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In pregnancy many women remain restless and sleep deprived in nights. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to feel anxiety and insomnia. We know that weighted blankets are known to provide therapeutic help in relieving stress, anxiety and insomnia. But it is important to consider safety in all aspects during pregnancy. So, can a women take a weighted blankets during pregnancy? Will the extra weight and pressure of weighted blankets be anything of concern? are weighted blankets safe during pregnancy? Let’s find out!

Weighted blankets during pregnancy are generally considered safe. The extra weight carried by a weighted blanket is distributed evenly all over the body, in all good quality weighted blankets, so these blankets do not put any harmful stress over any part of the body. However, with any underlying health conditions or with any specific health concern it is better to consult your doctor.

What are Weighted blankets?

Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that work on Deep pressure therapy (DPT) and create a hug like environment through the extra weight of these blankets. This has a calming and soothing effect and most of the users of weighted blankets report various benefits from use of these blankets.

Benefits of Using Weighted Blankets During pregnancy

Easing Stress and Anxiety

Pregnancy is an amazing time which brings with it anticipation, hope and many joys. But it can be overwhelming and stressing too. The hormonal changes also take a toll on pregnant women. So, it is quite normal to feel stressed and have anxiety occasionally. Weighted blankets can help in relieving anxiety and calming the mood. The gentle pressure of weighted blankets is believed to release stress reducing hormone, Serotonin. It also controls cortisol, which is our stress hormone. Thus, use of weighted blankets during pregnancy usually help in situations of stress and anxiety.

Help In Insomnia

Pregnant women often complain of tossing and turning in beds without a proper night’s sleep. Studies have revealed that more than 38% women experience insomnia in pregnancy. Weighted blankets are known to make sleep cycles better and improve quality of sleep. They also make you sleep earlier. The gentle pressure of weighted blankets snugs and calms the human body which releases melatonin, which is our sleep hormone, it optimizes our sleep-wake cycle. A better sleep refreshes mind and reboots us for the day ahead. So, weighted blankets act as a real help in pregnancy related insomnia.

Relief for Restless Legs

In pregnancy, many women experience a tingling sensation creating an urge to move the legs. This is known as restless legs syndrome; it disturbs whole sleeping experience and makes one feel tired and restless. Weighted blankets help in relief of restless legs as it relaxes and calms the body.

Relief to Body Aches

In pregnancy, aches in legs and feet are common. Weighted blankets put gentle pressure on the body and create a massage like impact. This soothes the body and eases in body aches. So, weighted blankets during pregnancy are real help in easing aches and inflammation.

Mood Boasters

Pregnancy is an overwhelming experience. The psychological impact of pregnancy and the changes in body can make one go grumpy. Frequent mood swings are also normal during pregnancy. Weighted blankets tend to calm down and help in relaxing the body. This relaxation improves overall mood. With the help of weighted blankets in pregnancy, the mood gets refreshed, body gets ready for the day ahead and the work becomes more productive.

Tips for Getting Better Sleep Naturally During Pregnancy

We recommend adopting good sleeping habits during pregnancy. Adopting these habits can help in getting to sleep early and have good quality sleep naturally.

Make a bed time routine

Try to go to bed daily at same time. This routine will help you prioritize your sleep and can go a long way in sleeping better.

Try to relax before bed time

Read a book, take a bath, meditate or do whatever relaxes you go to before bed.

Avoid Screen time before Bed

Try not to have screen time at least for an hour before bed time.

Exercise

Exercise as per your doctor’s suggestion during the day.

Make Environment sleep friendly

keep your room sleep friendly by making it cool, dark and quiet.

Use Body Pillows

Use of body pillows seem to help in a lot of cases, so you can try them for better sleep. They make you more comfortable in bed. Side sleeping is recommended usually to pregnant women, body pillows are helpful in side sleeping when you are not used to side sleep.

Use a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets during pregnancy are found helpful in sleeping better and earlier. But ensure to chose the correct weighted blanket according to your weight and fabric requirement.

How to chose a weighted blanket for pregnancy

It is important to chose the correct weighted blanket for pregnancy. Following factors should be considered while choosing a weighted blanket for pregnancy.

Weight of a weighted blanket

The weight of a weighted blanket should be around 10% of body weight, don’t go for an over weight blanket. Also, there is no need to cater for extra weight for growing baby.

Fabric Type

If the weather is hot or you sleep hot, you should go for weighted blanket with a cooling and breathable fabric.

Weight Distribution

You should always get weighted blanket with even weight distribution of inner filling. Blankets with even weight distribution do not put excessive weight on any part of body and they just put gentle relaxing pressure all over the body.

For more information on fabric types and inner fillings of weighted blankets, checkout the details.

Best Weighted Blankets for Pregnancy

Based on reviews and our research , we have found following weighted blankets helpful in pregnancy.

Best Cooling Weighted Blanket for Pregnancy by Luna

This weighted blanket by Luna is good for all seasons and is made of highly breathable bamboo Lyocell fabric. The inner filling has even weight distribution of glass beads. It is available in different sizes and weights , you can chose blanket as per your requirement. It is extremely comforting and pregnant woman have reported sleeping ease with this blanket.

Best Sherpa Fleece Cozy Weighted Blanket for Pregnancy by Wemore

This weighted blanket is extremely cozy, super soft and cuddly. It feels like a real hug and has a real calming effect. It is cozy but not too hot. This weighted blanket has super reviews and users have benefitted greatly in better sleep. It can be a perfect gift for pregnant women.

Best Breathable Cotton Weighted Blanket for pregnancy by Quiltry

This weighted blanket is made from extremely breathable cotton fabric. It is cozy, warm and soft with even weight distribution. It is #1 best seller on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

Weighted blankets during pregnancy are generally considered safe, if there are no underlying health issue. They have some solid benefits that help pregnant women in sleeping better and managing stress levels. It is important to choose blanket of correct weight, weighted blanket should weigh around 10% of body weight ( +-2% variance is ok). Also, fabric of a weighted blanket should be chosen according to requirement , for women who sleep hot , should prefer cooling breathable fabric.