How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pregnancy Pillow
When you fall pregnant your body starts transforming in preparation for the arrival of your new baby. You may not have been fully prepared for these changes and while you are buying items for your baby, don’t forget to prepare and plan for the changes your body is about to undergo. One of the biggest changes is that your sleep will be affected, in fact around 78% of pregnant women reported sleep disruptions while pregnant, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The reason for this is that many women find it hard to get comfortable when they sleep, especially as their belly starts growing. One of the easiest ways to deal with this is to invest in a pregnancy pillow. Not all pregnancy pillows are created equal though, some support your entire body while others support your belly, requiring you to also find a quality neck pillow, like the Elite Rest Memory Foam Pillow.
It can seem overwhelming but we are going to help you find the best pregnancy pillow,
Why Is Sleep Difficult During Pregnancy
The main reason sleep is difficult during pregnancy is because your body is going through so many changes, all at the same times.
Hormones impact sleep: When you are pregnant your progesterone levels increase and this leads to you feeling sleeping during the day. You might be experiencing wild and weird dreams, this is also due to hormones and can affect your sleep. It is also possible that you start snoring during your pregnancy, this is also due to hormones and can disrupt your sleep.
Heartburn: This is one of the most common reasons moms experience discomfort during the night. Heartburn is caused by hormones and your growing baby pressing against your stomach. It can be incredibly painful and prevents many pregnant women from sleeping well.
Stress and anxiety: While pregnancy is a magical time, it is also a time of stress and anxiety for many expectant moms. First time moms often have anxiety around the birth and worry about things going wrong or how they will cope and this can keep moms up at night.
The Different Types of Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy pillows come in a range of different sizes, shapes and styles. It can be difficult to know which one will work for you. We take a look at the main types of pregnancy pillows and how they can help you get a good night of sleep.
- Full-length Pregnancy Pillow. A full-length pillow provides your entire body with proper, quality support. When you are pregnant you cuddle this pillow, wrapping your entire body around it and in doing so your head, growing belly and knees will be supported.
- C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow. As the name suggests these pillows are shaped like a large C and are designed to wrap around your body. You will be able to use this pillow throughout your pregnancy and it will support your expanding belly. Side sleeping is the suggested way for pregnant moms to sleep and a c-shaped pillow is perfect for that.
- U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow. This is also a shape pillow and the u-shape of this pillow is there where the comfort comes from. It wraps around your entire body allowing you to rest your head on the curve of the pillow. This shape of pillow can be used by women who favour sleeping on their back.
How To Use Pregnancy Pillows and Some of Our Favourites
Let’s take a look at how each of these body pillows can be used to help you sleep comfortably at night.
Leachco Snoogle Original C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
A c-shaped pillow, like this one is ideal for pregnant women who are experiencing back and are looking for full body support. If you sleep on your side then this is the pillow for you as it will also prevent you from tossing and turning through the night. This is a large pillow, so make sure you have the additional space on your bed.
To use this pillow, place it on your bed, making sure that it is spread out nicely and then “climb” into the pillow with the curve at your back, the top of the pillow under your head and the bottom between your thighs – it should reach right around to go under your belly.
Typical feather pillows have fillings of mixed down and feathers. Feathers are heavy, so they are supportive, but they have quills and tend to wear down faster.
Additionally, feather quills tend to poke through the pillow. This may be a good sign to some, but losing feathers only means the pillow also lose support. Likewise, feather pillows tend to get flattened over time.
Typical feather pillows have fillings of mixed down and feathers. Feathers are heavy, so they are supportive, but they have quills and tend to wear down faster.
Additionally, feather quills tend to poke through the pillow. This may be a good sign to some, but losing feathers only means the pillow also lose support. Likewise, feather pillows tend to get flattened over time.
If you toss and turn a lot during the night or light to sleep on your back or side then this u-shaped pillow is for you. It will provide full-body support while also making it easier for you to move from one side to the other. If you like to sleep on your back then this pillow is perfect because you fit comfortably into the middle of the pillow while your head, back and neck are all supported.
This pillow is so easy to use, you simply lay it out and either curl into it on your side or snuggle into the middle if you are a back sleeper. You can bend your knees to straddle the pillow or you can stretch your body out, whatever is most comfortable.
This is not a pregnancy pillow but it is a quality memory foam regular pillow. The reason it is important is because if the pillow you chose does not support your neck, you need to invest in this pillow. While making sure your back, belly and hips are all adequately supported, it is essential to provide your neck with the support it needs during your pregnancy.
Sleep may not come as easily as you might think during pregnancy. The changes your body undergoes results in aching joints, heartburn and other issues that prevent you from sleeping comfortably. Fortunately, adding a quality pregnancy pillow to your bed as well as ensuring your neck is supported with the Elite Rest Memory Foam pillow, can improve the quality of sleep you get while you are pregnant.