Are you a first time mom-to-be? If so, congratulations! Pregnancy can be a magical time, but it can also be a little daunting.
Believe me, I know!- When you’re pregnant, every ache and pain is magnified. You’re constantly trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in, or a way to ease the back pain.
But did you know that a pregnancy pillow can be a mom’s best friend during those nine months?
Here is a guide to the different types of pregnancy pillows and how they can help you get through your pregnancy comfortably.
Are Pregnancy Pillows Necessary?
Some women find that a pregnancy pillow is a necessity, while others find that it is simply a matter of personal preference. However, most healthcare professionals agree that a pregnancy pillow can be a valuable tool for expectant mothers.
Many pregnant women find that they need an extra pillow to help them sleep comfortably. A pregnancy pillow can provide support for the back, neck and belly, and can help to reduce the risk of pain or discomfort during pregnancy. It is especially important to invest in a good quality pregnancy pillow if you are experiencing back pain or other problems during pregnancy. A pregnancy pillow can help to provide the support you need to get a good night’s sleep, and can help to make your experience of pregnancy more comfortable – with so many benefits, what can go wrong?
In case you’re considering purchasing a pregnancy pillow, it’s a good idea to read online reviews from other pregnant women. Or you can simply read on for more insights based on my experience:
When Should You Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow?
Many expecting mothers find that a pregnancy pillow is a necessity during early stages of their pregnancy. In my opinion, There is no right or wrong time to start using a pregnancy pillow, it’s simply a matter of finding what works best for you. Some women start using a pregnancy pillow as early as the first trimester, while others wait until the later stages of pregnancy when discomfort is unbearable.
It is common for expecting mothers to experience insomnia during pregnancy, so a pregnancy pillow can provide the support needed to reduce tossing and turning during sleep.
Mama, regardless of how and when you use it, pregnancy pillows can help promote good sleep for you and your body!
How Should a Pregnant Woman Sleep in the First Trimester
There is no restriction on the position when a woman sleeps during the first trimester, whether it is on her back, side, or stomach, as long as she feels comfortable doing so.
Pregnant women need all the comfort and rest they can get during the first trimester as their bodies are going through so many changes.
Here are a few suggestions to help you sleep comfortably and with the right body support. One way is to prop up pillows behind you so you can sit up slightly while you sleep. This will help to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. Another way is to lie on your left side which takes pressure off your vena cava, the main vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart.
Whichever way you choose to sleep, make sure you are as comfortable as possible so you can get the rest you need.
The Many Benefits of Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy pillows are a godsend for expectant mothers. Not only do they provide comfort and support during pregnancy, but they can also help to alleviate back pain and promote good sleep.
Mama, these 9 months of pregnancy can be filled with excitement,but it can also be quite exhausting and uncomfortable as the baby bump grows. A pregnancy pillow can offer you the comfort, support and a better night’s rest you and your body is craving for. They are designed to contour to the growing belly and can help to support the back, which can become strained as the baby weight pulls on the spine. Additionally, they can provide relief from common pregnancy aches and pains such as carpal tunnel, sciatica and round ligament pain. Pillows can also be used after birth for nursing or simply for seating comfort. In other words, a pregnancy pillow is a versatile and essential piece of equipment for any expectant mother.
Which Type of Pregnancy Pillow Is Best?
There are many different types of pregnancy pillows on the market, each designed to provide support and comfort in different ways.
U Shape Pillow
In most cases, women prefer to use the U-shaped pregnancy pillow as it provides support for their back, abdomen, and legs while surrounding their body as a whole from head to toe. These pillows are often made of memory foam, which moulds to your body shape and provides excellent support.
C Shape Pillow
There is also the C-shape pillow, which provides similar support but without the extra cushioning for the legs. Side sleepers often use this type of pillow, which is smaller than the U-shaped pillow and easier to maneuver at night.
