This is NONSENSE... right?? Update- NOT Nonsense!

MrsC0409 · December 2014

SO all I wanted for Christmas this year was an electric blanket because my feet are always freezing when I go to bed and I can't fall asleep until they're warm. My husband just texted me from the store and said they're bad for the baby for the same reason as hot tubs. I know someone had to tell him this because he wouldn't think that way, but this is ridiculous right? It would have to be SUPER high to actually harm the baby. Has anyone ever heard of anything about electric blankets? Is there something I'm missing?!

squeakyfrog15 · December 2014

I've heard it too, but if the blanket has settings or options I don't see why it would be bad, but I'm not a doctor, so who knows! I'd also think if you just covered your feet with it then it wouldn't be too bad right? I don't know good luck though!

intensivepurposes · December 2014

I don't see how it'd be dangerous if you kept it around your feet. Maybe clear it with your OB?

lovlee1999 · December 2014

They say the same of heating pads and hot showers but I had my fair share of both with #1 and she's fine. I think the thing is not to elevate your core temperature to a dangerous level.

Young_Love · December 2014

Dang. I crawl under a heated throw the second I get home from work and I have a heated pad on my bed at night. I'm screwed.

MrsC0409 · December 2014

I have an appt tomorrow and I'm definitely going to ask, but don't you have to raise your body temp to over 100 degrees to cause harm? That would have to be a very hot blanket wouldn't it?!

usermovedon · December 2014

I think the concern is if you were sleeping with it and the blanket malfunctioned or something and it created a hot spot it could be hot enough to burn your skin or, I guess, raise your core temp. Most heated blankets have shut off functions for that reason. I personally think it's fine.

jr0310 · December 2014

You could get one of those long cloth tubes full of rice and heat that and stick it down by your feet if you're concerned too

DocTaco · December 2014

I googled this a few weeks ago because I wanted to double-check my nightly TV snuggle fest with my electric blanket was okay. What I found from a few sources said they are safe. The risk with hot tubs is raising your core body temp. From what I read, this isn't an issue with heated blankets, but talk to your OB to be safe.

cls2015 · December 2014

When we first found out we were pregnant, our RE gave us a list of things to avoid. Most were the obvious things, but it also included electric blankets. I don't have the paper work with me at the moment, but it has something to do with raising your body temp. You don't want to raise your body temp over 103 - as this can cause abnormalities to your baby. Same reason why hot tubs are to be avoided.

You can still use your electric blanket - just put it at a lower setting. Or, use it to warm up your bed before you get in and then remove it.

cabinchick · December 2014

If you keep it at your feet, or just use it to warm up then turn off before falling asleep you should be fine.

But yes, I have heard they are to be avoided. Actually my mom just asked me about it today since I'm staying with her and she was going to put me in the room with the heated blanket but then didnt.

mnj05 · December 2014

It's the heat directly on the abdomen where baby is that's harmful. That's why hot baths and hot tubs are supposed to be avoided. My RE and OB last pregnancy gave the ok for a heating pad in other areas, just not directly over baby.

360blessings · December 2014

I read something that was more concerning with the electromagnetic field that close to your body rather than the heat and increase in temperature...

emwithpeanuts · December 2014

MrsC0409 said:
SO all I wanted for Christmas this year was an electric blanket because my feet are always freezing when I go to bed and I can't fall asleep until they're warm. My husband just texted me from the store and said they're bad for the baby for the same reason as hot tubs. I know someone had to tell him this because he wouldn't think that way, but this is ridiculous right? It would have to be SUPER high to actually harm the baby. Has anyone ever heard of anything about electric blankets? Is there something I'm missing?!

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WhiteSun · December 2014

The first five weeks of my pregnancy I was having the worst back pain. My midwife is apparently even anti Tylenol if possible? So she recommended heating pad and hot showers. Said neither hurt the baby so I'm sure you're good to go

MrsC0409 · December 2014

Sooooo- I just got back from the doctor and I asked about this. Believe it or not, they are NOT recommended for pregnancy. It actually has nothing to do with the heat, but with the electric currents. There's no research proving that it actually harms the fetus, BUT apparently there are facts and theories that would suggest that it would. Being exposed to the currents for a full 8 hours of sleep could be harmful. So I guess I'll wait til next year!

wineandcake · December 2014

Interesting. I have a heating I use occasionally after work for my back/hips. It has a 1 hour time limit on it so if I fall asleep it isn't on all night. We don't have a microwave so the rice bags unfortunately aren't an option. I guess I'll keep my heating pad use to a minimum amount.

MrsC0409 · December 2014

@kristhegirl I KNOW! It was literally ALL I wanted for Christmas

Mackalack · December 2014

Now I'm worried about DH using one on his side of the bed...

MisSmartyPants · December 2014

As long as you done rise your core temperature, you are fine. Also- if you are using it on your feet only, you are more than good to go. I'm regards to somebody's comment about sperm mutation - yes, excessive exposure to heat limits the count for your DH's swimmers!

WhiteSun · December 2014

Huh. I sleep with my heating pad every night. But it turns off after an hour which it's all I really need and am asleep by then. My midwife was fine with that. Since I don't use it that long I'm going to keep I unless she says otherwise. I too can't sleep if cold

Oh you know what I found that super helps???

I bought a Coleman fleece sleeping bag liner. It's the light weight version. When I'm super cold I get into that(zipped up like a cocoon) and am warm and fast asleep within 10. Best part is it's packable so it's what I bring on road trips for family and out keeps off my dh side of bed so he doesn't complain about extra blankets. My feet get super cold and being wrapped up like that helps.

Maybe check that out as an alternative?

MrsC0409 · December 2014

@missmartypants I thought it had to do with the heat too when I first heard this, but according to my doctor the heat isn't the problem. It's the electrical waves it gives off... kinda like microwaves I guess. I was excited to get one, but if the doctor says no I'm not doing it.

MisSmartyPants · December 2014

MrsC0409 said:

@missmartypants I thought it had to do with the heat too when I first heard this, but according to my doctor the heat isn't the problem. It's the electrical waves it gives off... kinda like microwaves I guess. I was excited to get one, but if the doctor says no I'm not doing it.

Ha. Interesting. Good to know. Overheating is a no no too though.

KatD2011 · December 2014

I actually have a fear f heated blankets. When I was little my mother told me I couldn't use one because they can burst in to flames and burn down the house lol. I know it's not true, but its still all I think about when I think of electric blankets!

ooodsie · December 2014

Everything in moderation. It's fine! Just don't leave it on your stomach for 12 hours a night.

wells2010 · December 2014

Wow I never really thought about that. I used a heating pad on my back with DD since it was the only thing that helped my pain. She's perfectly fine!

I would say if it's on your feet you wil be ok.

Young_Love · December 2014

UGH this depresses me SO much.

I'm very much in the "everything in moderation" camp, but my heated items are not things I use in moderation! I crawl under the heated throw the second I get home from work and stay there almost all evening. Then I go to bed where I have a heated mattress pad on all night. (And I live in California, in case you are imagining me on the freezing tundra somewhere.) I spend half of my day wrapped in some kind of electrical heated thing.

I really should cut this out of it's an actual concern, because I can't use my heated items in moderation.

I'm more upset about this than I am about booze.

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