Insomnia during pregnancy is a phenomenon that many women face.

And how could it not be when there are so many important reasons to keep you awake at night.

First of all, there's a tiny human inside you that needs to find a sleeping position that's comfortable for both of you when you lie down. Plus, with changing hormones, back pain, and the stress of becoming a new mom, it's no wonder that two out of three pregnant women experience insomnia symptoms in the final months of their pregnancy .

Gravity blankets are renowned for their ability to reduce anxiety and improve chronic symptoms of insomnia, but can they be used during pregnancy?

Here's everything you need to know about gravity blankets and pregnancy.

Is it safe to use a gravity blanket when you are pregnant?

Yes, for most women, using a weighted blanket during pregnancy is perfectly safe. While a 20-pound blanket might make you think you're putting a lot of weight on your belly, trust me, it's no different than having a small child or a small to medium-sized dog lie on it.

Moreover, the fetus is protected by the uterus, as it acts as a shield against external pressures, while the amniotic fluid and the weight you gain during pregnancy act as "shock absorbers" and absorb the pressures.

This means that sleeping with a blanket during pregnancy is probably fine. However, if you have underlying health conditions (think sleep apnea or circulation problems) or specific concerns, it's a good idea to consult your doctor.

Also, keep in mind that gravity blankets are not safe for toddlers and infants . Children under two years old may be too young to get out of the blanket, which can lead to suffocation.

The benefits of a gravity blanket during pregnancy

In most cases, gravity blankets do not pose any risks to pregnancy. In fact, sleeping with a gravity blanket while pregnant can offer significant health benefits.

1. Reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety – From the moment you see those two lines on your pregnancy test, it seems like everything in your life starts to change: your body, your emotions, your family dynamic. These changes can be wonderful, but they can also be extremely stressful (and we all know that high levels of stress are not good for an unborn child). Gravity blankets utilize Deep Tactile Pressure therapy, which research shows can help reduce anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

2. Promotes Better Sleep – Between your growing belly, back pain, and heartburn, getting a good night’s sleep during pregnancy can seem impossible. And that’s long before your baby is born. Imagine how elusive a good night’s sleep will be once your little one makes his big debut in this world. Luckily, gravity blankets can help you sleep better at night. The pressure of the blanket on your body increases melatonin levels (the sleep hormone) while making you feel safe and secure, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night.

3. Helps you sleep on your side – Most experts agree that sleeping on your side is the best sleeping position for pregnant women. But if you naturally prefer to sleep on your back or stomach, training yourself to sleep on your side can be difficult. A gravity blanket can help you sleep on your side simply because of its technical features, encouraging you to curl up inside it. The weight of the blanket will ground your body, relieve you from aches and pains, and prevent you from tossing and turning at night, constantly searching for another sleeping position.

4. Relieves Restless Leg Syndrome – Restless legs syndrome is a common complaint among pregnant women. This disorder is characterized by an excessive urge to move the legs, especially at night. Although RLS is a temporary side effect of pregnancy, that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Gravity blankets can improve its symptoms by reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and distracting you from the uncomfortable sensation in your legs.

Tips for choosing a weighted blanket during your pregnancy

According to experts, getting enough sleep during pregnancy is one of the best ways to ensure your baby's health.

When it comes to choosing a pregnancy weighted blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, because you don't want the blanket to be too heavy on you after baby arrives, choose one that weighs around 10%-12% of your pre-pregnancy body weight.

Additionally, consider the type of gravity blanket. Hot flashes are common during pregnancy, which is why many pregnant women prefer to use a cooling blanket, like the Gravity Ice , which is made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics so you can stay cool and comfortable all night long.

Upgrade your sleep with a gravity blanket

Gravity blankets are the most effective way to deal with insomnia and stress without medication, as they have been used for many decades to help people suffering from anxiety disorders, autism, and other sensory disorders.

How do they work?

They are designed to apply gentle, steady pressure to the entire body, which occupational therapists call “ Deep Tactile Pressure .” This steady pressure relaxes the nervous system and helps the body naturally increase levels of serotonin and melatonin (the hormones of happiness and sleep) while reducing levels of cortisol, which is responsible for stress.

As a result, the mind stops "racing", the heart rate drops, the mood improves and the body enters a state of complete relaxation.

Choose the one that weighs closest to 10% of your body weight and upgrade your sleep from the very first night!