Pregnancy is a magical time in every would-be mother's life. But along with this pregnancy pleasure, it comes with some issues. Issues like mood swings, hormonal imbalance, disturbed sleeping patterns, backache, and others. These are some prevalent issues that pregnant ladies often complain about. As the body adapts to accommodate the growing baby, expectant mothers often experience discomfort and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. This is where pregnancy pillows come to the rescue, offering comfort and benefits for both the mother and the unborn child. In Australia, the popularity of pregnancy pillows is on the rise, with more and more expectant mothers recognizing their importance in ensuring a restful and healthy pregnancy.
Why sleeping is vital in pregnancy?
Sleeping is crucial for everyone's well-being and health. Sleeping with the baby bump becomes even more challenging when you are pregnant. A night of good sleep can help the individual recover from the day's tiredness. Also, as the would-be mother is going through the turmoil of emotions and mood swings, it helps in relieving the mental stress that she might be undergoing. Lack of sleep during pregnancy has been linked to various complications, including gestational diabetes and preterm birth. This is where pregnancy pillows play a crucial role. These specially designed pillows support the changing contours of the pregnant body, helping women find a comfortable sleeping position and promoting better sleep quality. In Australia, where the demands of modern life can be particularly challenging, investing in a pregnancy pillow is increasingly becoming a must for expectant mothers.
Types of Pregnancy pillows that can help you sleep during pregnancy
There are different types of pregnancy pillows, that might fit the needs of the pregnant mother. Here are some options available in the market.
Wedge Pregnancy Pillows:
- Wedge pillows are smaller and can be placed under the belly, back, or between the knees to provide targeted support.
- These pillows are convenient for those who don't want a full-body pillow but still need relief in specific areas.
C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows:
- These pillows are shaped like a letter 'C' and are designed to simultaneously support the head, neck, back, and hips.
- C-shaped pregnancy pillows are versatile and can be used in various positions, making them popular among expectant mothers.
O-shaped pregnancy pillow:
- The O-shape pillow supports the body, enveloping the expectant mother in a cocoon of comfort.
- This design is especially advantageous for those who toss and turn at night, as the pillow ensures consistent support regardless of sleeping.
U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows:
- U-shaped pillows provide full-body support, cradling both the front and back of the body.
- This design is particularly beneficial for women who prefer sleeping on their sides, as it helps maintain proper spinal alignment.
Inflatable Pregnancy Pillows:
- Inflatable options are portable and can be adjusted for firmness, catering to individual comfort preferences.
- It is ideal for travelers or those who want a customizable level of support.
Butterfly-shaped Pregnancy Pillows:
- The central feature of the butterfly pillow is its hourglass shape, which distinguishes it from other pregnancy pillows.
- This shape allows the pillow to provide full-body support, addressing the unique needs of pregnant women.
What are the benefits of pregnancy pillows?
- There is extra pressure on the spine and back, and carrying the baby the whole day can be challenging. The excess weight and shifting center of gravity during pregnancy can lead to backaches and joint pain. Pregnancy pillows offer targeted support, relieving pressure on the spine and reducing aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
- Pregnancy pillows can help improve the sleep and sleeping patterns. As explained above, it can help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep by supporting key areas such as the back, hips, and abdomen.
- Many pregnant women experience acid reflux due to the pressure placed on the stomach by the growing uterus. Elevating the upper body with a pregnancy pillow can help prevent acid reflux and relieve related discomfort.
- By supporting the body's natural alignment, pregnancy pillows contribute to better circulation, benefiting both the mother and the baby.
- Pregnancy pillows have uses beyond pregnancy. They can be repurposed as nursing pillows, providing support for breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, these pillows offer postpartum comfort, aiding in recovery from childbirth.
How to choose the right pregnancy pillow for your pregnancy?
Selecting the right pregnancy pillow depends on individual preferences, sleeping habits, and specific areas of discomfort. Factors to consider include:
Size and Shape - Although the choice depends on the individual's preferences and the discomfort they experience. But here are some points to ponder. For example, wedge pillows are more compact and suitable for targeted support, and U-shaped pillows are great for full-body support.
Material - Pregnancy pillows come in various materials, including memory foam, polyester fiber, and inflatable options. Choosing the material can help determine the comfort you seek during your pregnancy.
Adjustability - Some pregnancy pillows allow you to customize the firmness or change the shape to suit your preferences.
Budget - Pregnancy pillows come in a range of price points. While investing in a quality pillow is essential, options are available to suit different budgets. Pregnancy pillows in Australia can be bought in various sizes and prices per the material and size.
Final Thought -
Buying pregnancy pillows is an excellent option for the pregnant mother for pregnancy and after delivery and breastfeeding the baby. It offers support to expectant mothers and provides improved sleep. Pregnancy butterfly pillows have shown that mothers can find comfort in their complete bodies during sleep, not just in the targeted areas. The butterfly shape ensures the spine is aligned correctly, contributing to overall spinal health. So, look for the material and shape of the pregnancy pillow as per your comfort and get a proper night's sleep or rest as per your daily routine.
