Pregnancy. A beautiful time of a woman’s life that is associated with anticipation, wonder, and sometimes a hip pain that refuses to disappear. Let’s be real, creating a tiny human is not an easy task and our bodies undergo some incredible and at times, painful transformations.
Pain in the hip is a very frequent problem during pregnancy, which can be experienced by half of the pregnant women. But before you resign yourself to sleepless nights tossing and turning, there’s a potential solution that can offer sweet relief: the pregnancy pillow.
WHY DO HIPS HURT DURING PREGNANCY
One of the primary causes for hip pain during pregnancy is the increased pregnancy hormones. The hormone loosen up your body for childbirth. This flexibility is great for delivery, but not so much for everyday stability.
Then the increased pressure and weight placed on your hips as your belly grows. This added strain can lead to discomfort, especially when lying down. As your center of gravity shifts, this puts extra strain on your lower back and hips to leading pain.
HOW PREGNANCY PILLOW HELPS TO REDUCE HIP PAIN
Alignment: A pregnancy pillow which supports your belly, back and legs, is able to maintain your hips in a neutral position the whole night. Thus, this leads to a decrease of the stress on the joint and at the same time a better sleep is established.
Pressure Relief: Certain pillows have tailor-made parts that are meant to go between your knees, hence relieving the pressure on your hips and the alignment of your legs.
Comfort: Let’s admit, often the best pain reliever is just the act of being comfortable. A pregnancy pillow can be a great help in giving you the comfort and cushioning you desire to relax and get a comfortable sleep position.
Choosing the Right Pregnancy Pillow for Hip Pain
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pregnancy pillows. The best option for you will depend on your sleeping style and personal preferences. Here are some popular choices:
Full Body Pillows: These pillows support the entire body, including the belly and hips. They are designed to reduce pressure on the joints and muscles, promoting a comfortable sleeping position. Full body pillows can help alleviate hip pain by keeping the body in a normal position, reducing strain on the joints and muscles.
U-Shaped Pillows: U-shaped pillows are designed to support the belly and hips, providing a comfortable and secure position for the body. They are particularly useful for women who experience hip pain due to changes in posture and weight gain during pregnancy.
C-Shaped Pillows: C-shaped pillows are good for the back and hips, giving relief from lower back pain and hip discomfort. This pillow is ideal for women who experience sciatica or round ligament pain during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Wedges: Pregnancy wedges are also good to support the hips and lower back, for escaping from the hip pain and discomfort. They can be used in combination with other pillows to create a comfortable sleeping position.
Using a Pregnancy Pillow for Hip Pain
Now that you have chosen your champion pillow, let’s talk about positioning.
For the best hip support, place the long arm of a C-shaped or U-shaped pillow between your legs and the shorter arm behind your back. You can also try different positions to see what works best for you. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to comfort!
Conclusion
Always remember, it is best to consult your healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing hip pain during pregnancy. But with the right approach and a trusty pregnancy pillow by your side, you can embrace the joys of pregnancy with a little less discomfort and a whole lot more comfort.
Sweet dreams.