Are you expecting your little bundle of joy soon? Expectant mothers get overrated with pleasure when they feel a new life inside them. The fact that they soon would hold their babies on their hands and take care of them for a long time makes them even happier. The thought of a new member of the family accelerates their pride and joy. But all these come with a price. During the last stages of pregnancy, and to some others from the first months, sleeping becomes a problem. But thanks to the pregnancy pillows, it’s now a thing of the past. For insight into the best pregnancy pillows and what you need to know before purchasing one, continue reading:
As a first mother, you may have heard that after the baby arrives, you may not get that much sleep. But you have no idea of how your final pregnancy term will feel. Experienced mothers will agree that during this time, enjoying a good rest is like an uphill task. You might be in this situation right now, but no need to fret. A pregnancy body pillow will sort you out. Could you be wondering how to identify the best pregnancy pillow? Then put your smile back on, for today is your lucky day. Are you wondering why? This article will give you tips on what to look for while buying a pregnancy pillow that suits you.
Defining a Pregnancy Pillow
It is large and comes specially designed to cradle a pregnant woman’s body to enhance her comfort while she sleeps. The pillow facilitates support on specific places to reduce pressure and prevent muscle strain. With this pillow, all pregnancy discomforts get eased, and comfort is enhanced.
Is a Pregnancy Pillow Important?
It is a fact; a baby growing inside a woman is a fantastic thing. But it also instils a lot of stress on her body. Sometimes, even at the position that makes you more relaxed and relieved, while pregnant, it may not be the case. You may feel uncomfortable at that very position and find it difficult to sleep. You get limited in what sleeping position to use. When you try sleeping on your stomach, your bulging belly becomes a barrier. If you decide to sleep on your back, your vena cava may get pressure from the uterus.
Studies indicate that pregnant side sleepers are limited to sleeping positions. To maximize the blood flow to their babies, they get recommended to sleep on their left side. But when you sleep for long hours in one position, pressure points get created, despite whether you are pregnant or not, causing significant discomfort. Are you wondering what troubles a pregnant person may experience while sleeping? Check out the following list:
Pain on the Lower Back
During pregnancy, your back pain may excruciate due to the production of relaxin, a pregnancy hormone responsible for preparing your pelvic joint to open well while giving birth. The hormone causes the bones to loosen, making the hips and knees to tug at various ligaments as they get pulled down.
Hip Pain
Just like on the lower back pain, the relaxin hormone causes hip pain in a pregnant woman. Your knees get pulled together when you sleep on your side. As a result, your upper hip gets hyperextended, causing you a lot of pain and discomfort.
Pain in the Round Ligament
Have you ever experienced a sharp sensation, and yet sudden in your abdomen’s lower part? That is a round ligament pain! It gets caused by extreme stretching. Movements on the bed like rolling over triggers this pain.
Pelvic Joint Pain
Pain in your pelvis is a result of your joints beginning to relax. If the pain is shooting and extreme, then you may be suffering from pubis symphysis dysfunction. With pelvic pain, you get to experience constant ache. But with the pubis symphysis dysfunction, you get to experience some discomfort when you engage in any movement like separating your legs or rolling over in your bed.
Breath Shortness
As one advance in pregnancy, the growing baby adds consistent pressure on the pregnant woman’s diaphragm. As a result, taking a full breath becomes a problem.
Heartburn
Heartburn is common in pregnant women. It gets caused by the relaxation of the valve between the oesophagus and the stomach. Your abdominal cavity crowding increase also causes heartburn. While pregnant, the relaxed valve allows stomach acids into your throat more easily on lying flat. As a result, you get to suffer from heartburn which worsens when you sleep.
Unable to Move
Unlike when you are not pregnant, shifting your body from one position to another without fully waking up is impossible. You have to wake up to turn your body as the task is difficult and requires your conscious self. Sometimes, you may need your partner’s help. It is a no-brainer; this automatically interrupts your slumber.
You can avoid the above discomforts by using a pregnancy pillow.
Why Not Use a Regular Pillow?
