Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can go through during her lifetime. While in the womb, you want only the very best for your baby. Staying away from everything that can hurt your baby involves monitoring an ever-growing list and consulting with your doctor. If you’re reading this article, you’re either interested in a weighted blanket and/or you’re pregnant. That’s why we’ll find if and is a weighted blanket safe for pregnancy.
As your baby grows, ill effects from pregnancy may come about such as anxiety, sleepless nights, nausea, and other effects. Avoiding over-the-counter medications may seem almost impossible when the ill effects are too great. A popular natural alternative to medications is weighted blankets.
Disclaimer: The tips and recommendations given at Namaste Blankets are intended to be used as guidelines. Do not replace our advice with a registered health professional or therapist’s advice. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have a special condition.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is a Weighted Blanket Safe for Pregnancy?
You may wonder, despite its many benefits, whether a weighted blanket safe during pregnancy is right for you? While weighted blankets offer comfort and support unlike standard covers, a weighted version does press down on the mother and unborn child in a way that a regular blanket does not.
The short answer is that weighted blankets during pregnancy are not only safe but do offer benefits that you may want to explore especially if you are expecting your first child. Read on to learn more about how a weighted blanket benefits pregnancy symptoms and understand the science behind these miracle products for expectant mothers.
What Is A Weighted Blanket?
The question does answer itself as this is a type of blanket that has small weights inside to provide a closer, more purposeful contact with the body. Weighted blankets are a relatively recent phenomenon, but their approach is one that has been in use for thousands of years. The pressure that is evenly distributed across the body provides an extra level of support that has a strong psychological influence.
Just as babies like to be wrapped, so too do most people like to have the reassuring touch of protection that the weighted blanket provides. The question of is weight blanket safe during pregnancy is quickly answered because the weight itself should have little to no direct effect on the baby inside the womb.
However, for the comfort of the mother carrying the child, there are considerable advantages to using a weighted blanket.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Benefits of Using Weighted Blankets
Deep Pressure Therapy: Weighted blankets utilize deep pressure touch therapy. This therapy has been highly researched and tested by medical professionals. Our organic, soft, and comfortable blankets are made from the highest quality materials. We use high-density glass beads to work with the pressure points throughout your body. The beads are evenly dispersed and sewn into the blanket to ensure all-over comfort.
Deep pressure therapy works with your nervous system, which is responsible for letting your brain know which hormones to release. When you are in “fight or flight” mode, your body is utilizing the sympathetic nervous system. If this mode is enacted for too long, you may see increased signs of restlessness and mood swings. When you are in “rest or digest”, your body has kicked on the parasympathetic nervous system. This is when you can relax and melt into the couch after a long day of being on your feet while pregnant.
Just like a good massage has benefits that go beyond the direct effect on the muscles, so too does deep pressure therapy. The effect is similar to getting a good hug from a friend or family member. The result is the release of serotonin along with melatonin that has a positive effect on the body.
Reduces Cortisol Production
Without ample time in “rest or digest” mode, your body will be working overtime and producing excess cortisol. Cortisol is your stress hormone. With your body already working to release various hormones needed to help your baby grow in the womb, it doesn’t need any additional stress. Instead, you need to be relaxed, calm and get plenty of rest. When your body exits “fight or flight” mode, you begin to produce serotonin and dopamine, which are your happy hormones that aid in regular moods and healthy sleeping patterns.
Portable
Weighted blanket benefits pregnancy because it is a portable deep pressure therapy. You can take the blanket with you anywhere and enjoy the wonderful warmth and calming effects. The popularity of weighted blankets has risen over the years as more people see a reduction in their anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings, all of which may be prevalent during pregnancy.
Better Sleep
The release of melatonin causes deeper relaxation and helps you go to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. While you can add melatonin to supplement your diet, generating it naturally by the use of a weighted blanket may actually be the better choice.
