Pregnancy & Electric Blankets

Back in August Jimmy published an article for our blog about the money saving and fire safety features of modern electric blankets. Since the publication of this article we’ve had a lot of questions about electric blankets, and one particular question which seems to be concerning a lot of people is if they should be using an electric blanket when pregnant.

Pregnancy advice websites seem to be filled with dos and don’ts on every aspect of pregnancy, but a lot of the information out there is conflicting, advice on electric blankets is no exception. We decided we needed to do more than a quick Google search before we could cut through the confusion and advice anyone on an issue as important as this one. If you’ve also got lost in the sea of opposing recommendations on this issue take a look at what we found and hopefully it will help.

So what is it that’s worrying people?
The issues that seem to be concerning people are the fear that an electric blanket could raise body temperatures to levels that cause miscarriage, or that the electro magnetic fields generated by the blankets may cause birth defects or even miscarriage of your baby.

What did we do to find out?
We decided we really needed to look directly at the medical research, so we took a trip to the local university Library and checked out some of the most significant studies on electric blankets during pregnancy. We choose four of the most respected research projects carried out on this topic to compare. You can find the complete references to these research projects at end of this article should you wish to check the research out for your self.

What we found – Body Temperature
The research generally concluded that fear of harm coming to your bay due to a rise in body temperature is extremely unlikely to be caused by an electric blanket. If your body temperature is risen significantly to temperatures above 39⁰c there is some risk of miscarriage or spine and nerve damage. However this is far hotter than you are ever likely to want to have your electric blanket. If you want to be on the safe side though we do recommend you make sure you have a newer electric blanket that allows you to control the exact temperature. This is not only safer during pregnancy but also prevents your blanket from getting hot enough to cause fires or to burn your body whilst you are sleeping.

What we found – Electro Magnetic Fields
It seems that there is also no significant evidence of risk from electromagnetic fields for the majority of your pregnancy. However the research findings on this are a little less straight forward and there are both risks and advantages to using an electric blanket at different stages of the pregnancy which are worth explaining in a little more depth.

The four pieces of research we looked at all conducted there experiments slightly differently, typically however thousands of women who had recently become pregnant or were planning to become pregnant were interviewed. From these interviews the level of electromagnetic fields the women were exposed to was determined, as well as weather or not they used electric blankets. Other factors that are known to cause problems in pregnancy such as alcohol, smoking and caffeine consumption were also taken into account. Smaller numbers of women, some who use electric blankets and some who did not were then selected at random to be monitored through out all stages of there pregnancy.

The research findings were not completely consistent; it was generally found however that women who used electric blankets on very high settings for short amounts of time. (IE quickly turning the blanket on high to warm up) were at a slightly increased risk of miss carriage particularly during the first seven weeks of pregnancy.

The research also found that women who used electric blankets during the last month of there pregnancy were at slightly increased risk of giving birth to an under weight child.

However, women who used electric blankets on low settings for extended periods of time (IE keeping the blanket at a constant temperature over night) were not exposed to particularly high magnetic fields as the blanket uses less electricity to regulate the temperature in this way. The research actually found that women who did this were at a slightly decreased risk of miscarriage.

Our Recommendations:
So based on this what do we recommend?
In the first seven weeks the risks might be slim but when it’s your baby we’re talking about we don’t recommend using an electric blanket at this stage, this is when you’re most at risk of miscarriage from Electromagnetic fields. So instead invest in a hot water bottle or an extra thick duvet to stay warm.

After this first seven weeks, there doesn’t seem to be any evidence of risk, so if you do like an electric blanket there should be no problem getting it back out again, in fact there is evidence that it can be beneficial for the baby. However to be on the safe side keep it at a low temperature for extended amounts of time rather than putting it on high for short bursts as that will decrease the electro magnetic field generated it also ensures that you do not raise your body temperature too high or burn your self.

