As a mom-to-be, your body goes through remarkable changes, but with those changes come challenges. One of the biggest challenges during pregnancy is getting a good night’s sleep. First, there are the frequent bathroom breaks, then there are the midnight cravings, and last but not least, the constant backaches and hip pain. Enter the unsung hero of good pregnancy sleep: the pregnancy pillow.
Why you need a pregnancy pillow
Trying to stack up regular pillows to support your growing belly is like playing a game of Jenga, and what’s worse is you can never win since they shift when you’re sleeping! A pregnancy pillow provides targeted support to areas such as the belly, back, hips, and knees to reduce your discomfort and help you sleep through the night. There are various types of pregnancy pillows from C-shaped pillows to U-shaped pillows and J-shaped pillows. Each type of pillow offers a unique kind of support and comfort which is why it’s best to check expert advice on pregnancy pillows available in the market.
As your body changes during pregnancy, maintaining proper spinal alignment becomes crucial to reducing back pain. Pregnancy pillows keep your body in a neutral position while sleeping. This reduces strain on your spine and promotes better alignment which alleviates back pain. Pregnancy pillows also help with hip alignment which is why using one can help to reduce your hip pain.
Heartburn is a common complaint, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. As your baby grows, your uterus expands which pushes the stomach upward. This increases the pressure on your stomach which pushes stomach acid up into the oesophagus, leading to heartburn. A pregnancy pillow elevates your upper body which helps reduce heartburn and acid reflux.
Many women who normally sleep on their back find it difficult to adjust to sleeping on their side. A pregnancy pillow will help you become accustomed to sleeping on your side. It’s best to start using it earlier in your pregnancy so that you have time to adjust.
How to choose a pregnancy pillow
The first thing that you should consider when choosing a pregnancy pillow is your sleeping position. If you tend to sleep only on one side, then you can pick a J-shaped or C-shaped pillow as it will support your belly while you sleep. However, if you tend to switch sides during the night, you should consider a more versatile pillow instead. A U-shaped pillow will provide support in multiple positions allowing you to sleep comfortably through the night. Make sure that you also take into account your height and body size when picking the shape and size of your pregnancy pillow.
Pregnancy pillows are made with different materials – the most common are memory foam, polyester fibrefill, and microbeads. Memory foam moulds to your body shape, providing personalised support. Polyester fibrefill is softer than memory foam while microbeads offer a firm but flexible feel. When choosing a pillow, choose a material that feels comfortable and supportive for you.
It’s important to look for options within your budget but don’t sacrifice quality to save a few pounds. Many budget-friendly pillows are cheaper because they cut corners on things like a removable cover for easy cleaning. Pregnancy pillows can accumulate sweat and oils over time, so you need to be able to wash the cover regularly. You should also decide whether you will need adjustable features, such as removable inserts or customizable filling, allowing you to tailor the pillow to your specific needs and preferences.
Many pregnancy pillows can be repurposed for use after pregnancy, providing continued comfort and support during the postpartum period. They can be used while nursing or bottle-feeding, and some can even be used as regular body pillows for long-term comfort.
