Pregnancy brings along some major bodily changes and discomforts for women. One of the primary discomforts reported by most pregnant women is pain and lack of proper sleep due to various body pains. A pregnancy pillow comes as a great relief for dealing with these pains and helping mothers-to-be get some much needed rest.
Why Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
As the baby grows inside the womb, it puts pressure on the back, hips and other parts of the body. This leads to aches and pains. Tossing and turning in bed trying to find a comfortable position only compounds the issue. A pregnancy pillow is designed to support the changing contours of the body. It allows the body to align naturally for proper spine alignment and alleviates pressure points.
Some key advantages of using a pregnancy pillow include:
- Improved sleeping posture: By supporting the bump, back and legs, it ensures the spine remains in natural alignment to relieve back and hip pain.
- Prevents tossing and turning: The full-body support reduces the need to change sleeping positions frequently through the night.
- Allows side or back sleeping: It makes side or back sleeping comfortable even in the later months of pregnancy.
- Leg pain relief: The pillow can be placed between legs to relieve pain caused by extra weight on leg joints.
- Nursing support: Some pillows allow cushioning for nursing sessions to provide comfort for both mother and baby.
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
There are different styles of pregnancy pillows to choose from based on individual needs and preferences:
C-Shaped Pillow
This U-shaped pillow fully encircles the body from shoulder to knees. It is widely considered the most effective style for pregnant women. The pillow supports the bump, back and legs simultaneously to take pressure off the spine.
Wedge Pillow
Only the top portion is cushioned, often used by placing under the bump or back for elevation. It is a compact option but may not offer full-body support. Best used in early pregnancy or along with other pillows.
Full-Body Pillow
Longer than the average pillow to lay alongside the entire body length for support from head to toes. More oblong in shape as compared to c-shaped pillows.
Leg pillow
As the name suggests, designed specially to relieve leg and ankle pain by placing between knees and under legs/ankles while sleeping on the side.
The right choice depends on individual structure, support needed and stage of pregnancy. It's best to evaluate personal requirements to opt for the most suitable design.
Other Tips for Using a Pregnancy Pillow
While a good quality pillow is essential, here are some additional tips for getting optimal comfort:
- Try different pillow positions to see what works best for your changing body as pregnancy progresses.
- For side sleeping, place the pillow lengthwise along the entire back and under the bump and top knee with legs apart.
- Place other regular pillows around for additional head and arm support.
- Change pillow covers regularly to keep them hygienic and fluffed up for maximum softness.
- Custom firmness may be needed, so consider an adjustable pillow if possible.
- Experiment by keeping additional items like a smaller pillow between knees as needed.
- Use the U-shaped pillow curved outward for ultimate back and bump support while sleeping on the back.
By following these tips, women can truly relax into a pregnancy pillow tailored for their needs to get premium quality sleep.
Importance of Sleep during Pregnancy
Lack of quality sleep can negatively impact both mother's health and baby's development. Getting adequate, uninterrupted rest is crucial for the well-being of both. Some vital benefits of good sleep during pregnancy include:
Lowers stress levels:
Physically tiredness due to poor sleep boosts stress hormones like cortisol which can potentially lead to pregnancy complications. Quality sleep keeps stress at bay.
Supports baby's growth:
Sleep regulates the release of important hormones instrumental in fetal development and growth like prolactin. Babies of well-rested mothers tend to be healthier.
Boosts mood and energy:
Adequate sleep improves mood, mental alertness and energy levels to tackle pregnancy discomforts positively. It prevents conditions like depression.
Prepares for delivery:
Being well-rested prepares both physical and mental strength to power through labor and delivery. It speeds up recovery post-delivery as well.
Aids weight management:
Lack of sleep disrupts hormonal balance favoring certain hormones linked to increased appetite and weight gain. Good sleep supports healthy weight gain.
Reduces risk of disorders:
Insufficient sleep escalates the likelihood of health issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and preterm delivery.
As such, using a supportive pregnancy pillow specifically designed for changing sleep positions and relief from aches is imperative for quality rest. It ensures both mother and baby receive invaluable health benefits from sound sleep throughout the nine months.
Factors to Consider while Buying a Pregnancy Pillow
With the variety available in the market, picking the right pregnancy pillow requires some research. Here are a few important factors every buyer must evaluate:
- Size and Shape: Consider body type and size along with space in the bed to select a pillow with appropriate dimensions.
- Fill Material: Opt for soft, breathable filling like microfiber, memory foam or hypoallergenic cotton/polyester for comfort.
- Adjustability: Look for customizable options like zippers to add or remove filling as needs evolve or for washability.
- support level: Evaluate spine, bump and leg positions to choose firm or soft based on requirement.
- Durability: Check stitching quality and cover material to ensure it maintains shape after long term use and washes.
- Ease of Use: Portability, wash-proof covers and ability fold or roll post use enhances practicality.
- Budget: Prices vary widely - fix an affordable range based on features valued.
- Brand reliability: Go for trusted labels with positive reviews and returns/exchange policies.
Carefully evaluating these criteria aids selection of a personalized pillow catering to individual supporting needs. Right fit prevents pains and lets pregnancy remain a comfortable experience.
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