For the last month of pregnancy it’s probably best to stop using the blanket as there is a slight risk that the baby could be born under weight and also should your water break whilst your using the blanket there could be risk of electric shock

Our most important recommendation though is not to trust any single source of information, (not even this one!) See what else you can find, try and look at two or three different sources before you make any decision, and if you come across anything new please feel free to let us know in the comments. If you’d like more details on our findings, the medical journals we used are listed below; most libraries should be able to get hold of these for you.

Further Reading:

A Nested Case-Control of Residential and Personal Magnetic Fields Measures and Miscarriages

Published in the January 2002 edition of the journal Epidemiology by a team lead by Doctor Geraldine M. Lee,

P 21 – 31

The Use of Electric Bed Heaters and the Risk of Clinically Recognized Spontaneous Abortion,

Published in the July 2000 edition of the journal of Epidemiology by a team lead by Doctor Geraldine M. Lee

P 406 – 415

Spontaneous Abortion and Exposure to Electric Blankets and Heated Water Beds

Published in the January 1998 edition of the journal Epidemiology by a team lead by Doctor Kathleen Belanger

P 36 – 42
Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields during Pregnancy with Emphasis on Electrically Heated Beds: Association with Birth weight and Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Published in the May 1995 edition of the journal Epidemiology by a team lead by Doctor Michael B. Bracken

P 263 – 270

If you don’t already have central heating or are looking for an alternative, ready for those chilly days ahead?  Then there are a few choices, probaly the best one is electric heating, for several reasons.

Perhaps you’ve got an old home, or have inherited a place in the country, or your heater has simply worn out.  Find a professional company, and one who can supply you with many kinds of efficient electric heating systems, immediately!  Don’t let the neighbours find you stuck to your sitting room sofa, cold and shivering like a cherry jelly!

It’s all good when you know the facts and recommendations for, and about, electric heating.  When you have gas as your source for central heating, there can be a worry about a few toxic by-products released into the air.  With any gas appliances, you may be concerned over carbon monoxide, the silent and deadly killer.  Homeowners often install detectors for that, as they do smoke detectors for smoke in general.  Gas lines, although they are usually perfectly safe, have been known to  blow up if the lines are old and weak or utility workers accidentally hit them.

Gas has to be stored if it’s propane and refilled when it runs out.  Either putting in new gas lines because the old ones are too old, or installing them in a new home, can be costly.  If you are looking to replace your central heating system entirely then cost will be determined by gas lines which may need to be replaced, the suitability of the system you pick for your home, and how much time and it could take to rip out all of the old equipment either entirely, or partially.  How much simpler is it to simply plug in your heating system?

Electric heaters are so clean.  Of course, electricity needs to be generated before it can be transmitted across cities and into the countryside.  It’s safe to say that 99% of the homes in the UK have electricity, while the percentage is lower for homes with gas appliances.  If you rely on  an old-fashioned wood-burning stove for your heat, then that can also be hazardous to family members who are sensitive to pollutants.  There are no pollutants in your home with electric heating and the home is naturally wired for electricity, unless you have a lovely, but ancient, lakeside holiday cottage.

Electric furnaces do need to be sized according to the needs within your home.  Underpowered furnaces will cost more to run because they are always struggling to keep up with trying to heat a too-large-for-the-unit space.  Properly sized and installed (and with a few high tech energy saving devices on them) electric furnaces are fantastic.   A good contractor will be able to determine what sized electric furnace you need.  British Thermal Units (BTU), of course, are  standard worldwide for heating measurement.  A calculation can be made easily to see how many BTUs are needed for your home.  Think ahead and if you want to possibly expand in the future.  Getting a slightly larger furnace may pay off under those circumstances.

Weather conditions, home structure, your home’s location (are you way out in the sticks?), determine your furnace size.  Remember, electric furnaces provide heat without combustion, so safety is excellent when this heat source is used.  Always make sure that your electrical wiring is up to snuff as a matter of course for your home’s maintenance.  Electric heating is efficient, safe, clean, and installed properly, costs much less than you may have thought.

So November is here and I think I might have to finally accept it’s winter, most people I know would probably have claimed it was winter several weeks ago, but I’m lucky, I don’t really feel the cold. Sat at the computer today though I can defiantly feel the chill beginning to creep into my toes, it’s usually my toes that feel it first.

