As your baby bump grows, your sleep shrinks faster than a deflating balloon at a birthday party! You start to yearn for a good night’s sleep and wishfully think that this will be the night that you’re able to drift off into dreamland. Sleeping during pregnancy is like playing a game of human Tetris, except instead of fitting shapes together, you’re trying to align your bump, back, and limbs so you can hit the sack.
This is where a pregnancy pillow enters to save the day (or in this case, night). Pregnancy pillows provide support to your belly, back, hips and pelvis so that you can sleep comfortably on your side. Pregnancy pillows come in different shapes and sizes which is why it’s important to pick one based on your individual needs.
Factors to consider when buying a pregnancy pillow
- Shape
C-shaped and U-shaped pregnancy pillows are the most common types followed by wedge-shaped and full-body pillows. C-shaped pillows take up less space and they support your head, neck and belly but they are more restrictive. You will need to shift the pillow if you want to switch sides during the night which disrupts your sleep. A U-shaped pillow is more suitable if you tend to toss and turn during the night.
A wedge pillow is small and provides support only in the targeted area and does not offer full body support which is important as your pregnancy advances. If you don’t move much in your sleep, then you could use multiple wedge pillows to support various areas. As the name suggests, full-body pillows run the length of your body and provide the most support. Each type of pillow offers a unique kind of support so it’s best to check expert advice on pregnancy pillows available in the market.
- Size
Take into account your height and body frame when selecting a pregnancy pillow. If you are taller, you will need a longer pillow to adequately support your entire body but if you are petite, you will find smaller pillows more comfortable. You should also take into account the size of your bed and how much space you have available for a pregnancy pillow. Larger pillows, such as U-shaped or full-length body pillows take up more space and could be challenging to accommodate if you have a smaller bed or share it with a spouse or partner.
- Filling
Polyester fiberfill is a common filling material used in many pregnancy pillows due to its affordability. While it is considered to be hypoallergenic, it can also contain phthalates. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics but the downside is that they are known endocrine disruptors. Studies show that maternal exposure to phthalates may be linked to neurodevelopmental issues in unborn babies. It is best to look for a pillow that uses natural materials like wool or bamboo or one that is labelled “phthalate-free”
- Ease of Cleaning
Your pregnancy pillow should come with a removable cover that can be taken off and washed in a standard washing machine as and when required. As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your pregnancy pillow cover on a biweekly basis. If you use the pillow every night, you will need to wash it every week to prevent the buildup of dirt, allergens, and bacteria.
- Versatility
Consider if you want a pillow that serves multiple purposes such as using it as a backrest while reading or watching TV. Many pregnancy pillows also provide nursing support after childbirth which means that you won’t have to buy a separate nursing pillow.
You should start using your pregnancy pillow early so that you have time to adjust to it. Sleep is important for your physical, mental and emotional health as well as the growth and development of your baby.
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