How to Use Your Pregnancy Pillow During Pregnancy
Why You Need a Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy needs
The philosophy and benefits of pregnancy pillows focus on several key features.
First is the need for good, comfortable sleep during pregnancy. This isn’t luxury shopping but an important component of maternal and fetal health. Research has shown that proper sleep positioning can make a big difference in preventing pregnancy complications, reducing physical strain, and contributing to better birth outcomes. Many pregnant women seek a way to get improved sleep: they need a pillow that is suited to this need.
Second is the understanding that the body's support needs become increasingly complex as pregnancy progresses. The growing bump, shifting center of gravity, tossing and turning during the night, and hormonal changes that loosen joints all take a toll and make it difficult for mothers-to-be to find the perfect position to sleep. Standard pillows do not support or fit pregnant women, as women want the full-body support that only pregnancy pillows can offer to sleep well.
Finally, there are different types of sleep during pregnancy. Every pregnancy can be special and unique, and support needs can vary from one woman to another.
What is a Pregnancy Pillow and Different Types
Pregnancy pillows, also known as maternity pillows, come in many shapes and sizes. Choosing the right one in your search for the right pregnancy and nursing pillow depends on your needs:
1. Regular full-body pillows. Regular pillows offer a bit of support. However, they are very bulky and inflexible.
2. U-shaped pregnancy pillow. These can be used to support your whole body as they go around your back and down your body. Like most traditional types of pillows, though, they are rather bulky. As a result, they may end up taking up your whole bed.
3. Wedge pillow. Different from a body pillow, these are shaped in a way that supports your back and lumbar region. So, you may need more than one to fit your needs.
4. C-shaped pillows. A cut-down version of the U-shaped pillow, the C-shaped pillow takes up less space while offering most of the support.
5. Noodle pillows. These are flexible enough to turn into any shape you like, giving you everything you need. This feature makes them indispensable during and after the pregnancy. It’s a key part of finding better comfort during pregnancy.
When You Need and How To Sleep on a Pregnancy Pillow
When should you start using a pregnancy pillow? We’ll assume you’ve opted to choose a noodle pillow, as this can be shaped into any type you wish, depending on the trimester, your body type, and personal preference; but do you know when to use it?
First Trimester
During early pregnancy, your noodle pillow becomes your everyday companion. You can use it to rest your head and support your neck while side sleeping, which becomes increasingly important as pregnancy progresses.
When placed behind your back, the pillow provides lower back support when sitting at a desk and helps you keep proper posture from behind during those long workdays.
Place it between your knees below your hips for proper hip alignment to prevent back pain and relieve discomfort. If you struggle with morning sickness, create a gentle curve and move it around your abdomen. This allows for comfort during rest.
Second Trimester
As your growing belly gets bigger, you’ll learn firsthand how your pregnancy pillow becomes your best friend.
Shape it into a C-curve to support both your back and your growing bump. If you experience pregnancy-related heartburn, double up the pillow to lift your head position and share your weight in a balanced way, or guide it around your body so you don’t roll onto your back while sleeping—sleeping positions become increasingly important as pregnancy progresses. This can also help reduce heartburn.
Oh, and you can use your pregnancy pillow for lumbar support if you enjoy light exercise during your pregnancy.
You’ll find there are lots of ways to use your pillow and lots of pregnancy pillow positions that you can fit into your daily life.
Third Trimester
The final trimester is when maximum body support becomes absolutely necessary. Thankfully, the noodle pillow just rises to the challenge.
Create an S-shape to support your belly, back, and legs. The pillow can be positioned under the right or left side of your bump when you side-sleep to reduce strain and pressure on your growing stomach.
Many women create a small, supportive nest around their bodies when finding a comfortable sleeping position throughout the night.
You can also use the pillow as an excellent prop during relaxation exercises and stretches without it being a problem.
Care and Maintenance Tips to Consider
It’s easy to use a pregnancy pillow and to keep it in perfect condition.
Simply follow the manufacturer's washing instructions to maintain the pillow's best shape and support. Air your pillow regularly for extra freshness, especially during the postpartum period when the pillow is used frequently.
Store your pillow in a clean, dry place when not in use, and check for wear and tear. While these pillows are designed for durability, their support may gradually diminish over time. Replace your pregnancy pillow when it no longer provides adequate support.
Making the Most of Your Investment
Your pregnancy pillow will make your pregnancy journey feel better, more free, more fun, and more relaxed. When you need support, it will help you get comfortable even in different positions, giving you better sleep and maximizing your feeling of well-being in your everyday life.
Pregnancy pillows, especially noodle ones like the Coop Original, are particularly adaptable and will be useful throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Your baby will enjoy the security, privacy, and support of a pregnancy pillow. The pillow will evolve with your changing needs to remain useful long after your pregnancy ends.
As your body changes throughout pregnancy, remember to listen to its new needs and adjust the pillow's position accordingly. You may find that what provides perfect support one week needs modification the next as your body grows and changes. The beauty of a noodle-style pillow lies in its full adaptability, as it’s always ready to provide precisely the support you need, exactly when you need it.
For both first-time mothers and those adding to their families, a pregnancy pillow can help improve comfort and the quality of your night’s sleep during pregnancy, as well as stop aches and pains. It will also be a useful component of your post-partum toolkit, making it a wise investment in your overall well-being. Pregnancy pillows are designed to help relieve pressure and support the body in ways that will help prevent physical discomfort.
If you are interested in buying a product like our pregnancy pillow, check out Coop’s Original Maternity Adjustable Pillow and the relevant internet reviews. Our pillow is designed to grow with your little one from pre- to postpartum and beyond. It is hypoallergenic, GREENGUARD Gold, and CertiPUR-US® certified, and made with Oomph™, our legendary memory foam and microfiber blend, for fully adjustable comfort and support. Contact us for further information, or shop now and get 20% off on your first order!