Introduction
It is a wonderful phase in a woman’s life when she is expecting a new life in her womb, but it is also a phase that brings a lot of discomforts, especially when it comes to sleep. During pregnancy, your body changes a lot, and it can be really challenging to find a good sleeping position. This is where pregnancy pillows come into play, providing the much needed comfort and support to expectant mothers. In this guide, we will be discussing the most important aspects that you need to consider when selecting the best pregnancy pillow based on comfort, material, and price.
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy pillows can be broadly categorized into four main types: These include U shaped, C shaped, J shaped, and wedge shaped.
U-shaped Pregnancy Pillows
U-shaped pillows are in the form of a horseshoe and encompass the entire body, providing support to the entire body. They offer support to the head and neck, a belly platform, back and hip support and leg support. This kind of design makes it look like a nest and is perfect for side sleepers who have a tendency of moving around at night. The U-shaped pillows are very effective in providing support, but they are usually big and take up a lot of space on the bed. Some models have sections that can be removed and replaced to fit your comfort level depending on your preference.
C-shaped Pregnancy Pillows
C-shaped pillows are also good for side sleepers who need full body support but cannot accommodate a U-shaped pillow. They wrap around your body from head to toe and offer support to the abdomen, back, and hips. These pillows are usually not as large as U-shaped pillows, which can be easier to deal with and more appropriate for twin size beds.
J-shaped Pregnancy Pillows
J-shaped pillows are intended for side sleepers who primarily only move from side to side. The J-shape offers support to the head, neck, belly and hips. These pillows are usually not as large as U-shaped and C-shaped pillows and are ideal for small people or those with a small bedroom.
Wedge Pregnancy Pillows
Wedge pillows are not full-body pillows, but they are a great addition to your sleep routine if you are suffering from back pain or discomfort in the hips. They are usually positioned under your belly or back to support the specific area that is causing discomfort and therefore, wedge pillows are easy to use.
Selecting the Appropriate Pregnancy Pillow
When choosing a pregnancy pillow, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration and they are your sleeping position, size and height, the discomforts that you are experiencing, the amount of money that you are willing to spend, the material that the pillow is made from and any other special features that you might require.
Sleeping Style
Pregnancy pillows are most advantageous to side sleepers since they offer support to your belly, back, and hips. C-shaped pillows can also be used for back sleepers, but for some people, especially those who are pregnant, the pregnancy pillows may not be very comfortable because of their shape.
Body Size and Height
Small built people may prefer using small J-shaped pillows that have a tight fit around the body. For the plus-sized women, U-shaped or full-length body pillows may be more suitable since they offer total support for their body size.
Specific Discomforts
If you are suffering from back and hip pain then the use of wedge pillows is especially beneficial. However, U-shaped pillows can enhance circulation and help to eliminate leg pains by raising the legs to a comfortable position.
Budget
Pregnancy pillows are available at various prices depending on the cost of the material used and the quality of the product. When making your choice, it is important to look at the features and the material used to make the pillow. Although it is always advisable to look for the most affordable product, the best pillow is worth the extra money as it will enhance your comfort and sleep quality.
Material
Cotton is preferred as it is breathable and comfortable for the skin, especially for those who overheat during the night. Choose pillows that are made of cotton, buckwheat or any other material that allows air to pass through it to avoid getting a hot neck during the night. Other materials that are preferred are hypoallergenic if you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin.
Additional Features
Some pregnancy pillows come with washable covers or have built-in cooling systems to help you sleep better during the hot nights or have other features that will make your sleep more comfortable. These are some of the additional features that you may want to take into consideration when selecting your pillow since they are also useful in making your experience more convenient and comfortable.
Top Picks
Based on expert reviews and user feedback, some of the top pregnancy pillows to consider include:
Newton Baby Pregnancy Pillow
This is a medium softness and medium support pillow, which will be good for most people in terms of body size.
Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow
This is a specialized pillow that has been designed in such a way that it can be adjusted to accommodate the growing body during pregnancy.
Placemed Pregnancy Pillow
This is a good pillow that has a good support and comfort and it has a cover that can be easily removed and washed.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the pregnancy pillow, there are three key factors that should be considered: comfort, material, and cost. There are different challenges in each trimester, and that is why it is necessary to choose a pillow that will change with the development of pregnancy. Whether the need is to support the entire body while sleeping on the side or just a little more cushioning to support the back, there is a pillow for this.
Consider what makes you feel good – perhaps it is a fabric that is loose and light or a fill which is compact and strong. Do not forget to monitor the expenses. While there are many cheap pillows out there, it is recommended that one should spend a good amount of money and get a good pillow that will improve your sleeping experience.
Therefore, do not rush into a decision and instead, spend some time discovering what is most suitable for you. If you get the correct pillow to use, you will realize that you are much more comfortable and relaxed throughout your pregnancy period. Sweet dreams!