Sleep is very important for a healthy lifestyle, especially when you are pregnant or postpartum. Your back will be under a lot of stress as the baby grows and you begin to bear more weight, which can make it difficult to sleep.

A great option to achieve the comfort you need while you sleep is with a pregnancy pillow. Pregnant women should not sleep on their backs because this can restrict blood supply to the developing fetus. Orthopedic pillows go a long way in providing comfort to women while sleeping. In this article, we will explore the uses of pregnancy pillows and their benefits.

How to choose a pregnancy pillow so you don't have to sleep on your back

Choosing a pregnancy pillow is not only time-consuming but also a challenging task. Here are some things to consider before purchasing a pregnancy pillow:

1. Size: Maternity pillows are available in a variety of different sizes. Your choice of size depends on what best fits your body. While some people purchase a full-length maternity pillow, which would provide them with much-needed support, others prefer to use a smaller pillow as it takes up less space. These maternity pillows range from backrest pillows to C-shaped pillows that take up almost no space. A full body pillow provides maximum comfort for those who want to pamper their bodies.

2. Shape: Some pillows are shaped to provide additional support to specific areas of the body. You may find that you don't need much neck support, but you may feel more comfortable with a pregnancy belly pillow that supports your back and belly. Pregnancy pillows that come in a C shape would be a better option. Your choice of shape can also be determined by how you sleep.

3. Material: Each person has a different preferred sleeping position, and the same goes for the materials they choose for bedding. There are several pregnancy pillow options, ranging from polyester and other insulating materials to permeable cotton covers that provide additional warmth.

Tips for using the pregnancy pillow in the postpartum

1. Experiment with different positions: While the support of your pregnancy pillow changes depending on your needs during the postpartum period, experiment with different positions to get the most comfortable support. No matter what happens when you've just given birth to your baby, whether breastfeeding or resting, there's no one-size-fits-all pillow, so it's important to keep experimenting.

2. Invest in washable covers: Babies are very adorable and need a clean environment to live. To prevent your pregnancy pillows from getting dirty, you should choose covers that are removable, washable, and easy to clean so that they are not a problem.

3. Consider Multiple Pillows: Perhaps overusing multiple maternity pillows will give you the best therapy. You can choose any of the types of pillows depending on your preferences and any postpartum challenges you may be experiencing. Gather pillows of different sizes and shapes for comfort solutions.

4. Pay attention to your body: Examine the changes in your body in how it responds to the way you lie on the cushion and then adjust it as necessary. If you have pain or discomfort, the best way is to try different pillows until you find the most comfortable one for you.

Benefits of pregnancy pillows

1. Promotes better sleep

As mentioned, sleep is very important during pregnancy. Therefore, you should use pregnancy pillows that provide comfort and allow for better sleep. Pregnancy pillows provide full-body support, maintain your posture throughout the night, and adjust to accommodate minor body rotations.

2. Longer hours of sleep

Using a pregnancy pillow will allow you to sleep longer and result in better sleep cycles. As we mentioned, being pregnant requires more sleep, so it's essential to make sure your mattress and pillows support this.

3. Improves blood circulation

Sleeping on your side is a method to improve blood circulation. However, as the belly begins to take shape, this can become more difficult and unpleasant during pregnancy.

Fortunately, you can continue to rest on your side, opening your hips and back, and enjoying the benefits of improved circulation with the added support that a side sleeping pregnancy pillow provides.

4. Relieves body aches and pains

It's no secret that your body undergoes a variety of physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is also normal to have some discomfort as a result of these changes, whether it be lower back pain, weight gain, or pelvic pain.

However, regardless of your sleeping position, you can experience total muscle relaxation and full body support while using a pregnancy pillow. It will be easier for you and your baby to sleep and relax.

5. Postpartum use

Maternity pillows provide excellent support and comfort during pregnancy, but after delivery, they will be just as useful!

Pregnancy pillows provide full body support, which you can still enjoy, and can also be used to help find a suitable breastfeeding position. Simply stay upright and allow the pillow to support your body while you focus on helping your baby latch on.

Next steps

The journey from pregnancy to postpartum is full of joys, challenges, and many adjustments. Maintaining comfort and support with a pregnancy pillow can make this journey easier. These pillows offer continuous relief and relaxation, support the entire body and aid in breastfeeding. With the comfort and help of your trusty pregnancy pillows, embrace the pleasures and challenges of motherhood.

With RehabMedic's selection of pregnancy pillows, get the support and comfort you deserve during your pregnancy and beyond. Contact us today to enhance your pregnancy and postpartum journey with comfort and support!

Source: "Transitioning to Postpartum: How to Continue Using Pregnancy Pillow", Medpoint