Never use the electric blanket if its fabric is torn or the wires are visible (6).

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 for a comforting and safe heat therapy experience. Also, using two or more blankets could help you stay away from the cold.

    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 comfort innerwear can keep you warm and cozy.
protip_icon Quick tip
Invest in a good-quality warm mattress topper that you can spread over your bed. It will add extra comfort and keep you warm from beneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I keep my room warm without an electric blanket?

To keep a room warm without an electric blanket, try adding insulation, sealing drafty windows and doors, using thick curtains, adding rugs, and using a space heater. Wear warm clothing and use a hot water bottle for extra warmth.

2. Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?

Electric blankets work by dispersing heat through built-in wires and consume moderate electricity.

3. What is the difference between an electric blanket and an electric throw?

Heated throws usually cover a single average-size person and are frequently kept in the living room, home office, or vehicle. On the other hand, an electric blanket is used as bedding and is available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.

4. Can I put a comforter on top of an electric blanket?

Heating blankets should usually be placed over a blanket and not under another blanket, as it can increase the risk of overheating during pregnancy. You should not place heating blankets under yourself as well.

5. What symptoms should I watch for if I use an electric blanket?

If you’re using an electric blanket for the first time during pregnancy, adhere to the safety instructions and be watchful of any adverse reactions. If you feel dehydrated, or experiencing a burning sensation, heat rashes, skin redness, or other unusual signs, stop using the blanket immediately.

The use of an electric blanket during pregnancy is safe as long as the temperature setting is not too high. High body temperature may increase the risk of miscarriage, dehydration, and fetal neural tube defects. In addition, the electromagnetic field emitted by electric blankets may also increase the risk of certain congenital anomalies. However, if you live in a cold region and feel cold at night, leading to a restless sleep, consider heating options such as using multiple blankets, hot water bags, or thicker sleepwear, considered safe for you and the baby.

Infographic: Measures To Take While Using Electric Blankets During Pregnancy

Experts recommend that you avoid using electric blankets, especially during the first trimester, to prevent the risk of complications. However, if you have been using these blankets for a while now and wish to continue using them when pregnant, note the precautions suggested in this infographic to ensure safe use.

precautions for using electric blankets in pregnancy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Is It Safe To Use An ElectricHeating Blanket In Pregnancy?

Electric Blanket During Pregnancy_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Pregnancy Precautions: FAQs; Kids Health.
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pregnancy-precautions.html#:~:text=If%20your%20body%20temperature%20goes
  2. Belanger K et al.; Spontaneous abortion and exposure to electric blankets and heated water beds; Epidemiology (1998)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9430266/
  3. Milunsky A et al.; Maternal heat exposure and neural tube defects; JAMA (1992)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1640616/
  4. Li DK et al.; Electric blanket use during pregnancy in relation to the risk of congenital urinary tract anomalies among women with a history of subfertility; Epidemiology (1995)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8562623/
  5. Li P et al.; Maternal occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and the risk of brain cancer in the offspring; Cancer Causes Control (2009)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19224378/
  6. Electric blanket safety; Electrical Safety First
    https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/product-safety/electric-blankets/

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Dr. Mamta Sahu
Dr. Mamta SahuDGO
Dr. Mamta Sahu works as a consultant at various hospitals in Delhi and also manages her private practice in Noida. With over 18 years of experience in gynecology and obstetrics, she specializes in high risk pregnancies, adolescent health, fertility treatments, and menopausal problems.

Read full bio of Dr. Mamta Sahu
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Aneesha Amonz
Aneesha AmonzMSc
Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz
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