One may ask; why buy a pillow that I’ll use for a limited period? Many may opt to go for a pad that they will use even after the pregnancy. Well, it’s okay to use regular pillows like The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow, or the CozyCloud Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow renowned for its comfort, softness, and neck pain management. But a fact is, none will give such convenience, support and comfort as experienced with specific pillows made for pregnant women. Investing in a pregnancy body pillow is a worth deal.
If you go for the other regular pillows, you may need to keep on repositioning them several times within the night. But why the hustle? Isn’t better to use a cushion made for pregnancy to save you all the fuss? Besides, due to their specific purpose, they offer maximum support required by a pregnant woman and at the exact place.
If what may bother you is the price, why not look at the positive side such as using it in your next pregnancy, or postpartum? Alternatively, you can sell it after completely getting done with it and recover some money.
Benefits Associated With a Pregnancy Pillow
It is a no lie; a pregnancy body pillow will boost your comfort as you sleep as follows:
Pressure Reduction on Your Pelvis, Hips, and Lower Back
It is advisable to place a pregnancy pillow sandwiched between your knees if you suffer from pelvic, hip or lower back pain. It will assist in keeping your hips parallel. Ensure that the top knee is not hyperextended downwards as it will distort your lower torso alignment.
Heartburn Relieve
A pregnancy pillow helps in elevating the upper part of your body. Your stomach acids, therefore, are not able to flow back inside your oesophagus. As a result, heartburn gets well tamed.
Belly propping
Your torso’s muscles situated at the sides can get stretched by your belly’s weight. As a result, you get to suffer from lower back pain. But if you place a pregnancy pillow below your stomach, it will help elevate it to a comfortable position that will reduce stress on both your lower back and torso.
Sleeping on the Stomach
You may be the type that cannot sleep another way than on your stomach. You shouldn’t worry; there are pregnancy pillows designed to help you continue sleeping on your stomach. Isn’t it that great?
Easier Breathing
Just like many other pregnant women. You may find it hard to breathe while you sleep. But thanks to pregnancy pillows that helps in positioning you in a way that makes you feel and breathe comfortably.
Easy Comfort
When designing a pregnancy pillow, a pregnant body is usually the primary focus. Some may use other regular pillows like the Down Alternative Pillow or the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow to make themselves comfortable while they sleep. But to do so, they may need to position 4-5 such pillows for proper support. More so, they will need to adjust them several times every night.
What’s even worse is the fact that one may not be able to move as smoothly as preferred during the night. But thanks to the pregnancy body pillow that offers optimal support at the right places throughout the night. Besides, it is easily adjustable, and the comfort enhances a sound and peaceful sleep all through.
Easy Time with Your Partner
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Initially, your partner might be okay with a little help now and then especially with your turning and tossing. But it may get to be inconveniencing and disturbing at some time. Would you like to wear your partner out? Then it’s a smart idea to go for a pregnancy pillow. Both of you will enjoy a comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.
When is the Best Time to Use a Body Pregnancy Pillow?
You probably are in your early pregnancy phase and are wondering when would be the best time to get a pregnancy pillow. It doesn’t matter what stage of your pregnancy you are in; if the pregnancy starts affecting your peaceful sleep or makes you feel uncomfortable, then at that time you need to apply the services of a pregnancy pillow. To many expectant mothers, discomfort starts in the third month.
According to health recommendations, a pregnant woman should sleep on her side from the 20th week of her term. If it is your first time, you may need to get a pregnancy pillow to assist in this new position. For some expecting mothers, the fact that they are pregnant makes them enjoy the good feeling by using such a pad. Others may not be needing them by the time they start enjoying their services but the fact that pregnancy body pillows are comfortable prompt their early use.
Tips for Acquiring the Best Pregnancy Pillow
If you want to enjoy the services of the best pregnancy pillow, you must consider the following aspects while buying:
Your Major Physical Problems
Get to know the general uncomfortable physical elements like whether you require to pop up your knees and stomach to get comfortable. Go for a pregnancy pillow that suits your specific needs. We are all different, and it does not make sense to choose a pad that your friend bought. It may have suited her pregnant body well, but it may not be the same case with you.
