Pregnancy for most women is a trying time, from backaches to constipation, fatigue to heartburn, all of which negatively impact sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states that 78% of pregnant women have difficulty sleeping, especially towards the end of their pregnancy.
One solution that helps improve all the above conditions is a pregnancy pillow. The job of a comfort pregnancy pillow is to support your changing body and promote better sleep.
Since you will be sleeping on your side for the better part of the pregnancy, a pregnancy pillow supports your back and helps keep your spine aligned, so you don’t suffer any aches. It also supports your head, pelvis, knees, and hands so you can sleep comfortably.
But which comfort pillow is best during pregnancy, you ask? Well, this is a matter of preference. For most women though, a full body pillow that envelopes the entire body is the best.
A long, curved pregnancy pillow shaped as a U or a C supports multiple points of the body simultaneously and offers optimum comfort. These pillows remain where they should throughout the night, and you don’t have to prop or adjust them throughout the night.
How to Sleep with a Pregnancy Pillow for Maximum Comfort
Using a pregnancy pillow correctly depends on the pillow you have. Ideally however, you should place the pillow strategically to support the small of your back, your belly and pelvis, your neck, and the space between your legs. Supporting all these points is paramount to having a good spinal curvature and comfort as you sleep.
For instance, if you choose a c-shaped pregnancy pillow, the top of the C should go under your head and support your arms as well, while the middle part surrounds your back and then curves between your knees and all the way to your belly.
For a wedge or I-shaped pillow, you can use it behind your back or under your belly, depending on where you need the support most. Or, get two more of these pillows to place at different parts of the body.
Best Comfort Pillow for Pregnancy
We understand the market is flooding with comfort pregnancy pillows, all claiming to be the best. So, to narrow down the options, here are the three that we recommend the most.
Casper Sleep Hug Body Pillow
This hug body pillow is perfect for side sleepers who may not have the space for a full-body pillow in their bed. It features an ergonomic twist design that contours to your body and comfortably aligns you for better sleep.
All you have to do is place it in front of you, wrap your arms around it and place the underside between your knees. You can also use it as back support when sitting or lying down.
AngQi Full Body Support Pillow
My favorite comfort pillow is this AngQi U-shaped body pillow for obvious reasons. It provides optimum support to every inch of your body and snuggles you like a baby. The best part about it though is that you don’t have to turn with the pillow when you change positions. Due to the u-shape, it is the same on both sides and provides the same support, no matter which side you are facing.
This pillow also conforms to your body to relieve pressure points, and it has a cool jersey cover to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
BYRIVER 43″ Long C Shaped Body Pillow
Speaking of a cooling pillow, BYRIVER seems to understand that pregnant women get uncomfortably hot. This c-shape pillow is made of 100% organic cotton and comes with a cool cotton cover. It’s so soft and fluffy but still quite supportive.
It may not provide round body support, but it sure covers all the important parts: your head, back, knees, and pelvic area. The pillow is also not that big, so you can travel with it and use a nursing pillow after birth.
Final Words
Here we’ve outlined the different types of pregnancy pillows and provided tips on how to pick the right one.
So, what do you think, mama? Which pregnancy pillow will you choose? What ever the answer is, I recommend treating yourself to a new pregnancy pillow – you won’t regret it!
