As much as the baby requires internal nourishment to grow and be fit for delivery, the mother must also ensure that the fetus is safeguarded from any exterior injury. As a result, it is critical for the pregnant lady to be in a secure setting where she can move around freely.
The mother's sleeping position is one critical factor that must be addressed. Many sleepless evenings are spent by partners to ensure that the mother does not sleep in an awkward posture that could harm the baby.
Regular mattresses are not designed to provide comfort to a pregnant woman, and they may cause body aches and interfere with her sleep. This is where a pregnant pillow can help.
What Exactly is a Maternity Pillow?
A maternity pillow, also known as a pregnancy pillow, is a pillow that is carefully made to fit and support the changing shapes and curves of the body during pregnancy, as well as to provide support for various sleeping postures. They are substantially longer than standard pillows since they are designed to provide support to the complete body. A maternity pillow makes sleeping during pregnancy more pleasant. It is especially useful later in pregnancy, when sleeping in a normal position becomes uncomfortable.
Four Advantages of Using a Pregnancy Pillow
The most evident advantage of a pregnancy cushion is that it aids in the woman's sleep by supporting the body. Some additional advantages of utilizing a pregnancy pillow are as follows:
Reduces bodily aches and pains: As body weight grows during pregnancy, stress and strain are placed on the back, hips, and legs. It is critical to rest these bodily components, which can only be accomplished if you sleep in a comfortable position. A pregnant pillow will support and comfort these areas while also ensuring good relaxation and alleviating aches and pains.
Improves blood circulation: Sleeping on your sides improves blood circulation and is suggested for pregnant women. Because of her increasing belly, a pregnant woman may find it difficult to sleep sideways. A pregnancy pillow, with its soft padding, allows you to sleep comfortably sideways, easing up and increasing blood circulation in the body.
Better, more relaxed, and longer sleeping hours: Sleep is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and a maternity pillow will help you sleep better and for longer periods of time.
Assists After Delivery: A maternity cushion will be essential even after the baby is born since it will assist you in positioning your infant when breastfeeding so that the baby learns how to latch properly.
When Can You Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
While there is no set time to begin using a pregnant pillow, you can start using it when you feel uncomfortable changing positions while sleeping. The belly begins to swell at 20 weeks of pregnancy, producing pain in the ligaments and other portions of the body due to the weight gain. This is an excellent time to begin utilizing a maternity pillow.
Types Of Pregnancy Pillows & How to Use Them
There are a variety of pregnancy pillows available in various shapes and sizes. Each type of cushion caters to a distinct set of requirements. After examining and comprehending the discomfort, a maternity cushion should be chosen.
Quilt Comfort has curated a list of the types of pillow just for you. Choose away:
Pregnancy Wedge Pillow: Also known as a maternity cushion, the pregnancy wedge pillow is the smallest of the pregnancy pillows available. This pillow can be used both during and after pregnancy. There are two types of pregnancy wedge pillows available: round wedge pillows and triangular wedge pillows.
Usage:
It can be used to provide support while sleeping on your stomach or sideways by placing it under your tummy or behind your back. The pillow can also serve as a regular pillow. It will help to relieve heartburn and reflux by raising your head above your typical body height.
Full-Length Pregnancy Pillow: These long pregnancy pillows cushion the entire body. These pillows provide arm and leg support as well as tummy support. While this sort of cushion is comfortable to hug and cuddle, it does not provide much back support. Pregnancy pillows are classified into two types: straight full-length pregnancy pillows and flexible full-length pregnancy pillows.
Usage:
The full-length pregnancy pillows are intended for cuddling and hugging. They cannot be used under the tummy or behind the back, unlike other pregnancy pillows. By situating your tummy in the center of the pillow, you may wrap your arms and legs around it.
Total Body Pregnancy Pillows: These pillows, with a height of five to six inches, are ideal for women of all heights. It is great for usage throughout the second trimester since it provides excellent spine support and aids in the reduction of hip and back pain.
Total body pillows are classified into two types:
- C-shaped pillow: The pillow, as the name suggests, is shaped like the letter C and provides support to the head, tummy, legs, and back.
Usage:
This pillow is ideal for those who prefer to sleep in the riding posture. You can rest your head on the pillow's top and slide your back inside the curve.
- U-shaped pillow: The U-shaped pregnancy cushion is ideal for individuals who like sleeping on their back but are unable to do so due to an increase in belly size. It provides total body support, including the tummy and back.
Usage:
The top of a U-shaped pillow, like the top of a C-shaped cushion, can be used to rest your head and slip your body into the pillow. You can sleep by wrapping your legs around one of the sides.