If not sure on what pillow to take, why not try out several of them by placing them on your body’s different pressure point? Then take the one that feels more comfortable.
The Fill Material
Different materials get used in making the pregnancy pillow fills. They include:
- Memory or shredded foam
- Regular pillow fluff
- Micro-beads
- Styrofoam beads
You can choose any depending on what works out best for you as they all come with different qualities. For example, the memory foam is hot, but it holds its shape, while a regular pillow fill is pocket-friendly but compresses over time. You also don’t require a budget with the Styrofoam beads, but you may not like the noise they make while shifting. Unlike a regular pillow, microbeads do not rebound but are quiet.
The Bed Size
Some cushion comes as bulky, and if you have a small bed that you are sharing with your partner, you may not be in a position to enjoy its full services due to inadequate space. For a California King bed, you get free to choose from any type, but you may need a more compact pregnancy pillow if fully snuggled up.
Your Height
Pregnancy body pillows come in different lengths. Depending on your height, go for something that will support both your knees and head.
Maintenance
Some pads are machine washable while others are not. But you may want to go for one with a washable cover. Because of the distinctiveness of the pregnancy pillows, it becomes tricky getting another cover. It is, therefore, critical to be able to take care of the cover that comes with your pregnancy pillow. Ensure that it can get removed, and machine washed.
A Review of the Best Pregnancy Pillows 04/2024
Leachco Snoogle Pregnancy/Maternity Total Body Pillow, Ivory
It is best suited for the plus size. Its unique design gets attributed by the fusion of a customized, flexible pregnancy pillow with a C-shaped pillow. You can use the top to incline your torso when you place a traditional pad underneath or to cradle your head. The bottom curve gets used in aligning your hips as it helps in propping your knees up. Thanks to its long edge, you get to enjoy extra support when you run it along with your back.
The fact that it comes open-ended on one of its side allows it to accommodate many body types. The cover is removable and is washable. Thanks to the jersey knit material used in its making. It also attributes to its extra softness. You will love the comfy that comes with this pillow due to the usual pillow fluff used as the fillings. But with time, Leachco pillow compresses. But the fact that you can occasionally deep clean it with a machine makes it easy to manage.
Why Should You Go For This Pillow?
- It is ideal for any body type
- Its support is excellent compared to the regular body pillows
- It gets designed for pregnancy
Cons:
- Might be extra hot
- Compresses over time
- It feels bulky.
QUEEN ROSE 55” Pregnancy Body Pillow – U Shaped for Pregnant Women
Are you tall? Then this is a perfect pillow for you. What’s impressive about this pillow is the fact that it can also get used by non-pregnant women. It, therefore, comes with no specific cutouts for the belly. But because it’s broad and flexible, you get to adjust it to your comfort. Thanks to its extended length of over 5ft, any tall woman or with a long torso can use this pillow.
It comes with Bionic Polyethylene, a high-density filling responsible for offering support to the traditional pillow filler. If you suffer from any allergies, then this is the pillow to choose. It has no odor and is hypoallergenic. On shifting to various positions while you sleep, the pad emits no noise due to its soft filler, ensuring a quiet and comfortable sleep.
The pillow is not washable, but that shouldn’t be a problem because the cover is removable and washable. The pad is quite bulk, weighing about seven pounds. It, therefore, can support the growing life inside the expectant woman and at the right places. But it’s not convenient to travel with due to its weight and bulkiness.
Reasons to Buy This Pillow
- It produces no noise while shifting
- Extra strong
- A removable and washable cover
Cons:
- Cannot get machine washed
- Compresses with time
- Bulky
Meiz U shaped Total Body Support Pillow
Meiz maternity pillow is one of the best in the market for pregnant mothers. It acts as a belly support if you want to read, watch TV, breast feed and many others. Though the pillow is mainly for pregnant or breastfeeding women, it also gives support to anyone else that wants to find comfort while doing different things. Made premium material, the pillow comes with a cover made from 100% cotton soft material. The pillow cover is machine washable and durable.
