Can I Use a Weighted Blanket While Pregnant?

Weighted blankets are useful for addressing some sleep problems, as they can provide comfort and allow the body to relax for a restful night of sleep. This may make them seem appealing during pregnancy, when quality sleep can be hard to come by, due to the stress of carrying a child and the changes that occur in the body during this time. While a weighted blanket can seem helpful, pregnant women may worry about the safety of adding weight to the body. This leads them to ask the question, “Can I use a weighted blanket while I’m pregnant?”

• Reasons to Use a Weighted Blanket During Pregnancy
• Weighted Blanket Benefits During Pregnancy
• The Safety of a Weighted Blanket During Pregnancy
• The Bottom Line on Using a Weighted Blanket Pregnant

Reasons to Use a Weighted Blanket During Pregnancy

Before diving into the safety of using a weighted blanket pregnant, it is helpful to understand the reasons to use such a blanket during pregnancy. A weighted blanket may be especially beneficial during pregnancy, when sleep disturbances are rather common. In fact, according to a review of multiple studies, almost half of pregnant women experience poor sleep quality, especially during the third trimester. A weighted blanket can be a tool to cope with sleep disturbances so that pregnant women can get the rest they need.

Sleep is important during any stage of life, but during pregnancy, it may be more so than ever. In fact, research shows that women who experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes; they are also more likely to experience stillbirth or give birth to babies that are especially large for their gestational age. Using a weighted blanket to promote healthy sleep can protect the health of both mother and baby.

Weighted Blanket Benefits During Pregnancy

Pregnant women may find that weighted blankets improve sleep in general, but there are some specific benefits that weighted blankets can offer during pregnancy. For example, weighted blankets provide deep touch pressure, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the body, making it easier to settle down for sleep. If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety throughout your pregnancy, this can be especially helpful. Instead of spending your nights tossing and turning, you’ll be able to get some sleep.

Beyond anxiety that keeps you up at night, pregnancy can also lead to aches and pains from the changes occurring in your body as it supports a growing baby. Fortunately, a weighted blanket can help you to manage this pain. A 2021 study in The Journal of Pain found that using a 15-pound weighted blanket reduced the severity of chronic pain, making this an option for alleviating pregnancy-related pains that interfere with sleep.

The Safety of a Weighted Blanket During Pregnancy

So, is it safe to use a weighted blanket during pregnancy? As with any decision made regarding your health, it is important to first consult with a doctor or other medical provider before using a weighted blanket. If you have concerns about the weight of the blanket, or overheating when using one, a doctor can help you determine if it is safe for you to use a weighted blanket pregnant.

That being said, there are no known or reported safety risks regarding weighted blanket use during pregnancy. In fact, one of the benefits of weighted blankets during pregnancy is that they can be an alternative to sleep medicines or medications used to alleviate pain or anxiety. While medications may be necessary in some cases, and weighted blankets should never be used instead of a needed medical treatment, there are many medications that are unsafe to take during pregnancy. Some medications can harm a growing baby, which means that weighted blankets may actually be a safer way to manage problems that can interfere with sleep, such as pain, anxiety, and restlessness.

The Bottom Line on Using a Weighted Blanket Pregnant

For women who struggle with sleep during pregnancy, using a weighted blanket can provide a natural remedy for sleep problems. While this can be a solution, a weighted blanket will work for everyone, and you should consult with a doctor before using a weighted blanket pregnant, especially if you have concerns about overheating. Fortunately, there are weighted blankets that work well for hot sleepers, which can be a concern during pregnancy.

For those who do choose a weighted blanket during pregnancy, Aricove offers a bamboo weighted blanket that is naturally cooling to keep you comfortable throughout the night. We have a 10 lb weighted blanket for adults, as well as various other weight options to meet everyone’s needs. If you’re concerned about adding too much weight, we have plenty of options to allow you to find the ideal weight for your blanket, which is an important part of choosing a weighted blanket.