My Grandma would always tell me to put on a hat; it’s a solution I’ve been offered many times, I’m always hearing “heads lose more body heat than any thing else” or “wearing a hat will make you much warmer.” I’ve tried it of course, you don’t say “No” to Grandma but I can’t say I’ve ever felt much benefit, honestly I’m not a ‘hat person’ they just make me look and feel silly. So I’ve always been sceptical, is there something scientific backing up these hat claims? Could my vanity be subconsciously masking the benefits from me? Or are we all victims of an evilly genius Granny lead marketing campaign designed to have the worlds Grandchildren all uniformed in there brightly coloured, slightly misshapen home knitted bobble hats that we are all given by our loving Grandmothers each Christmas? With slightly nippy toes my distraction from work today has been to find out the truth behind these claims, Should I don last Christmas’ woolly hat? (It’s a very fetching green and blue number) or is there a better solution?

The first thing I discovered was that these claims weren’t the invention of my Grandmother, but are first cited in the 1970 US army survival manual where it was apparently claimed that “40 – 45 % of all body heat is lost from the head,” so we can perhaps dismiss the evil genius granny marketing idea, (well unless they’re pulling strings in the army, in which case I can’t wait to see the khaki version of my Christmas ’07 ‘triple bobble’ bobble hat and mittens that army Grandmas must be creating!)

Other research I found, such as that by the Wildness medicine society suggests that the scalp may lose slightly more heat than the rest of the body during hypothermia if the patient is shivering but I don’t think my chilly feet put me at any risk of that just yet, so I continued searching and eventually found a 2008 article by Ian Sample, the Guardian’s science correspondent. According to him the 1970’s Army manual isn’t actually based on any facts, and the latest research suggests that all parts of the body loose heat equally, the myth is just a result of the fact that a lot of people’s faces are sensitive to the cold. For these people a hat might be a good idea, and on a cold day of course you should cover up as much as possible, but when it’s just my feet that are cold I’m best off sticking to conventional wisdom and taking of the cold parts. Namely my feet. (Sorry Grandma)

I guess I’m not the only person who has come to this conclusion. As far away as China people are looking for alternatives to the Grandma Fashion industry. In 2002 inventor Guo Yongqiiang was inspired to experiment with a particularly high tech solution, the electronically heated shoe. The idea was simple enough, battery powered footwear that you can walk around in or wear to work, but when the weather turns cold, flick a switch and with in minutes your feet will be toasty and warm. Unfortunately we’re not likely to sees these in the shops any time soon. Yongqiiang made the headlines that year, not for the brilliance of his foot wear but because of his failed attempt to seek American investment. On a flight from San Francisco to New York airport security checks mistakenly thought the unfamiliar battery in the shoe was an explosive device. Further checks of course revealed that they were harmless but being so soon after the December 2001 attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid the decision was made to destroy the shoes anyway, the prototype shoes were taken out onto a runway and destroyed in a controlled explosion. Yongqiiang was allowed to continue his journey but without the shoes he struggled to find investment and as a result I’m not wearing them right now.

So what solution have I decided to go for? Well inspired by the idea of electronically heated shoes I’ve found something similar. Electric Foot warmers are based on the same technology electric blankets use, you can slip your feet into them when they are feeling a bit cold, and although I can’t really wear them out and about, additional features like a built in massage device should hopefully make up for that. We may now all have to admit its winter, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love being cuddled up indoors under the blankets (and now my electric foot warmer) drinking hot chocolate (Grandma’s recipe.. she’s not all bad!) on a cold winter evening. I think I like that better than summer actually.

For many years now family household’s have relied upon their central heating systems to keep them warm throughout cold winter months, however many of us tend to forget how frequently these heating systems are used – giving us a hefty heating bill at the end of winter.

These heaters get their name because of their slim like designed panel’s that fit flat to a wall. These units are operated via an electrical socket and they can be used regularly or simply when you want to boost the heat in a room or a specific area.

