What Is A Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy pillow is a sleep accessory designed to support the changing bodies of expecting mothers, help them attain a comfortable resting position, and get more sleep. Pregnancy places a great deal of strain on the body, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Additional weight often stresses the back and joints, including the hips, knees, and ankles. This can cause aches and pains that make getting a full nights rest difficult.
Pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to accommodate the contours of the pregnant body and provide support where its needed most. These pillows can be found in many different shapes and sizes to accommodate each sleep position and help prevent aches and pains. The most common types include C- and U-shaped full body pillows that provide support to the entire body, and wedge pillows that can be used to strategically support a single area like the midsection or back.
How We Chose The Best Pregnancy Pillows
As a mom of four, Ive been pregnant on and off for the past decade and have personally used several pregnancy pillows to help relieve back pain. Using that knowledge, along with Forbes expertise in the bedding and pillows, pregnancy and postpartum categories, I took a look at the most popular pregnancy pillows on the market and analyzed each for features and attributes. I also read deep into the reviews on these items and gathered firsthand recommendations.
The Absolute Best Pregnancy Pillow
I am sure your doctor has informed you that at some point, sleeping on your back is a HUGE no, no during pregnancy. Sleeping on your stomach or your back will cause issues for you and with your babys development. We are talking lack of blood flow and nutrients to your baby, breathing issues for you, digestive problems, low circulation, and dare I mention hemorrhoids? Are you taking me seriously yet? Good. Side sleeping is your only healthy option, your left side to be exact. Sleeping on your left side increases the number of nutrients and blood flowing to the placenta and your growing baby. If you are not a side sleeper, your only hope to coping for your last 36 weeks of pregnancy is the absolute best pregnancy pillow for your needs. If you are dealing with heartburn you may need to use additional pillows to sleep at an incline. Otherwise, a pregnancy pillow will ease any hip, leg, and back pains during pregnancy. Back pains alone are experienced by 50 to 70 percent of women who are pregnant. Let me tell you from experience, a pregnancy pillow hugs you. Lets be completely honest with each other, every pregnant woman could use several hugs throughout pregnancy. Making another human being is hard work!
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Leachco Back N Belly Contoured Body Pillow
The Back N Belly pregnancy pillow by Leachco supports your belly and back with its U shape. If you are in need of some hugs buy it. No adjusting or repositioning is necessary if you want to turn over for a bit in the middle of the night. For the unfortunate ones suffering from acid reflux or rhinitis during your pregnancy, here is a pillow to help. This contoured body pillow is BPA free, latex free, phthalate-free and lead-free. Unsure why any pillow would have any lead but rest peacefully knowing Leachco cares enough to free you from these toxins. Most pregnant women suffer hip pain during pregnancy so Leachco created a design to neutralize joint positioning by aligning your hips. It may not be for everyone but it is definitely cozy.
Cepheus Pregnancy Body Pillow
The Cepheus Pregnancy Body Pillow combines a lot of the unique features in other pillows we reviewed. It’s C-shaped and available in both velvet and jersey fabric. It’s soft and cozy, but forces head support, and the velvet material may make you sweat.
It is machine washable, though, so you’ll be able to wash that sweat away fast. In addition, the pillow is available in a whole gaggle of colors, so you’ll be able to choose your favorite.
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What Is The Best Pregnancy Pillow
The best pregnancy pillow is what that checks all the boxes on your list. Are you looking for a little extra support? Maybe you want a U-shaped pillow to hug all of your curves? Maybe you need a smaller pillow to fit in your bed? No matter what youre looking for, you can find a pregnancy pillow in the shape that fits your needs:
And if you dont want a behemoth pillow? No worries? Boppy makes a smaller cuddle pillow that fits between your legs without taking up too much space in your bed.
When Should You Start Using A Pregnancy Pillow
Theres no wrong time to start using a pregnancy pillow in fact, they can be a welcome and comfortable bedtime addition to any bedroom, not just mothers to be.
That being said, as the body starts to grow, change and experience discomfort and pains, its no surprise that many women view a pregnancy pillow as a bedtime essential.
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When Do You Start Using A Pregnancy Pillow
There is no set gestational age where you must begin to use extra support, in fact many women use them from the start of their pregnancy. Even though your belly might not be showing, there may still be extra pressure on your bladder and hips and a little support could help alleviate that.
Later in pregnancy, around the third trimester, it becomes important to sleep on your side, and a pregnancy pillow can help make it more comfortable for many sleepers.
