Q&A: Is it safe to use an electric blanket during pregnancy?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Early in my pregnancy (around four to eight weeks) I was using a heating blanket every night. On about three occasions, I fell asleep with the blanket on high and woke up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. I am terribly concerned about damage that may have been caused to my unborn baby because of my elevated body temperature—especially because it happened at such an important stage of development! In your medical opinion/experience, what are the odds that my unborn baby has been hurt?

Chances are pretty slim. Still, I would advise that you stop using the electric blanket for the rest of your pregnancy just to be on the safe side. There hasn't been a consensus among medical professionals about whether electric blankets pose risks to unborn babies, but at least one study points to potential problems.

You should know the Electronic Blanket Institute advocates that women avoid using the blankets during pregnancy. If you still have any concerns about the health of your unborn baby, talk to your healthcare provider so that he or she can reassure you that your developing baby is just fine.

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