Getting a good night’s sleep is still important for every pregnant woman, although a growing belly can be an extreme challenge. When pregnancy is closer to its due date, some problems, such as pregnancy aches and pains, heartburn, and surging hormones, can lead you to get fewer hours of sleep, especially at night.
Due to these problems, many pregnant women try to use pillows to reduce their pain. In fact, there are so many pregnancy pillows and cushions on the market that come in varying shapes, sizes, and price tags.
With a variety of pregnancy pillows on the market, you may get confused about which one is best for you. Before deciding to buy a pregnancy pillow, you have to identify when the best time is to use it, what type of pregnancy pillow best fits your needs, and what benefits you can expect after using a pregnancy pillow.
Let’s see some tips for choosing the best pregnancy pillow that you should know before buying it!
When You Should Use Pregnancy Pillow
Before you buy a pregnancy pillow, you should know when it is appropriate to use one. Generally, the second trimester, or around 20 weeks of pregnancy, is the best time to use a pregnancy pillow.
In the second trimester, you will find your belly starting to expand, causing pain in the ligaments and other body parts due to weight gain. If you prefer to choose a pregnancy pillow in the first trimester, it does not matter at all. Due to convenience, many women even continue to use their pregnancy pillows after giving birth—during breastfeeding time.
Choose the Type of Pregnancy Pillow as Needed
The next tip before buying a pregnancy pillow is to choose the type of pregnancy pillow as needed. There are a number of types of pregnancy pillows on the market from which you can choose, including:
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Wedge Pillow
This pregnancy pillow works to support your entire body, especially your stomach. When you’re sleeping on your side, this can decrease pressure and align your spine. A wedge pillow is a travel-friendly shape that is relatively small in size.
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Full Body Pillow or I-Shape
With its long size, this pillow can really follow the shape of your body. This spooning pillow is perfect for every pregnant woman who suffers back pain. So far, this is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a versatile pillow with full-body support.
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U-Shape Pillow
A U-shaped pillow tends to be the biggest pregnancy pillow that can support the entire body. This pregnancy pillow works to provide ease of pressure, convenience, and lots of front and back support. However, a U-shaped pillow for pregnancy may take up plenty of room in your bed.
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O-Shape Pillow
So far, the O-shaped pregnancy pillow is the best choice for anyone who wants a smaller pillow. This pillow can also be used as a maternity pillow after your baby has arrived. You can use this pillow under your belly, between your legs, or behind your back while you’re sleeping.
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C-Shape Pillow
A C-shaped pregnancy pillow is currently popular among pregnant women. This type of pillow is specifically made to target the lower body and focus on providing specific support around your back and belly. You can also use this C-shaped pregnancy pillow for sleeping, sitting, and breastfeeding. It is known that C-shaped pregnancy pillows are sometimes associated with cup-shaped pillows.
Okay, these are the types of pregnancy pillows you should identify, so you can choose the best type that suits your needs.
Identify the Benefits of Pregnancy Pillows for You
It’s very important for you to identify what the benefits of pregnancy pillows are for you before buying them. If you experience some pain during pregnancy, it’s highly recommended for you to buy a pregnancy pillow.
Pregnancy pillows basically help pregnant women reduce their aches and pains due to their growing bellies. Even though pregnancy pillows cannot help with hormonal changes that cause sleeplessness, they have been the perfect choice for pregnant women to reduce pain in their back and waist. If their back and waist pain decrease, their sleep will become more comfortable and enjoyable as well.
Here are some benefits you may get from using a pregnancy pillow:
- Get good rest and stay asleep longer at night.
- Fall asleep more quickly.
- Wake up feeling refreshed.
- Decrease aches and pains in your back and waist.
- Reduce pressure on the tummy, legs, back, and hips.
- Keep sleeping on your side.
- Increase circulation,
- Reduce heartburn and headaches after or during sleep.
- Etc.
Select the Best Material for You
Before buying a pregnancy pillow, you may have to identify the right material for you. So far, latex or a latex blend is the best-chosen material for every pregnant woman. Although the foam is firm and lovely, it does not provide the same molding or cushioning as latex or blends do. Make sure to choose a washable pillowcase, so you can easily wash it.
Consider the Size of the Pregnancy Pillow
To get the best pregnancy pillow, you must consider the pillow’s dimensions. Of course, you may not have a pillow that can take up plenty of space in your bed, right? So, it’s best for you not to choose a big enough pillow. If you are sharing a bed with your partner, make sure to consider the size of the pillow.
Okay, these are some tips and tricks you should know before buying the best pregnancy pillow.
Are There Alternatives to Reduce Your Pains During Pregnancy?
If you do not have enough money to purchase a pregnancy pillow, you can use your regular pillows instead. To reduce your pain in your back and waist, you can take 4 to 6 pillows and use them to prop up your head, pelvis, back, legs, and stomach. Adding bolsters to a hug is better for you.
You shouldn’t sleep on your back since it can cause some problems such as back pain, hemorrhoids, breathing problems, and low blood pressure.
Conclusion
These tips for choosing the best pregnancy pillow may not guarantee that your pain in your back and waist will completely go away. It can only reduce your insomnia and improve the quality of your sleep as well. If your back and waist pain worsens, you should consult an obstetrician or other specialist for a diagnosis.
Keep in mind that even though pregnancy is physically and emotionally tough, it is a beautiful and unforgettable moment for every woman, so make sure to make it much more enjoyable.