King Size Pillow Case
The king-size pillowcases is the most commonly sought pillow case in the US, along with the standard pillowcase.
People who want versatility generally go with the standard pillow, irrespective of the mattress they have. And people who like the feel of the broad surface of the pillow tend to go for the king pillows, even if they dont own a jumbo mattress like the king.
The king-size pillowcases are 20 inches x 36 inches in size – this means that it is the largest pillow cover out there – 10 inches longer than the standard and 6 inches longer than the queen. So, the king-size pillows make the best fit on a king mattress.
A couple of king size pillows are enough to cover the width of a king-sized bed or a California king size bed. King pillows are also compatible with the bigger variants of king mattresses like Texas, Vermont, Alaskan king, and Wyoming king.
You can also use the standard pillow on these jumbo mattresses, but generally, people use smaller pillows to cozy up the jumbo mattresses. In comparison, they use bigger pillows for headrests.
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Uses Of Pregnancy Pillows After Childbirth
Pregnancy pillows can even be useful after your baby has been born if you’re conscious of spending money on something that you will only use for a few months. For example, after having a baby, a pregnancy pillow can double up as a nursing pillow or feeding pillow for breastfeeding. It’s important to note that you should not ‘co-sleep’ – sleep in the same bed – with your baby, as this may increase the risk of sudden infant death .
The multiple uses of your pregnancy pillow are something to consider when trying to find the right one. If it is multi-functional, it will be better value for money and could make your life as a new parent easier too.
The Best Adjustable Body Pillow
Pros: Its an investment, but if youre looking to customize your level of density and loft, the Coop Home Goods full body pillow is the way to go.
Like the cult-favorite original, this one is filled with shredded memory foam, which you can add or remove depending on your preferences. As a result, you can ensure that it offers the exact amount of support youre looking for in your side-sleeping position. Finally, since its GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, and it comes with a removable, washable cover, it remains safe and hygenic in the process.
Cons: At $80, its one of the most expensive options on this list.
Available Colors: white
According to one reviewer: The pillow is supportive, breathable AND adjustable. The bamboo retains its shape well, but it’s also moldable enough to be extremely comfortable. I appreciate how I can lessen the amount of fluff toward the bottom — where my knees wrap around it — while boosting the fluffiness toward the top of the pillow — where I wrap my arms around it. It somehow manages to straddle the line between firm and pliable.
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Settle Down For A Good Night’s Sleep
Honestly, with so many options today, every stomach sleeper can find their perfect pregnancy pillow. Just because you heard on television that one kind is better than the other doesn’t mean you need to feel that way. Find one perfectly customized to your individual needs.
The best pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers is going to vary. There are no two ways about it sleep is unique to every person. Meet your actual needs, not the needs other people want you to have, and you’re set.
What do you think is the best pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers? Are you a stomach sleeper while pregnant? Let us know!
Featured Image Source: Flickr
Standard Size Pillow Case
Measuring 20 inches x 26 inches, the standard size pillow case is designed to encase the standard size pillow, which comes in tow with the twin or the twin XL mattress. But you can buy a standard size pillow anytime you like, for a standard size pillow is versatile.
One standard size pillow works great with a twin bed or twin XL bed college kids are used to a standard pillow that comes with the twin XL beds in their dorms.
However, a couple of standard size pillows are great with the full and queen mattresses. You can add a couple of standard pillows to furnish the jumbo-sized king or California king beds.
The standard pillowcase also has an older sibling – it is called the super standard case. This one is 2 inches longer than the standard, which means it is 20 x 28 inches – thus, a super standard pillow case can easily fit a standard pillow and will hold a queen pillow too snugly.
We mention super standard in this list to inform you of this style, even though it is a rare size and stores seldom have it in stock.
A queen size pillow cover fits a queen pillow most properly. Since queen size pillow cover is 4 inches longer than the standard pillow cover, the queen case is also eligible to act as a pillow cover for standard size pillows.
Queen pillowcases measures 20 inches x 30 inches – the same as the measurement of the queen pillows.
Long pillows such as the queen are good for side and combination sleepers.
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Pharmedoc Mommywedge Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
- PharMeDoc MommyWedge Pregnancy Wedge Pillow, $24.95 from Walmart – buy here
Another shape option from PharMeDoc is the wedge pillow, which gives direct support to your belly without back support.
If you find U-shaped pillows dont work for you, this simple wedge might do wonders for relieving pressure.
This memory foam pillow supports your bump, and in turn this can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in hands, legs and feet.
