For expecting mothers, pregnancy is both an exciting and challenging period. These nine months require a lot of focus and diligence on their behalf to ensure their baby is safe and receives all the nourishment they need to grow. However, not many people talk about the struggles to find the right positioning in bed during pregnancy.
The good news is pregnancy pillows can provide comfort and support for your pregnant belly, allow your back to rest properly, and so much more. If you are unsure what pregnancy pillows are, read on to learn what they are and how they can benefit your pregnancy.
What Is a Pregnancy pillow?
Pregnancy pillows are pillows specially designed to fit and support the body’s changing curves and contours during pregnancy, as well as offer support for different sleeping positions. Hence, they are designed to provide support for the entire body and are therefore much longer than the usual pillow, and usually made of a material that is firm but comfortable such as polyester, microbeads, or polyfoam. These pillows also come in various shapes and sizes.
During pregnancy, a pregnancy pillow makes sleeping more comfortable. It is especially useful in the later stages of pregnancy when sleeping in a normal position becomes challenging.
When Can You Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow?
There’s no set time when you need to, or have to, start using a pregnancy pillow. A pregnancy pillow should be used whenever you are having trouble changing positions while sleeping. Most women find that they are comfortable in the use of pregnancy pillows during the third trimester (week 20 and up) of pregnancy and after. In week 20, as your belly expands, you may experience pain in your ligaments as they stretch out. This is an excellent time to use extra support when trying to sleep, but you can begin using it before then if you feel the need.
Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow
The most obvious benefit of a pregnancy pillow is that it allows women to sleep better during their pregnancy by supporting their bodies while sleeping. Besides this, pregnancy pillows also offer the following benefits:
Offers Support for Body Aches and Pains: As body weight increases during pregnancy, it puts stress and pressure on the back, hips and legs. Sleeping becomes a struggle because you don’t know how to position yourself in bed. It is crucial to rest these body parts, and that is only possible if you are able to sleep in a good position. A pregnancy pillow will provide support and comfort to these parts and ensure proper rest, relieving the aches and pain. The pregnancy pillow keeps your back, neck, hips, and belly aligned. It supports your belly and reduces excess pressure around the pelvic area. Furthermore, there are different types of pregnancy pillows to support all your body parts.
Enhances the circulation of blood: The use of a pregnancy pillow helps to increase the circulation of blood while sleeping. Sleeping on your side facilitates adequate blood circulation, and it is recommended for pregnant women. Due to its soft cushioning, a pregnancy pillow enables you to sleep comfortably sideways, therefore easing your discomfort and promoting the flow of blood in your body. Thus, the pregnancy pillow will also reduce cramps and support your belly weight.
Facilitates Better Sleep: It is crucial to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy, and a maternity pillow will help you sleep for longer hours. In fact, some research shows that not getting enough sleep during pregnancy may increase the risk of complications, such as gestational diabetes. By sleeping with a pregnancy pillow, you will be well-rested and sleep longer, as well as making sure you are safe throughout your pregnancy.
Providing Post-Pregnancy Body Support: Even after your baby has arrived home, you can use your pregnancy pillow as a nursing pillow or as a support during your recovery period after childbirth. Remember that your back still hurts after childbirth; it will take some time for you to adjust. A pregnancy pillow can be a great solution to provide full body support while your body is healing. Furthermore, you can use a pregnancy pillow to put your baby in the right position during breastfeeding so that he or she can learn how to latch properly.
Different Types of Pregnancy Pillows & How to Use Them
Just like no two mommas-to-be are the same, neither are their pregnancy pillow needs. Depending on what’s keeping you up at night, you may need a specific type of pillow to address your insomnia. Fortunately, there are literally tons of different pregnancy pillows out there on the market right now, making it a breeze to find the right one for you.
Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
Growing a baby can be one of the most amazing experiences for any woman… until her round belly keeps waking her up at night, of course. Having a pillow underneath your belly can really make a huge difference, though, and this wedge pillow from Hiccapop is just the ticket for giving your expanding stomach the support it needs.
With its velvety-soft cover and breathable foam, you’ll feel super cozy but won’t get overheated. Durable yet free from harmful chemicals, it’ll carry you (and your stomach) through the third trimester. Simply slide this plush memory-foam pregnancy pillow beneath your stomach for the perfect night’s sleep.
Full-Length Pillow
Using a pregnancy pillow isn’t just for your third trimester. You and your growing baby are going to need as much support as you can get during your pregnancy, and having the right pillow can make all the difference. This full-length pillow from As Awesling is the answer to your fitful nights.
With its fully adjustable shape, you can bend it and twist it as you see fit. Feel free to slip it beneath both your neck and your knees for head-to-toe support. You’ll love the bonus ergonomic wedge pillow that comes with it, too. Even better? You can continue to use it after your baby is born!
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
The last thing you want when trying to get cozy at night is to get too warm. Unfortunately, many pregnancy pillows use memory foam to help pad them up, which tends to run hot. If you’re looking for a pillow that will give you the support you need without overheating you, then this pillow by Leachco Snoogle was made for you. Instead of grabbing separate pillows to prop up your tummy, neck, back, and hips, this multitasking pregnancy pillow does it all. Designed by a nurse, it even comes with a machine-washable cover, which means you don’t have to worry about icky germs getting you or your bump sick.
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
There’s really nothing worse than laying in bed, unable to sleep, and feeling sweat trickle down your back… Ugh! While being pregnant can be a beautiful time, the lack of sleep is anything but. That’s why this pillow by PharMeDoc was designed just for pregnant women who know this struggle all too well.
Boasting a cuddly-soft cooling cover, you can sidle right up to this pillow without having to worry about overheating. It comes with a removable extension, allowing you to place it wherever you need extra support: your back, your belly or your neck. This pillow is sure to give you the beauty slumber you deserve while expecting.
