Pregnancy people have specific needs—think maternity clothing, such as bump-friendly leggings and dresses, maternity underwear, and, of course, the best pregnancy pillows for a good night’s rest. Even before the bump shows, restful nights are rare for pregnant women. Heartburn, aching hips and sore backs, as well as restless leg syndrome, can all be a problem. The good news is: A pregnancy pillow is an option.
What are the advantages of a pregnancy cushion?
A pregnancy pillow can ease some of the most common discomforts, and encourage sound sleep for pregnant women. These pillows are designed with full-body support in place, unlike regular pillows. “The purpose of pregnancy pillows is to allow your body to be properly supported for comfort, restful sleep, reduce pain and swelling, and maintain good blood flow,” Elizabeth Stroot, PT, a physical therapist and member of the Lansinoh Clinical Advisory Network, tells Glamour.
They also prevent you from lying flat on your stomach, which can cause blood loss to the uterus. Back sleepers, sorry. “An enlarged pregnant uterus can compress the aorta and vena cava which can result in the decreased blood flow described,” explains Tamika K. Cross, MD, OBGYN and Medical Advisor for pH-D Feminine Health.
The right pillow can actually benefit your entire body, even beyond your growing bump. It will help you to cope with changes in your body throughout pregnancy. Depending on your sleeping style and needs, various pregnancy pillow sizes and shapes—like a C-shape, U-shape, wedge, or side-sleeping design—can help support your baby bump when you’re sleeping on your side, cushion your knees to decompress your lower back, hips, and pelvis, and elevate your head to make breathing easier. Plus, “some women find that elevating the head, neck, and shoulders can relieve some heartburn-like symptoms,” Dr. Stroot says.
How to choose the best pregnancy pillows
Personal preference is the key to choosing the best pregnancy pillow. “[It’s] no different from choosing a pillow for head and neck support,” says Dr. Stroot. “The key is to find the best pillow for you and not feel like you need to limit yourself to one type. Pick what keeps you in the most comfortable position, with the least impact on quality of sleep when rolling and turning over.”
You can choose from memory foam, organic cotton or hypoallergenic textiles. If you are hot, you can also choose from breathable, cooling fabrics. Pro tip: A removable cover that you can wash, such as a machine-washable cotton covering, can be a great help. Just remember to toss your machine-washable cover into the washing machine alongside the usual sheets and pillowcases, and you’ll be golden.)
When is it appropriate to use a pregnancy pillow?
There is no right time to use a pregnancy pillows, but the second trimester is most common. “The average is around 20 weeks when your uterus is larger,” Dr. Cross says, noting that some pregnant women use them in the first trimester—while others never do.
Source: Glamour