The design of the pillow sets it apart from many other pillows and the inside material is non-woven fabric and polyester hollow fibre filling.
Reasons why this pillow is good
- Aligns the spine and supports the back
- Helps you to maintain your natural sleeping position
- It is comfortable
- One size fits all
- Can easily get rid of any back pains during pregnancy
- Helps to prevent hypertension syndrome
- You can use it as a nursing pillow after birth
- You can use it as a support pillow when reading or watching TV
- Comes with a 100% machine washable soft cotton cover
- Very soft to the skin
- Affordable
Cons
- Some people felt that it a bit too large for their bed sizes
PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
This C-shaped pregnancy pillow comes with a soft jersey cover. It offers pregnant women with back, hip, and belly support. This prevents the frequent aches that come with pregnancies. It is a full body pillow, which provides a balance between support and comfort for the belly, legs, hips and the back. You can use it as you go to sleep or as you relax around the house.
If you feel like sitting upright in bed to read or watch something on TV, you can use the pillow to support you as you sit upright. For nursing mothers, it comes in very handy.
Reasons why this pillow is great
- You do not have to use multiple pillows as it serves all purposes
- Firmly supports all your body parts
- You can use it for several purposes
- Comes with a very soft material
- The pillow covers have strong zippers and it is machine washable
- The pillow ids hypoallergenic
- Double stitching on the seams makes it more durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulky
Moonlight Slumber Comfort-U Total Body Support Pillow (Full Size)
With this pillow, it doesn’t matter whether you are pregnant or not. It’s ideal for all body types. Having been made from the United States of America, it got designed to provide optimal customized support to anybody. It wraps around the body and can get formed into any comfortable shape as it is moldable. If you’ve got a problem with your spine, neck, pelvis or shoulders, then this pillow was made just for you. Its design helps in their alignment, minimizing the back, neck, and hip pain.
It comes with synthetic down fillings, attributing to its odorless and hypoallergenic features. Maintaining it is easy as it can get machine washed, though you’ll require a big machine to accommodate its size. But this shouldn’t make you fret; alternatively, you can remove its zippered outer cover and wash it instead.
Do you hate the discomfort that comes with variable temperature as you sleep? Then you should go for this pillow as it comes with fillings that allow adequate movement of air, thereby regulating the heat as you relax to enhance your comfort. Impressively, unlike other pillow fillers, the Moonlight Slumber pillow does not clump, and it maintains shape for long.
The pillows weigh ten pounds, and considering its size; it can be difficult to travel or move around within rooms. If you want a pregnancy pillow to use post-baby, then this pillow might be too bulky.
Advantages:
- Versatile
- Made in the U.S.
- Machine washable
- Hypoallergenic
- Optimal comfort and support
Disadvantages:
- Bulky
- Expensive
- Heavy
Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge For Maternity
It is the ideal wedge pregnancy pillow that regulates temperature and gives maximum support. It comes with two sides containing different densities for optimal comfort. Considering other wedge pillows that come as one-size-fits-all, this pillow stands out. Thanks to its wedge design, you can place it beneath your belly as you like. The foam allows air to circulate efficiently within the pillow, keeping you fresh as you sleep throughout the night. The cover gets made of plush velboa which is super-soft and attributes to its incredible comfort. Maintaining the cover is easy as it is removable and machine washable.
You will love the grape of this pillow, it comes as less steep, thereby offering gentle support beneath your belly, between your knees, or behind your neck. But it isn’t suitable for hip and knee support. If you have issues with these parts, you may need to consider another pillow. Are you the travelling type? Then with this pillow will get you well sorted out. It is compact and comes with a travel case, making it ideal to carry around.
Why You Should Buy This Pillow
- Cooler, compared to a full-size pillow
- Affordable
- Each side comes with different firmness.
Cons:
- Offers no back support
- Not usable between the knees
- The foam cannot get machine washed
Leachco Back ‘N Belly Pregnancy/Maternity Contoured Body Pillow, Ivory
Are you looking for a pillow to simultaneously support both your belly and back? Then this pillow best suits you. While sleeping at night, you only need to turn when you want to change positions, not repositioning pads. It comes with inner contours designed to fit your body’s natural curved shape. With this pillow, waking up while your body aches become a thing of the past. It comes with two contoured legs to enhance sleeping on either side or back. The pillows end get tucked between the knees while you get to ease heartburn by elevating your head.