Many of us are unaware of the cheaper alternatives that can save both on energy and costs. Wall panel heaters are ideal both for long and short term heating requirements, in the event of a broken or damaged radiator a standard electric panel heater can be utilized to compensate for the loss of heat in the particular room. Many of the current panel heaters come with readily installed thermostat which allows for efficient control of heat. Wall mounted panel heaters are also ideal for long term usage, and if used in the correct manner, they can save more energy than a common household radiator. Certain panel heaters also come with a pre-set timer system’s which can be used to distribute heat when it is needed, e.g. you may need the heater to distribute less heat if you are at work etc.
The installation requirements of panel heaters are very efficient; they can be attached to a wall bracket with the minimum of fuss. However the products should be serviced at least once a year, by a trained engineer this is to ensure the running of the heater is kept to an optimum.

Unlike some types of heating appliances, panel heaters can offer many benefits to a range of old or new build homes. As the cost of gas continues to rise, the purchase of a modern electric panel heater could be a very astute one.

When the end of September looms, it’s time to start thinking about keeping our household warm and comforting during the cold winter months. There can be nothing worse than a cold chill lingering around when trying to keep warm.

It may be said that central heating is perhaps the most popular method of heating in a household, mainly due to its effective capabilities. The central heating system can be effectively managed using a central programmable timer system, which allows heat to be specifically regulated during certain hours in the day. This heating method uses gas fired heat water in a central boiler system. This water is then sent around a network of central heating pipes and radiators to effectively heat up the household.

Storage heaters offer very different capabilities to the central heating system, and are powered by electricity only. These types of heaters do not offer programmable timer settings like central heating, and do not utilise a water boiler. Instead, the storage heater uses electricity by storing heat during ‘off-peak’ periods when the electricity is cheaper (generally at night), and then releases the heat during the following day and evening. Many modern storage heaters now contain an automatic charge control setting which can adjust the amount of heat stored overnight, the charge control measures the temperature in the room, if cooler it gives out more heat, and vice-versa.

There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with the two heating systems, both capable of heating a household effectively during cold days and nights.

Storage Heaters are perhaps more suited to people who are often at home during the day – this is reflected by the heaters capabilities of storing heat during the night, and then releasing it during the day and in the evening. Central heating systems will be more commonly utilised within a family household, as the programmable heating timer can be systematically used throughout the day, or whenever heat is needed. However, if the timer is not used in an organised manner, heating bills could increase significantly as a result.
If you are considering a new heating system, or have just moved into a property with no heating capabilities, you should perhaps answer the following questions before going any further.

• Do you stay at home during the day?

• Is your house very well insulated (or could it be)?

• Do you rarely stay up late at night?

• Are you adding the system to an existing property?

• Are you in an area that has no mains gas supply?

• Do you have a small home, a one-bed flat, for example?

• Is your daily timetable quite constant?

• Is it important to save money on installation?

Economy 7 is a tariff provided by some UK electricity suppliers. Simply put, during the day (usually from 7am until midnight) your electricity costs slightly more than the standard rate. However for 7 hours every night, your electricity rate is around a third of the standard rate.

To get Economy 7 you have to have a special meter installed that supplies electricity at the cheaper rate during the off-peak hours. Any appliances that you use during off-peak hours need to be plugged into this system.

There’s no point having an Economy 7 tariff if you don’t change your electricity usage habits. To get the most out of Economy 7 you need appliances that work during the off-peak hours to get the most of out of the cheaper rate at these times. Some appliances, such as washing machines, can come with or be fitted with timers so that you can set them to turn on after midnight.

When it comes to heating your house with an Economy 7 tariff, the best way to make the most out of it is with a decent storage heater. A storage heater is a fairly simple type of electric radiator that is designed to store heat during off-peak hours and then release it at a time of your choosing.

For those interested in the science: Storage heaters usually contain ceramic bricks with a high specific heat capacity to store heat. Specific heat capacity is a unit measurement of how much heat energy a material can store in a given mass. Materials like ceramic bricks have a high specific heat capacity and can therefore store a lot of heat energy in a small volume. This is important because it means that a lot of energy can be stored in the storage heater at a safe temperature, meaning that it will be able to release heat into your home for a long enough time to last until the next off-peak period.

