When you are pregnant, you need all the help you can get through those nine months. From vitamins to maternity clothes, there are a lot of products on the market designed specifically for pregnant women’s needs. One product that is often recommended is a pregnancy pillow. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I decided to give it a try. Turns out, it’s a life saver!
So, how do pregnancy pillows work and what are their benefits? Here are some of my personal insights! Read on to find out!
Pregnancy Pillow- when should you start to use one?
It is best to use a pregnancy pillow whenever you begin to feel discomfort, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in.
In the first weeks of pregnancy, even when your belly hasn’t yet emerged, there are women who experience discomfort when lying down – such as nausea, back pain or just the hormones raging and making sleeping difficult. If you are experiencing these symptoms, a pregnancy pillow is the solution! It helps a pregnant woman to relax and give the body a rest, as it supports the body at several points (mainly her back, neck, and legs).
Ultimately, it is up to each woman to decide when she feels the need to use a pregnancy pillow. However, many women find that pregnancy pillows are an essential part of their pregnancy journey from early weeks all through postpartum healing, providing much-needed support and comfort during this special time.
So, How Do pregnancy Pillows Work?
Pregnancy pillows are designed to support a woman’s body as it goes through the changes of pregnancy. They are usually larger and flexible than regular pillows, and they can be shaped to support different parts of the body. Some pregnancy pillows are specifically designed for use during different trimesters, while others can be used throughout the entire pregnancy.
By surrounding your body with a large pillow, you basically give your body support in all the pressure points of pregnancy – low back, hips, belly and neck, which help to reduce discomfort in these areas. A pregnancy pillow can also help to prop up the body so that a person can sleep on their side, which is often recommended during pregnancy. In addition, pregnancy pillows can provide support for the legs and hips, and they can help to keep the spine in alignment. Pregnancy pillows come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it is important to choose one that will be comfortable for your needs.
Pregnancy pillows are an essential for many pregnant women, and they can make a big difference in terms of comfort and support during pregnancy.
Sleep Positions Using Pregnancy Pillow
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
The U-shaped pregnancy pillow is one of the most common and versatile pillow shapes available. To use it, you simply flip it so that the “U” is upside down. Your feet should remain in between the opening of the pillow while your head should rest on the bottom of the “U.” This position provides both comfort and support for your back, neck, and belly. Additionally, it can help to position your legs for better blood circulation. Many women find this to be a great position for sleeping during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that this pillow is quite big and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are small in stature or have a smaller bed, you may want to consider a different pillow option.
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
One of the most common sleep positions during pregnancy is side sleeping. This position can be very comfortable, but it can also be difficult to maintain during the night. A C-shaped pregnancy pillow can help to provide support and position your body for a more restful night’s sleep. The pillow can be wrapped around your back for support, or placed in front of you to support your belly. Either way, the pillow will help to keep you comfortable and prevent you from rolling onto your back during the night. Additionally, the pillow can be used for nursing once your baby is born. So, if you’re looking for a great way to get a better night’s sleep during pregnancy, a C-shaped pregnancy pillow is worth considering.
Wedge-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
For pregnant women, one of the best potential uses for a wedge-shaped pillow is in supporting the underside of your belly when you are lying on your side. This setup can help to increase comfort and improve spine alignment significantly. Wedge-shaped pillows are also great for propping up your head and shoulders when you are lying in bed. This position is a common remedy for heartburn and acid reflux, and it can also help to ease the symptoms of sinus congestion. If you are struggling to find a comfortable position during pregnancy, a small triangular pillow may be just what you need.
Full-length Pregnancy Pillow
Full-length pregnancy pillows are a versatile and popular option for pregnant women. Pregnant women can hug the pillow with one leg above and the other below it, providing support for their growing belly. Additionally, full-length pregnancy pillows can be used to prop up the back or hips, providing relief from pain and discomfort. Whether you’re looking for belly support, back support, or just a versatile pillow to help you get comfortable at night, a full-length pregnancy pillow can be a great option.
Pregnancy Pillow Vs Regular Pillow
One of the main differences between a regular pillow and a pregnancy pillow is the design. A regular pillow is designed to support your head and neck, whereas a pregnancy pillow is designed to support your entire body. This is especially important in the second and third trimesters, when your growing belly can put strain on your back and hips. In addition, pregnancy pillows are often far more versatile than regular pillows. They can be used to prop up your head and shoulders, as well as to support your belly, hips, and back – all at once!. As a result, they can provide much-needed relief in all stages of pregnancy. So, the bottom line is that a pregnancy pillow can make a world of difference to your comfort levels.
Final Words
As your belly starts to show off in your early days of pregnancy, getting comfortable during seating or sleeping becomes a challenging task. I would like to give you my best advice, which is to choose your preferred pregnancy pillow, and start getting comfy as soon as possible. I love how easy it is to use, how comfortable it is, and for lots of moms-to-be, it has been a lifesaver!
