Can You Use a Weighted Blanket When Pregnant?

During pregnancy, it's not uncommon to toss and turn at night. For starters, you’re growing a tiny human inside you, which can make finding a comfortable sleeping position difficult. Factor in changing hormones, back pain and anxiety about becoming a new parent, and it's no wonder that two out of three pregnant women struggle with insomnia in late pregnancy.

Weighted blankets have emerged as a possible remedy for sleepless nights and chronic, middle-of-the-night worrying. But can you use a weighted blanket when you’re pregnant? Here’s what you need to know about weighted blankets for pregnancy.

Browse Our Weighted Blankets

Is It Safe to Use a Weighted Blanket When Pregnant?

Yes, for most women, using a weighted blanket while pregnant is perfectly safe. Although a 20-pound blanket may seem like a lot of pressure to put on your bump, it’s no different than carrying around a toddler or having a medium-sized dog lay on your belly. 

Besides, your baby is more protected in the womb than you probably think. The uterus is a powerful organ that acts as a shield against external pressures, while the amniotic fluid and weight you gain throughout pregnancy act as shock absorbers. 

All this is to say that sleeping with a weighted blanket during pregnancy is probably fine. However, if you have underlying health conditions (think sleep apnea or circulation issues) or specific concerns, it doesn’t hurt to consult your doctor. 

Also, keep in mind that weighted blankets are not safe for toddlers and infants. Children under the age of two may be too small to get out from the blanket, which can lead to suffocation.

Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket During Pregnancy

In most cases, weighted blankets don’t pose a risk to pregnancy. On the contrary, sleeping with a weighted blanket while pregnant can provide significant health benefits. 

1. Eases Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety – From the moment you see those two lines on the pregnancy test, it seems like everything starts to change: your body, your emotions, your family dynamic. These changes can be wonderful but also stressful (and we all know that high stress levels aren’t good for an unborn child). Weighted blankets use a technique called deep pressure stimulation, which research shows can help ease anxiety by calming down the parasympathetic nervous system.
2. Promotes Better Sleep – Between your growing belly, back pain and raging heartburn, getting a good night’s sleep while pregnant can feel impossible. And that’s well before a crying infant even enters the picture. Just imagine how elusive sleep will be once your little one makes their grand debut. Fortunately, weighted blankets can help you get a better night’s snooze. The pressure of the blanket lulls you into a deeper, more restful slumber, so you can get higher quality sleep throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
3. Encourages Side Sleeping – Most health experts agree that side sleeping is the best sleeping position for pregnant women. But if you naturally prefer to sleep on your back or stomach, training yourself to become a side sleeper can be challenging. One thing that can help? That’s right — snuggling under a weighted blanket. The weight of the blanket grounds your body downwards, which helps discourage tossing and turning at night.
4. Eases Symptoms of RLS – Restless leg syndrome is a common complaint among pregnant women. This disorder is characterized by the overwhelming urge to move one’s legs, especially at nighttime. Although RLS is often a temporary side effect of pregnancy, that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Weighted blankets can improve symptoms of RLS by easing stress, improving sleep quality and distracting you from the unpleasant sensation in your legs.

Tips for Choosing a Weighted Blanket for Pregnancy 

Are you now thinking about trying a weighted blanket? Good for you! According to the experts, getting sufficient sleep during pregnancy is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy baby. 

When it comes to choosing a weighted blanket for pregnancy, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you don’t want the blanket to be too heavy for you after the baby arrives, so consider choosing a weighted blanket that is 10 percent of your pre-pregnancy weight. 

You’ll also want to carefully consider the type and/or material of your weighted blanket. Hot flashes are common during pregnancy, which is why many pregnant women prefer to use a cooling weighted blanket at night. Our cooling weighted blanket is made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, so you can stay cool and comfortable all night long.

The Bottom Line

So, can you use a weighted blanket for pregnancy? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, it’s a great way to catch more snooze during pregnancy and ensure a healthy baby (and a healthy, happy mom). 

If you’re looking for a weighted blanket, check out the selection at Gravity Blankets. From our revolutionary cooling weighted blanket to our best-selling Gravity Weighted Blanket, our products are designed to support your nights — and therefore your days — through pregnancy and beyond.

Get Your Gravity Weighted Blanket Today

 

Your use of this website, its content, and any products obtained through this website is at your own risk. This website, its content, and any products obtained through this website are provided on an “as is” basis, without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, infringement of intellectual property, or fitness for any particular purposes. No warranty or representation is made with respect to the completeness, reliability, quality, or accuracy of this website or its content. This website, its content, and any products obtained through this website do not constitute medical treatment and is not a substitute for a medical examination or diagnosis. If you are dealing with a health condition check with your health care provider before using. This website may contain affiliate links that allow us to earn a commission on purchases made through such links. We may accept forms of advertising or sponsorships in connection with this website. There might also be paid topic insertions. We may accept and keep free products, services, and other forms of compensation from others.