Pregnancy Pillow

Buying a pregnancy pillow can help you sleep better through the night. As your baby grows inside you, she/he can put pressure on different organs, causing you pain. Your lower back, legs, neck, stomach, and pelvic bone may ache after a poor night’s sleep. Because weight gain can be anywhere from 25 to 55 pounds during pregnancy, that pressure will eventually cause pain.

Most doctors recommend that pregnant women lie on their sides. Lying on the back can cause the uterus to hinder blood flow through the mother’s body and the baby’s body. Additionally, it may make it harder to breathe later on. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because of the extra pressure on the uterus and baby. Therefore, lying on your side is best. In fact, lying on your left side provides the most optimal blood flow.

Side sleeping will cause some of the previously mentioned aches and pains. To alleviate those pains, many moms-to-be will use pillows as early as week 15 in their pregnancy for extra support. Pillows should be placed under the neck for proper spine alignment, along the lower back for support, and under the stomach if the baby is pulling on your spine. Tucking a pillow beneath your legs will help with hip, pelvic, and back pain.

Because all those pillows can take up quite a bit of room, and require frequent adjustments as you toss and turn at night, you may find buying a single pregnancy pillow will suit your needs best.

Pregnancy pillows come in various shapes and forms. Check with a pillow or maternity store, or online, in order to find the best pillow for your particular aches and pains. Your doctor may also be able to recommend brands that she/he knows have helped other patients. Some of the more frequently seen brands are discussed below.

The 24/7 Body Pillow is made by Boppy. It's designed to pivot and take on several shapes. It can be used in many positions for different purposes, such as sleeping, reading and sitting. When not in use it can be stored in the bag that it comes with. The slip cover is made of soft Pima cotton.

The Serenity Star Body Pillow is a U-shaped pillow. It is actually one curved pillow and two bolster pillows inside a larger case. This helps improve circulation, reduce swollen feet and legs, and alleviates back pain. The unique shape will help keep you on your side at night. Because the inner pillows can be taken out, the curved pillow can be used later on for positioning during breast or bottle feeding. The bolster pillows can become youth pillows.

The Snoogle pillow is shaped like a modified letter “c.” It is a full body pillow made to follow your contours. It goes under your neck, supports your back, and fits between your legs.

The Bean Maternity Pillow is two cushions with a smaller adjustable pad between them. The pad can be lengthened or shortened, depending on the amount of support you need. It can also adjust to your growing body. Handles for convenient carrying are included.

The wedge pillow is made by Leachco. It provides back support and stomach elevation. Shaped like an “L,” one end stands up for back support. A center tab can slide between the two parts to provide optimal comfort for your back and stomach.

The Pregnancy Wedge is made by Boppy. The dense foam supplies support for your belly. It is placed directly under your belly to ensure proper alignment while sleeping. The position can be adjusted as your belly grows to provide only the support that is necessary.

The Boppy Pregnancy Comfort Cuddle Pillow is in a slightly curved, teardrop shape. The smaller end is meant to go between the legs for hip, leg, and pelvic support. The larger end curves around stomach for tummy support. It is for use in side sleeping and helps to keep your back aligned. This pillow is not intended for use with babies or infants.

Because buying a full-body pregnancy pillow can be expensive, there are a few alternatives available.

• Purchase several supportive regular pillows to use between legs and under stomach. Later on, they can be used as guest pillows or for your own bedroom.
• Purchase a specialty pillow cover, such as the Pillow Proper Pregnancy Pillow Case Cover. This cover modifies current pillows so you can use them for better support under legs or by stomach.
• Buy a simple “I” shaped long body pillow, which can usually be found for fairly cheap at most discount stores. Simply lay this pillow under your stomach and wrap the end under your legs for proper support.

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