Economy 7 isn’t for everyone; if your house is already fitted with gas central heating then it probably isn’t worth changing your appliances and getting it installed. However if you are using electric heating already and finding your utility bills are costing more than you’d like, it’s definitely worth thinking about.

If you already have Economy 7 and you don’t have a storage heater, then I’d highly recommend looking into getting one. You aren’t making the most out of your tariff if you don’t!

With the summer months over, it’s time to start worrying about staying warm in the winter. If you’re anything like me, then the cost added to your bills can cause sleepless nights, no matter how warm you are.

One good way to ensure a good night’s sleep with both comfort and peace of mind is to invest in an electric blanket. Heated bedding is a very efficient method of heating; for under 1p per hour you can keep snug and toasty in a warm bed (based on a double blanket at the standard domestic rate). Still thought of by some people as old fashioned and dangerous, electric blankets are resurgent in popularity thanks to new features making them more comfortable and incredibly safe – just so long as you know what to look out for when buying one.

Here are some of the newer features available:

Pre-heating
Some blankets have a pre-heat facility – this can be used to ensure that the blanket is at optimal temperature before you get into bed. Depending on the price of the blanket, you can get standard pre-heat, which warms the bed in around one hour. You can also get ultra fast pre-heat on the better models, which can warm the blanket to optimum temperature in 10 minutes or less.

Dual Controls
If you’re sharing a bed and thinking of getting an electric blanket, then it might be worth looking at those blankets that feature dual controls. This simply allows you to set each side of the blanket to a different heat level, which is perfect if your partner prefers a warmer or cooler bed to you.

Safety Features
Electric blankets have gotten bad press in the past due to safety problems. That’s why you want to make sure you buy a blanket with the latest safety features. Essential features include auto-shutoff, which turns the heater off if a fault occurs to prevent overheating and a timer, which automatically shuts the heater off after 12 hours.

Cleaning
Some blankets are washable, others aren’t. Make sure you know what your blanket can handle before putting it in the washing machine or for that matter, letting it anywhere near water!

As always, I hope these tips come in helpful – have a warm and cosy winter!

Many of us will agree that the majority of our heating bills originate from the constant use of our central heating. It is often a common practice for many of us to switch on the thermostat when feeling cold in winter months.
High heating bills are our main concern when it comes to cold winter months, infact the answer to saving these dreaded heating bills are not too far away. Electric Blankets can save much less energy than your common household radiator. When in bed we often turn to using the central heating to keep us warm during the night, of course this will heat up the whole house which may not be necessary. electric blankets will use less energy, but at the same time keep you warm and comfortable through the night.
Electric Blankets not only prevent us from feeling cold, but they can also help our aching bones and muscles whilst we rest. Heat is well recognised for treating sores and muscle aches, a standard electric blanket will help reduce this type of fatigue and give us added energy and regeneration for when we wake up.
Electric Blankets also represent high specification safety measures, as the majority of them now have an automatic shut off incase we forget to switch them off, or even fall asleep with them still on. Many of the Blankets are now highly durable and soft making them very comfortable, unlike older types of electric blankets; newer models can now keep us warm in up to 15 minutes, allowing you to feel warm much quicker than in earlier releases of Electric Blankets. Many of the Homefront Electric Blanket’s Homefront Electric Blanket’s now come with a fitted mattress cover which will fit any mattress size, providing highly effective and versatile options for all sized beds.
The use of Heated Mattress Pads has also become quite popular over the last 10 years, common dust mites and bugs can thrive on our excess moisture and sweat during the night. Mattress Pads have been specifically tested to reduce mattress moisture by an astonishing 50% – thus preventing these types of bugs from thriving upon bacteria and germs.
It is important to remember that Electric Blankets have been around for many years now, but have only recently become much safer and feasible to use. With this type of heating product you’re never short of a good night’s sleep, and the added advantage of cutting down your energy costs.