Full Body Pillow
For women looking for full-body support, there are also several options available. This is an excellent pillow since it is versatile and it is usually softer so it can be banded, twisted or wrapped around your neck and shoulders. The pillows are quite big, and they can be used as breastfeeding pillows after the baby is born as well.
Wedge Pillow
Finally, there are wedge-shaped pregnancy pillows, which offer targeted support for the back or belly. These pillows can be a great option for women who want a more compact pillow that still offers plenty of support.
Where to Buy a Good Pregnancy Pillow?
There are a few places you can look: one option is Amazon, they have a wide selection of pregnancy pillows at a variety of prices. Another option is Target, they usually have a few different options, and their prices are typically fair. The majority of my pregnancy purchases are made on Amazon, since it offers other moms’ reviews and pictures, making it easier for me to make my decision.
Quick Summary: Top Recommended Pregnancy Pillows, Rated by Experience Moms
Pregnancy Pillow | Best For |
Bluestone’s Mini U-Shaped Pillow | Back, Neck and Hip Pain Relief |
Queen Rose’s U-Shaped Full Body Pillow | Great For Tall Moms |
Milliard’s U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow | Super Adjustable: sleeping, reading in bed, working with laptop on your lap |
PharMeDoc Pillow With Cooling Cover | Great Pillow For Summer Pregnancy |
DMI Side Sleeper Pillow | Compact and Perfect for in the Car or in Travel |
Full Review: My Favorite Picks for Pregnancy Pillows to Help You Sleep During the First Trimester
1.Best For Back, Neck and Hip Pain Relief: Bluestone’s U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
The Pain Relieving U-Shaped Sleeping Bed Pillow from Bluestone is designed to maintain a healthy sleeping posture by reducing the strain on the neck and back while sleeping. With built-in ear pockets on either side, this pillow keeps your head and neck well-positioned all night.
2.Great For Tall Pregnant Ladies: Queen Rose’s U-Shaped Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
This pillow measures 65 inches long, which means it can support pretty much your entire body since it is long enough. As a result of its ergonomic shape and high-quality filling, this pillow is both soft and supportive at the same time. In the event that you find that the pillow is just a bit too stuffed, you can also simply remove some of it.
3.Adjustable From Sleeping to Reading to Working With a Laptop on Your Lap: Milliard’s U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
As you progress from trimester to trimester, it’s not uncommon to notice aches and pains you didn’t have before you got pregnant. Thus, having an ergonomic u-shaped pregnancy pillow is crucial. Due to this, Milliard pillows are designed to be extra comfortable for individuals who experience constant changes in their bodies.
This pregnancy pillow is super versatile, with memory foam filling that can be adjusted to fit your needs, allowing you to get the exact amount of support you need.
4.Best For Hot Summer Pregnancy: PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow With Cooling Cover
With the u-shaped pregnancy pillow from PharMeDoc, you are sure to have all the support your body needs… and so much more. With its contoured shape and detachable segment, this pillow embraces your whole body in a gentle hug. It can also be used as a standalone pillow if you choose to do so.
Furthermore, it’s a bonus that hot sleepers will also enjoy it, as its cooling cover will easily disperse heat in order to keep you comfortable throughout the summer nights. This pillow is easy to clean, which is one of its finest features. You can simply wash it in the washing machine! No extra care needed.
5.Perfect for in the Car or in Travel: DMI Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
For some pregnant women, staying home and nesting is the very essence of perfection. Still, there are moms-to-be who may want to get out and travel the world before the baby arrives. Whatever your reason may be, choosing the DMI pregnancy pillow is a good idea. The compact shape of this pillow will help keep your neck, back, and shoulders aligned.
Final Words Before Bedtime
The number of pregnant women having difficulty sleeping is estimated to be 40%, so you are not alone! The Pro Mama Tip I have is to simply hang in there and do whatever you need to do to become more comfortable. Make sure you have a comfortable bed, invest in quality sheets and buy a high-quality pregnancy pillow if necessary.
My hope is that these tips will prove to be useful for many other mothers in who are struggling like I did during my first pregnancy as well.