The hips get aligned and elevated to enhance a natural position which helps in relieving stress on the joints. Also, the nasal, carpel tunnel, gastric reflux, and sciatica usually get relieved when using this pillow. It gets made with warm, cozy polyester and comes with a removable and washable cover. What’s impressive about this pillow is the fact all mothers with different shapes and sizes can use this pillow.
Pros:
- Offers optimal back and belly support at the same time
- Ideal for all mothers
- Removable and washable cover
- Warm and soft
Cons:
- Maybe bulky to move around with
Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
It is made in China by Boppy and comes with two removable pillows connected with a soft outer cover. The cushions get stuffed with polyester fibers as fillers to offer optimal stomach and back support. Thanks to the fabric that combines the two pillows; on lying on it, the pads can stay in place. It comes with a standard size of approximately 24” x 14”. It has a cover and can be machine washed like the pillow. But you should use a delicate cycle for the dryer and washer.
Advantages of the Boppy Pillow
- It is ideal for persons recommended to avoid sleeping on their back
- Compared to a C-shaped or full body pregnancy pillow, it occupies less space
- Can get used in multiple positions
- Easy to maintain
- Affordable
Cons:
- The side pillows may feel quite tall for some people
Coop Home Goods Pillow – Perfect Pillow to Snuggle during pregnancy
Comes as 5 inches long and in a straight design, making it perfect to support your back while you side sleep and eliminates the possibility of you rolling over. To many women, this pillow will fit their knees from their heads. It gets filled with memory foam that helps in maintaining its shape and prevents one from overheating. What’s fantastic about this pillow is the fact that you may continue using it after pregnancy as it is not that bulky.
Impressively, unlike many pillows made with memory foam, this pillow gets fully machine washed. It comes with a removable, washable cover. Thanks to its standard size, you can quickly get a fitting cover that suits your bedroom’s décor. The pillow is dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic attributed to the Certi-PUR foam used in its making. If you don’t like the pad, you get refunded your money as it comes with a full guarantee.
Reasons Why You Should Use This Pillow
- Body temperature regulation
- Machine washable
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Cannot get wrapped around the whole body
- Not as flexible as other pregnancy pillows
Aocome Orthopedic Knee Pillow
It is renowned as the best pillow for spine alignment and use during pregnancy. For people with either hip, back, joints, and leg pain, this is the ideal pillow to use. It comfortably fits between legs, relieving sciatica pain and lower back pressure as it aligns the spine. While sleeping, this pillow improves air circulation and enhances a healthy posture. It comes with two covers. One for protecting the inner part while the outer zippered cover enhances comfortable breathability and is washable. It helps in regulating your body temperature while you sleep to improve optimal comfort.
It gets filled with pure premium memory foam, attributing to its softness, comfort, and long life. It is ideal for pregnant mothers who side sleep. On using it, it retains its shape. The manufacturers of Aocome Pillow gives a full guarantee. If you don’t like the pillow, you get refunded your total amount.
Why You Should Use This Pillow during Your Expecting Period
- Optimal support and spine alignment
- Relieves joint, back, hip, and leg pains
- Soft and maximum comfort
- Regulates body temperature
- Affordable
- Washable cover
- Durable
- Retains shape
- Comes with a full guarantee
Cons:
- May feel a little bulky to some users
Conclusion
As illustrated above, the above pillows are ideal to use when pregnant. But pregnancy progression may shift your need. The perfect pregnancy pillow is the one that solves your problems and offers optimal support and comfort at that time during your pregnancy period. You might end up with more than one type of pregnancy pillow by the time you come to deliver your little bundle of joy. It all depends on your comfort. Also, consider the above tips while buying a pregnancy body pillow for a most suitable choice.
Source: https://bestpillowsleepers.com
Category: Best Pillows