Lowers Anxiety
Perhaps the most important effect of all that comes from a weighted blanket is how it reduces the feelings of anxiety. Especially for those giving birth for the first time, reducing anxiety means getting through the process with less stress and a greater focus on the happiness of the event itself.
Also, consider that a weighted blanket can be used as part of an overall treatment. It is safe, natural, and has no side effects. Plus, you can add or remove the blanket as you see fit. Unlike medications, the weighted blanket can be removed instantly if desired. The same is not true for prescriptions and many other types of treatment.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Getting the Right Weighted Blanket
The blankets should be 10 to 12 percent of your body weight. Namaste Blankets are available from seven to twenty-five pounds. It’s best to order a blanket that isn’t too light or heavy to ensure optimal benefits are maintained.
As you know, weight blankets come in individual and couple sizes, so your partner can wrap up with you during each trimester. If you’re wondering, “Are weighted blankets safe for pregnancy?”, continue to read on.
Can I Use a Weighted Blanket When Pregnant?
Before adding any product to your pregnancy regime, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Each pregnancy is unique, and so is every expectant mother. Be sure to take the necessary precautions before adding weighted blankets to your routine.
The question arises time and time again, “Are weighted blankets safe during pregnancy?” No real risks have been associated with weighted blankets. As long as your doctor says so, it is safe to use a weighted blanket while pregnant. The main concern may be discomfort from additional heat.
Through each trimester, symptoms will change. Some expectant mothers experience hot flashes and night sweats. The warm cotton blanket may be too much to handle during these periods. While the answer to the question, “Can I use a weighted blanket when pregnant?” is yes, if you are experiencing hot flashes, Namaste Blankets offer a weighted lap pad. It provides similar symptom relief without the warmth of a traditional weighted blanket. This is made out of the same high-quality organic materials that we use in our weighted blankets.
A Weighted Blanket Benefits Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy brings about hormonal surges which in turn cause symptoms such as anxiety, insecurity, on edge feelings, and mixed emotion. Enough of these symptoms can lead to some expectant mothers experiencing restlessness or depression. These side effects can be serious for both the baby and the mother. This is when the question, “Can I use a weighted blanket when pregnant?” is crucial to know. Yes, yes you can!
The deep pressure provides feelings of comfort and relaxation. The racing thoughts and overwhelming changes in emotion are slowly put to rest as the amount of cortisol in the body are naturally reduced. Serotonin production begins to lift your mood and works with the various hormones that are helping you develop a healthy baby in your womb.
Once the mind is relaxed, sleep can naturally follow. Serotonin is not only working to make you happier, but it is also helping create a regular sleep schedule. Paired with dopamine, it’s easier to fall asleep night after night with the correct hormone balance. While kicks to the ribs may jolt you awake, the restless nights and insomnia quickly become a thing of the past.
You may find yourself thinking, “Are weighted blankets safe for pregnancy?” Since weighted blankets are not internal medication, there are no reported negative side effects. Weighted blankets (or lap pads if the warmth is too much for you) can be used for a few moments or hours without any fear of adverse reactions. Replace any over-the-counter pills with a weighted blanket and feel the difference almost immediately. A weighted blanket benefits pregnancy symptoms for most expectant mothers and may just help you, too.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In Conclusion
If you’re ready to feel less anxious, sleep better, avoid extreme mood swings, and prevent depression, consider a weighted blanket or pad. It’s easy to see that the answer to, “Can I use a weighted blanket when pregnant?” is yes, knowing that there are no reported side effects.
As an important reminder, be sure to consult your doctor before making any changes to your pregnancy, including the discontinuation of over-the-counter medications and/or adding in a weighted blanket or pad. Enjoy these precious moments with your little one before they enter the world while avoiding restlessness, anxiety, and other symptoms. While answering the question of is a weighted blanket is safe during pregnancy is easy, getting the most out of the benefits it provides will help you get through this trying, but beautiful time in your life.
