Why you need a pillow for pregnant women and how to choose it

What are the pillows for pregnant women

A pillow for pregnant women is a bedding that resembles a long, fairly hard roller. It is designed to provide additional support for the abdomen, back and knees during sleep and rest.

Maternity pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

U-shaped and anatomical 

Such pillows resemble a long roller, folded in the shape of a Latin U. One piece provides support for back, the other - for the abdomen and the leg located on top.

Anatomical pillows for pregnant women resemble U-shaped ones, but have additional bends along the inner edge.

Manufacturers claim that this shape allows you to more comfortably accommodate a large belly.

• Pillow for pregnant women Vensalio, 1 579 rubles →
• Pillow for pregnant women anatomical AmaroBaby, 3 707 rubles →

2. J-shaped

This model is similar to the previous one, only without one "leg". The pillow can be placed both in front of the body to comfortably accommodate a large belly and throw the thigh of one leg, and behind - to support the back.

Pillow for pregnant women J Mickey, 1 630 rubles →

3. C‑shaped and G‑shaped

Such a pillow for pregnant women allows you to comfortably arrange your thigh on a semicircular part and at the same time get support for your back.

• Pillow Farla Basic C, 1,700 rubles →

4. Direct

This pregnancy pillow is a straight cushion that can be placed under the back, knees or neck. It can also be folded into the desired shape.

• Pillow-hugging for pregnant women "Workshop of dreams", 1 305 rubles →

How to choose a pillow for pregnant women

When choosing a pillow for pregnant women, consider several factors.

1. Bed size and availability. If enough, you can try a U-shaped or G-shaped pregnancy pillow. If you are afraid that it can interfere with your partner, choose straight, C-shaped and J-shaped models: they take up less space.
2. Own growth. If you put your head on the top edge of the pillow, its ends should reach at least your knees so that you can put your bent leg on the roller.
3. Removable cover available. This will be especially useful if you are tormented at night hot flashes and you often wake up in a sweat.
4. Type of filler. As a rule, holofiber or fiberplast are used in pregnancy pillows - synthetic materials that provide elasticity and softness. There are also models with a filler in the form of small balls of polystyrene foam, as in anti-stress toys. On the one hand, they take the shape of the body, which can give more comfort, on the other hand, they rustle with any movement, and this can be annoying while relaxing.
5. Rigidity. It is better not to choose pillows that are too soft, as they will not provide the necessary support for the back and neck.

How to use a pregnancy pillow correctly

In general, a pregnancy pillow can be used to relax in any position. For example, sit with it under your back. However, the main purpose of this pillow can be called a comfortable and safe sleep.

After about the 20th week of pregnancy, in the supine position, the enlarged uterus presses on the inferior vena cava, as a result of which go down blood flow to the heart. What's more, sleeping on your back associated With respiratory failurewhich negatively affects the quality of the holiday.

Researchers from New Zealand considerthat both of these factors may increase the risk of fetal death after the 28th week of pregnancy. Certainly, not worth it consider this position extremely dangerous, but it is still better not to fall asleep in this position in the last trimester.

To find the most comfortable sleeping position and avoid rolling onto your back, rest your head on the top of the pillow and lie on your side with one part of it behind your back.

If you are using a J-shaped or straight pregnancy pillow under your back, you can also use separate bolsters or a rolled-up blanket to place them between your knees.

You can also put a pillow in front to hug her and throw her hip. This will take the load off your lower back.

If you have purchased a U-shaped or anatomical model, lie on your side, place one hand under the pillow, comfortably position your stomach and throw your leg bent at the knee on the edge of the pillow. This will relieve the lower back and provide you with the most comfortable sleeping position.

C-shaped and G-shaped pillows for pregnant women can be placed under the back. Place your head on the upper edge of the product, and place the lower one under the thigh of the bent leg.

You can also use the maternity pillow during the day while sitting and lying down. Just position it the way you like.