The pregnancy sleeping pillow is a beneficial and convenient addition for women who have body aches and back pains that make getting a good night's sleep difficult.
Choosing The Best Pregnancy Pillow
Since different pillows serve different functions, you should choose a pregnancy cushion only after you have determined your needs. The following are some considerations to make when purchasing a pregnant pillow.
Washable Or Changeable Pillow Covers
Cleanliness is a vital consideration to keep in mind as the pregnancy progresses. During pregnancy, a lot of sweat is produced, and the pillow cover will absorb it. With a removable pillow cover, you can keep the pillow clean and preserve cleanliness.
Identifying Pillow Filling
Pillows are often filled with a variety of materials, each having its unique set of qualities. The filling in your pillow will affect the comfort and quality of your sleep. The following are the many materials used to fill pillows:
Polyester fiber filling: One of the most common pillow fillings, polyester fiber is soft and provides superb body support. The amount of fiber filling in the cushion can be changed to adjust the firmness. While it is a versatile and useful material, it absorbs heat and traps dust and bacteria, making it unsuitable for persons who are allergic to dust.
Styrofoam ball filling: Styrofoam balls are the tiny white balls that are also packed in bean bags and are less expensive than other types of pillows. Pillows constructed of this material are light and packed with air, allowing them to readily conform to your body shapes and provide additional support and cushioning. These pillows, however, are not appropriate for long periods of sleep.
Microbead filling: Microbeads are little, lightweight balls that feel like sand inside the pillow. Very soft and silky, these pillows allow for easy and quick movement.
Memory foam pillows: These are firm and conform to the curve of your body as you sleep on them. They offer good support to the body and help to alleviate aches and pains.
Buckwheat pillow: These pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls that have been stuffed in a cotton bag. Buckwheat pillows are organic and help to reduce allergies and heat buildup. Buckwheat pillows are long-lasting and can be used for over a decade.
Therapeutic pillows: These are widely suggested by experts for pregnant ladies. The pillow is constructed of water, which is contained within the polyester pouch. This design provides great head support and aids in the treatment of neck problems.
Organic pillow filling: Organic pillows are filled with natural materials such as wool, bamboo, fiber, and kapok. These cushions are environmentally friendly, chemical-free, and excellent for women with dust allergies. However, these pillows have the disadvantage of being difficult to clean and losing their original shape after one use.
Pillow Dimensions:
A larger pillow takes up more bed area and is heavier to lift. A large pillow is ideal for people who move their heads about while sleeping.
Pillow Noises & Odors:
When you move around on some pillows, they produce an odd noise. If you are a light sleeper, avoid styrofoam pillows since they make a lot of noise. In addition, non-organic pillows will have a chemical odor. It is critical to assess these two traits because they will effect you on a regular basis.
Pillow Softness:
Different people prefer varying degrees of hardness in their pillows. Soft pillows should be avoided since they may not offer adequate support. Firm pillows are preferable when it comes to providing head and body support.
Hypoallergenic Pillows:
Hypoallergenic pillows are great for people who are allergic to dust. It's critical to keep allergies at bay during pregnancy, and these pillows will help.
Appropriate Pillows For Your Body Type & Sleeping Position:
The sort of pregnancy cushion you choose is also determined by your body shape and desired sleeping position. The following are some body type and sleeping position combinations with the best pillow choice:
- Pillows for larger women: C-shaped pillows are good for larger women. The pillow's design will allow you to fit in comfortably.
- Petite ladies: Total petite body pillows are ideal for petite women.
- Pillows for side sleepers: There are numerous types of pillows available for side sleepers.
- Pillows for back sleepers: While it is best not to sleep on your back, if you must, the Snoogle pregnancy pillow is a wonderful option. The snoogle gives comfort by assuming the shape of the pregnant woman's body and supporting the head, neck, back, hips, and belly.
- Pillow for stomach sleepers: Sleeping on the stomach can create body discomfort and snoring issues. For people who prefer to sleep on their stomach, a shredded memory foam cushion or a bamboo pillow are the ideal options.
- Pillow for twin-pregnant women: U-shaped pillows are ideal for pregnant women with twins since the tummy is larger and a larger pillow will provide more support.
- Choosing the best pregnant cushion can be difficult at times since it requires careful consideration of a variety of aspects. If you are uncomfortable after using a pillow, you should stop using it immediately.
Some More Tips for Pregnant Women
- Eating modest meals before going to bed will help you avoid heartburn and acid reflux. It is also preferable to avoid spicy and fatty foods, as they can cause digestive problems.
- Stay active throughout the day by exercising and practicing yoga. Exercise will increase your blood circulation and help you sleep better.
- Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but not too much before bed, as waking up in the middle of the night will disrupt your sleep.