Pregnancy Pillow Buyer’s Guide
While the idea of purchasing a good pregnancy pillow may have you excited about the possibility of improved sleep, it would be a mistake to rush out and buy the first one you can find. There is a tremendous amount of variety in this market, which is why you need to think about the features that you need most. Following is a list of some of the main points you need to check on before you buy.
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Todays Mom Cozy Comfort Maternity Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
From Todays Mom, this model is larger than most of our other options, wrapping around both sides of the sleeper. It will take up more space, but allow you to easily turn from side to side without moving the pillow.
If you sleep with a partner in a queen-sized or smaller bed, there might not be enough room to accommodate both of you and the pillow, and you can probably forget about cuddling. However, many women find that the extra support in this product allow them to sleep more soundly, so they need less space to move around.
We suggest taking a look at the dimensions and taking your partners preferences into account.
While it has not worked perfectly for all users, most feel that it helped them get back to sleep thanks to the support it provides. It should be noted that some of the positive reviews have been left by those who are not pregnant and chose to use this kind of pillow for other reasons.
So, again here, you may be able to get use out of this pillow even when the pregnancy has been completed.
Do I Need A Pregnancy Pillow
While a pregnancy pillow is not a necessity, it may be a suitable choice if youre experiencing sleep disturbances as your pregnancy progresses. Sleep is important for your physical health, especially when your body is hard at work supporting the growth of another life.
As your pregnancy progresses, good sleep can be harder to come by. Expecting mothers are often prone to symptoms such as back and joint pain, heartburn, and sleep apnea. These symptoms can worsen as you reach your third trimester.
Getting comfortable at night is often key to being able to fall asleep and stay asleep. You can try to add extra cushioning with additional standard pillows, but a pregnancy pillow is specially designed to accommodate the shape of your pregnant body.
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How To Use A Pregnancy Pillow
There are a few ways to use a pregnancy pillow. Wedge shaped models can be put under your belly while lying on your side for spinal alignment, under your head to relieve acid reflux, or behind your back for extra support, while U-shaped options are perfect for optimal comfort, and can be used under the feet, legs, knees and head.
Its generally recommended to use a pregnancy pillow on your left hand side, as this promotes optimal comfort to you, and optimal blood flow to your precious little one.
What Type Of Support Does A Pregnancy Pillow Provide
Using a pregnancy pillow has a few perks, but one of the most important benefits has to do with how you position it against your spine. Ideally, you want your pillow to help your spine remain in its natural alignment while sleeping. To achieve that alignment, the best pregnancy pillows will offer support in these areas:
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Neck. The pillow should preserve the natural curve of your spine so that you donât wake up with a strained neck.
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Shoulders. Supporting your shoulders is especially important while side-sleeping because you donât want extra pressure to cause any aches or pains.
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Belly. Supporting your belly helps prevent the weight of your uterus from tugging on your abdomen, putting pressure on your back, or causing one side of your torso to bend unnaturally.
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Lower back. Support for your spine is crucial, which is why many of the best-rated pregnancy pillows in 2021 are long and designed in a U shape to support both the front and back of your body.
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Knees and ankles. Keeping your knees and ankles elevated with a pillow can help reduce swelling. The pillow should also keep your legs aligned without tilting your hips or twisting your spine.
If you would like more individualized guidance about the best type of pregnancy pillow for your body, check with your healthcare provider.
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Which Pillow Is Best During Pregnancy
It really depends. Every pregnant person is going to have a unique need for support for sleep and during rest, says Matthew Carroll, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine. Michael Cackovic, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, agrees. The best pregnancy pillow is the one that best meets the pregnant persons needs, he says. Therefore, it is kind of a trial and error situation, much like some people liking firm pillows and some soft.
This Pillow Is Resistant To Dust Mites And Mold
Coyuchi Inc.
Materials: Organic cotton, organic latex | Style: U-shape | Washable cover: Yes
At nearly $250, Coyuchis body pillow is a definite splurge, but it has some features worth considering if youre OK with spending a little more. This pillow uses a molded latex insert to give you firm-ish support while you snooze. That latex is a renewable, biodegradable foam thats resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites, making it good for people with allergies. Its also GOLS, or organic certified. Its also breathable, so you dont have to stress about waking up sweaty. This pillow has an organic cotton sateen cover thats removable and machine washable, too.
What the reviews say: Owners rave about the pillows squeezability and ability to ease pressure during sleep. Shared one: After a week my hips already feel better! Its helping me be a happy side sleeper! Another called this the perfect pillow python, adding, it completely constricted me in pure bliss.
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