The pregnancy pillow has gained immense acceptance since J-lo introduced it in her movie, The Back-Up Plan. This isn’t shocking as the pillow brings impressive comfort and support to pregnant women who are already struggling to sleep. Primarily, this pillow supports the side-sleeping position and props up your body to the most comfortable position, not to mention align your spine.
But as it turns out, pregnant women are not the only ones who can benefit from a pregnancy pillow. Women of all ages can use this sleeping companion before and after pregnancy, especially if they struggle with back pain and insomnia.
Benefits of Pregnancy Pillow When Not Pregnant
A pregnancy pillow serves the same purpose whether you are pregnant or not. It supports parts of your body and helps align your spine, so you don’t suffer back pain and discomfort. If you are a side sleeper, this pillow will support your back, shoulders, and hips and also provide a comfortable position for your arms. Like most of my clients say, it’s like being cuddled up by a giant bear who doesn’t make you sweat or breathe on your neck.
Bear-like comfort aside, a pregnancy pillow also;
Support Your Back during Pregnancy
About two thirds of pregnant women suffer from severe back pain during and after pregnancy. This is thought to be due to the ligaments and spine getting lax during pregnancy. The side sleeping position doesn’t help either because your heavy tummy pulls on the back muscles.
The best way to prevent this while sleeping is to place a pregnancy pillow underneath your stomach to reduce that stretch. A pregnancy pillow also goes behind the back and supports your body, so you don’t recline to your back. As if that isn’t enough, it goes between the legs to lift your hip and align the spine, alleviating back pain.
Bring the Baby to the Perfect Height for Pain-free Breastfeeding
While most moms use a nursing pillow for this, you can also use the pregnancy pillow. Fold it nicely on your lap and place the baby on top of the pillow, so they are elevated and closer to your chest. This prevents you from leaning over or stretching your shoulders and neck when breastfeeding, and it’s more comfortable.
Take the Pressure Off of Your C-section Scar during Healing
The C-section scar takes a while to heal and it can be painful if mishandled. For example, you can’t sleep on your stomach for a while because you will press it. A pregnancy pillow goes underneath your tummy and supports you, so you don’t press the wound. It takes the pressure off the scar and gives it time to heal uninterrupted.
Bring Relief from Episiotomy Pain
Like the C-section wound, an episiotomy can hurt for a week or more after birth. This makes it hard to sleep or sit comfortably, especially since women who give birth naturally aren’t as medicated as those who undergo C-section. Putting a pregnancy pillow between the legs when sleeping on your side helps relieve the friction and allow in some air. You can also sit on a folded pregnancy pillow instead of directly on the seat or bed because it’s more comfortable.
Help Prop Your Baby Up During Tummy Time
Despite how important tummy time is for kids’ muscle strength, most babies don’t seem to like it. Perhaps it’s because the position is not so comfortable for them, and mom’s legs press their chest and tummy. A pregnancy pillow makes tummy time more comfortable for our child because it acts as a cushion between mom’s legs and the baby. It also makes it easy for the child to lift their neck and head, which is what exercises the back muscles.
Multipurpose Pregnancy Pillows
When buying a pregnancy pillow, think beyond the pregnancy because you will need more support after birth. Our selection includes three multipurpose pregnancy pillows that will take you through pregnancy and a few months after birth.
Best Overall: Bamibi Baby Nursing Pillow for Breastfeeding & Maternity
The Bamibi multipurpose pregnancy pillow offers full-body support from pregnancy to parenthood. It is a c-shape pillow with an insert that closes the donut hole in the middle, providing more support. It’s comfortable, hypoallergenic, and the cover is removable and machine washable.
Best Versatile: Unilove Hopo 7-in-1 Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow
The one thing you want from a multipurpose pregnancy pillow besides comfort is versatility. This Unilove Hopo is a 7-in-1 pillow works as a maternity pillow, nursing pillow, baby lounger and so much more. The pillow comes with two covers to transition from pregnancy to motherhood, and it has an ultra-cooling effect to keep you cool and dry throughout.
Best Ergonomic: Bbhugme Pregnancy Body Pillow
Bbhugme Pregnancy body pillow is an award-winning pillow developed by Scandinavian health professionals to solve some issues related to maternity pillows. It is ergonomic and shapes to your body throughout every stage of pregnancy and beyond. This pillow gives you support where you need it most and helps relieve pelvic and lower back pain. It is soft, breathable and cool to touch, so it will not overheat like regular pillows.
