How to choose the right pillow for pregnant women?

During pregnancy, in addition to diet, sleep is also something pregnant women need to pay attention to to ensure the health of themselves and the fetus. In the last months of pregnancy, the heavy body weight will make it harder for you to sleep, at which time you will need the support of pillows for pregnant women.

Pregnancy is an exciting and challenging period. During 9 months of pregnancy, you will have to deal with a lot of aches and pains coming from different parts of the body. Pillows for pregnant women with "special" design will help you comfortably in the leaning position and support the body, avoid back pain, muscle fatigue, cramps and help blood circulation. To understand more effects of pillows for pregnant women, please follow the following sharing of aFamilyToday Health .

Pillows for pregnant women are specially designed pillows with body curves to help support parts such as head, back, abdomen and legs. This pillow will help pregnant women get a comfortable sleeping position, so it is easier to fall asleep. In the last 3 months of pregnancy , this pillow is a very necessary item because this is the time when the pregnant woman's body becomes heavy, it is difficult to have a good night's sleep.

Benefits of using pillows for pregnant women

The biggest benefit that pregnancy pillows bring is that it helps you sleep better by providing necessary support for your body. In addition, pillows for pregnant women also bring some of the following benefits:

1. Reduce the aches and pains, soothe the body

During pregnancy, a rapid increase in body weight puts pressure on the back, hips and legs, leading to soreness. Pillows for pregnant women are designed with curved curves to suit the growing body of pregnant women. From there, bring comfort and help relieve pain.

2. Enhance blood circulation

According to experts, during pregnancy, you should not lie on your back, but lie on your side while sleeping to improve blood flow to the placenta. However, this posture can make many pregnant women feel uncomfortable. Pillows for pregnant women will help you feel more comfortable in this position, thereby promoting blood circulation in the body.

3. Provides sound and deep sleep

Sleep is very important in helping you have a healthy and safe pregnancy. The support from a pillow for pregnant women will help you have a deep sleep, do not wake up many times during the night.

When can I start using pillows for pregnant women?

There are no clear rules on when you can start using pillows in pregnancy. You can use this when you begin to feel uncomfortable when you change your sleeping position. Around the 20th week of pregnancy , your belly will start to enlarge, causing pain in parts of your body, you can start using pillows at this time.

Types of pillows for pregnant women and how to use them

Pregnant pillows are available in many different shapes and sizes. Each type of pillow has its own unique support, so depending on the difficulty you are facing, you can choose the right pillow. Here are some popular pillows on the market:

1. Pillows

is a small pillow for pregnant women. You can use during and after pregnancy. Round pillows and triangular pillows are two popular pillows of this line. 

- How to use: You can place pillows under your abdomen or behind your back to support the abdomen or hips.

2. Hug pillows

Long tube shaped pillows designed to hold you while you sleep. These pillows provide support for the arms, legs, and abdomen. However, these pillows do not provide back support.

- Usage: Pregnant women can use this pillow to hug. However, when using, you should not place this pillow under your belly or behind your back, but place your belly in the middle of the pillow.

3. Body pillow

This type of pillow is often used in the second trimester as it provides support to the spine, helping to relieve hip and back pain. There are 3 popular types of pillows:

C-shaped pillows: C-shaped pillows provide support for the head, abdomen, legs, and back. To use it, rest your head on the upper part of the C, while your back is placed on the curve of the letter C.

U-shaped pillow : This type of pillow is chosen by many mothers because it helps support the head, neck, back, abdomen and legs. Although the U-shaped pillow is a bit bulky, it gives you the most comfortable feeling in all positions. Similar to a C-shaped pillow, you can rest your head on the top of a U-shaped pillow, place your abdomen in the center of the pillow, and wrap one leg on one side of the pillow.

J-pillow: This is a pillow with a compact size, occupies less area, suitable for people who like to lie on their side. You can lay your head on the tail of the J or turn your knee upside down and rest your feet on the tail. Alternatively, you can also lie with your stomach on the pillow or with your back facing out and leaning on the pillow. However, this type of pillow has a major drawback that is unable to support the whole body of pregnant women while sleeping.

How to choose a pillow for pregnant women

When choosing a pillow for pregnant women, you need to keep in mind the following issues:

Pillows can be replaced with pillowcases

Good hygiene is extremely important to keep in mind during pregnancy. During this stage, you will sweat a lot while you sleep. Therefore, choosing pillows that can be replaced will make it easier to clean.  

Material of the pillow

Currently, there are many materials used to make pillows for pregnant women. Each material will have its own characteristics:

Polyester: This is the material used to make pillow core quite popular. The softness of the pillow depends on the amount of yarn inserted into the pillow. Although this material is very versatile, it often contains a lot of dirt and bacteria, so those with allergies are often not recommended to use this pillow. This pillow has a shelf life of about two years.

Foam: Pillows made from this material will be cheaper than other pillows. Foam foam is a soft, lightweight plastic shaped like small white marbles. Pillows made from this material are usually light and contain a lot of air, so they are easy to bend with body curves. However, this pillow is not suitable for long naps.

Microbeads: These are tiny, tiny plastic beads, each with a diameter of less than 1mm. Pillows made of this material are extremely light, and when touched, they will feel like there is sand padded inside the pillow. This pillow is very soft, smooth and can be easily bent along the curves of the body.

Memory foam: This is a material made by Nasa scientists to serve astronauts. Pillows made of this material can reduce the pressure on the pressure points in the body, thereby reducing pain and providing you with a comfortable sleep.

Pillows are made of organic materials (cotton, feathers ...): These pillows are environmentally friendly, do not contain harmful chemicals, and are good for allergy sufferers . However, these pillows are difficult to clean and often lose their original shape after just a few uses.

Noise and smell of pillows

Some pillows while lying down will make very unpleasant "rustling" noises. If you wake up easily, avoid buying foam-filled pillows as this will make some noise. Also, some pillows will have a chemical smell, so be sure to choose them carefully when buying.

Softness of the pillow

Each person will have different preferences about how soft the pillow is. However, during pregnancy, you should avoid lying on overly soft pillows as they may not provide the necessary support for the head and body.

Choose pillows that are suitable for your body and sleeping position

When choosing a pillow, you should also consider factors in your body shape and favorite sleeping position. Here are some suggestions that you can consider:

Women with large stature: If you are in this situation, a C-shaped pillow would be the right choice.

Women with small stature: Full body pillows will suit you.

Women love to lie on their back: Although this sleeping position is not good, if you have a habit of sleeping in this position, you can choose a snoogle full body pillow. This pillow is shaped like a candy cane, helping to soothe pain in the back.

Women love to lie on their stomach: This position can cause body aches. If you are in the habit of sleeping in this position, choose a pillow that is made from an active foam or an organic pillow.

Women with twins: The U-shaped pillow is recommended for twins as it provides the best support for your pregnancy.  

Choosing the right pillow for pregnant women is a problem. If you do not feel comfortable using it after purchasing it, discontinue use immediately.

Some frequently asked questions

1. Why should use special pillows for pregnant women during pregnancy?

Regular pillows may not provide the necessary support for a pregnant woman as they are not designed to do that. Also, sometimes these pillows are painful and painful. However, if you get used to your pillow and feel comfortable using it during pregnancy then continue using it.

2. How is the pillow for pregnant women different from other normal hug pillows?

Pregnant pillows are specially designed to assist in changing the shape and size of pregnant women during pregnancy. These pillows have a curvy shape that fits the body curve while the other pillows are just a long, straight pillow.

A good pillow not only helps relieve aches and pains, but it also ensures that you will have a good night's sleep to ensure the comprehensive development of your baby in the belly.