Yes, pregnancy can be emotionally and physically challenging, causing a variety of aches and pains, mood swings, and more. While loved ones, family, and therapists can provide the social and emotional support to help you through this time, you can also take steps to cope with the physical challenges of pregnancy. As your baby continues to grow, your joints and muscles are subjected to higher pressure and can be severely strained, accounting for back and joint pain, which is seen in at least 70 percent of all expectant women. Pain in the knees, hips, hands, and muscle cramps are also fairly common in most pregnancies. This makes maternal support products such as maternity support belts, maternity bras, and heating pads, so essential during pregnancy, as they help reduce pain and discomfort. Of course, one of the most important support essentials is your pregnancy pillow, which can address a variety of pregnancy concerns.
Read more: Top 10 Must-Haves For Your Baby Delivery Day
How Pregnancy Affects Sleep
Sleep impairment is seen in up to 78 percent of all women during pregnancy and these problems are not just linked to psychological and hormonal changes. They are also exacerbated by physical discomfort and pain. Many women struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position because of the growing belly and shifting center of gravity. Such sleep disturbances are most pronounced during the third trimester as the extra weight intensifies symptoms such as back pain and joint pain, as well as increased nighttime urination.
If not dealt with, the regular lack of sleep can increase your risk of mood disorders including depression, which can adversely impact pregnancy outcomes. Fortunately, pregnancy pillows are effective at addressing some of the main pregnancy symptoms that contribute to sleep impairment.
Benefits of Pregnancy Pillows
Promote Better Sleep Posture
Finding a comfortable position to sleep through the night can feel impossible, but that’s where pregnancy pillows come into play. Full body pillows, as well as U-shaped pillows, C-shaped pillows and J-shaped varieties, are among the best pregnancy pillows, designed to support your head, neck, shoulders, belly, and back, minimizing body aches and pains.
Support Better Circulation
Sleeping on your back increases pressure not just on the spine, but also on blood vessels, affecting circulation in your body. Research suggests that supine position sleep can increase the risk of complications such as late stillbirth. U-shaped and C-shaped pillows can mitigate this risk as they force you to sleep on your side, opening up your hips and back. Just choose your pillow, based on your sleep habits and preferred posture. For example, U-shaped pregnancy pillows will allow you to change sides comfortably without any need to move the pillow.
Reduced Nausea
Almost all types of pregnancy pillows will keep your head and upper body elevated so that you are less likely to be bothered with acid reflux and symptoms such as heartburn, which can otherwise result in disturbed sleep. Just make sure to position your pillow in such a way that it doesn’t just elevate your head, but also keeps your torso at a gentle incline.
Postpartum Support
A pregnancy pillow’s utility doesn’t end with your pregnancy, but can also help when nursing. A study published in Pediatric Reports, clearly shows that the use of supportive pillows can reduce maternal discomfort during breastfeeding, which also increases feeding time to ensure optimal nutrition for babies. A full body pillow will allow you to position yourself perfectly for feeding, while also supporting your arms and back so that you don’t feel the strain.
If you look at comments and reviews from other mums, you’ll find that pregnancy pillows can be so comfortable and effective at promoting sleep that people tend to use them long after pregnancy. Just make sure to choose one that meets your requirements, has great reviews, and comes with expert recommendations because this is one pregnancy product that you’ll be using for quite a while.
