Introduction
Expecting mothers are well aware of the fact that a good night’s sleep is one luxury that is hard to come by during pregnancy. Because of the constant travel partner – Back pain. It can cause sleep interference and leave you feeling weary all the time.
Fortunately, pregnancy pillows exist to guide women through this period and provide support to their back and enable them to have a better sleep.
In this article, I will discuss the pregnancy pillows and their usage, what aspects need to be taken into consideration, and which ones might be helpful for back pain.
Understanding Back Pain in Pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy is a common complaint, affecting up to 80% of women. Why is this such a prevalent issue? A combination of factors is at play.
First, hormonal changes play a significant role. The release of relaxin, a hormone that helps loosen the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for childbirth, can also affect your spine’s alignment, leading to pain.
Then there’s the inevitable weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, which shifts your center of gravity, putting additional strain on your back muscles. As your belly grows, it can push against your lower back, causing discomfort.
Disrupted sleep increases back pain. When you can’t find a comfortable position, tossing and turning throughout the night can lead to muscle tension and stiffness. This vicious cycle can make both sleep and daily activities challenging.
Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow for Back Pain
Pregnancy pillows are designed to provide support and proper alignment for the body, which can significantly reduce back pain during pregnancy. These pillows can help in several ways:
- Proper Alignment: Pregnancy pillows are designed to keep the spine straight, reducing strain on the back muscles. This proper alignment helps to alleviate back pain and discomfort.
- Improved Circulation: Elevating the legs and hips can reduce pressure on the veins and increase blood flow. This improved circulation can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs and feet, promoting better sleep.
- Customizable Support: Maternity cushions come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to find one that conforms to your body and provides the necessary support. This customizable support can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain and related discomforts.
- Comfortable Sleep: Pregnancy pillows can help you sleep more comfortably and restfully. They can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by providing support and reducing discomfort, leaving you feeling more rested and refreshed.
How Pregnancy Pillows Help with Back Pain
Pregnancy pillows come in various shapes and sizes, each offering targeted support for different areas. The most popular designs include:
- U-shaped pillows: These full-body pillows cradle your entire body, supporting your back, belly, legs, and head. They promote proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points throughout the night.
- C-shaped pillows: Offering similar benefits to U-shaped pillows, C-shaped options are slightly shorter and ideal for side sleepers. They provide support for your head, neck, back, and belly.
- Wedge pillows: Designed for targeted support, wedge pillows can be placed under your belly, back, or knees to elevate specific areas and improve alignment.
By promoting proper body alignment and alleviating pressure points on your back, hips, and legs, pregnancy pillows can significantly reduce discomfort and improve sleep quality.
Additional Tips:
- If possible, it is recommended to test the pillows before buying them to determine which one is most comfortable.
- Choose pillows that have a washable outer cover so that you can remove the cover and wash it when necessary.
- It is recommended to use a pregnancy pillow together with a good quality mattress that will offer enough support to your back.
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Back Pain Relief
Here’s a quick look at some popular pregnancy pillow options for back pain relief:
Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow (U-shaped): This full-body pillow is made of shredded memory foam, which means that it can be adjusted to fit your body and provide the necessary support and cushioning. Its U-shape design embraces your entire body and helps to maintain the correct spinal position.
Leachco Back ‘N Belly Bliss Pregnancy Pillow (C-shaped): This C-shaped pillow has a wedge on the back part to provide extra support to the lumbar region. It is stuffed with shredded memory foam which molds to the shape of the body and relieves pressure points.
Snoogle Pregnancy Pillow (Total Body): This multi-functional pillow has a U-shape with a head and neck support in a separate part. It is stuffed with shredded memory foam and provides support for the entire body while accommodating different sleeping positions.
Conclusion
Pregnancy pillow is one of the best inventions that can help pregnant women to reduce back pain and have better sleep. With these factors in mind and by identifying your needs, you can select a pillow that will give you the support and comfort that you desire.
However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor for advice on the best sleeping position during your pregnancy to give you the best sleep possible throughout your pregnancy.
The right pregnancy pillow will help you look forward to better nights and more energetic days as you anticipate the arrival of your bundle of joy. Sleep tight and have a wonderful time.