How to sleep on a pregnancy pillow: choosing the right position

A pregnant woman needs to sleep at least 8 hours a day. This has a beneficial effect not only on her body, but also on the health of the unborn child. Proper rest allows the fetus to develop normally from the first days of uterine life. However, mommy cannot always find a comfortable position for sleeping; she suffers from insomnia, feels tired and exhausted. A special pillow for pregnant women will solve problems with sleeping throughout the night.

U Shape Pillow

General sleep rules for pregnant women

For obvious reasons, sleeping on the stomach is prohibited; doctors' recommendations boil down to sleeping on the left or right side. Obstetricians believe that this position contributes to the correct flow of physiological processes in the womb. Sleeping on the left side is recommended because it is beneficial for the heart of the expectant mother and child.

Also, some doctors believe that the sleeping position on the right side can contribute to impaired blood flow in the pelvis, which in turn complicates the child’s intrauterine nutrition. It is difficult to imagine sleeping on one side during pregnancy; for this reason, alternating sides is considered useful.

Sometimes, the baby may be located in the stomach not along, but across. Then it is advised to sleep on the side on which the baby’s head is located. If the ultrasound showed that the baby is lying with his pelvis down, then it is advisable to change positions during sleep.

How to lie on a pregnancy pillow correctly

How to choose a comfortable pillow for pregnant women so that your body is completely relaxed while sleeping on it, your muscles are rested, and your sleep is sound and healthy:

1. Most pillow models are designed for side sleeping. Place your head on the rounded section of the product so that your neck is on the roller. The rounded part of the pillow perfectly relieves the thoracic spine and relaxes the shoulders.
2. In order to give your lower back rest, you need to place a cushion with the long part under your stomach. This way the muscles will relax as much as possible and the tone will go away.
3. The favorite position of pregnant women is one leg under the ottoman, the other on it. At the same time, blood flow in the legs is restored, bringing the vessels to their normal state. Stagnation of lymph in the lower extremities will disappear, however, provided that the position of the body changes regularly.
4. Pillows with bolsters under the back perfectly relieve stress on this part of the body, and during pregnancy this is important. After sleep, women get up rested, cheerful and in a good mood.

Despite the numerous advantages of bolsters for pregnant women, it is necessary to maintain a rest and wakefulness regime.

Important! The product will not save you from edema if a woman drinks a lot of liquid at night or does not use a bandage if she has a large belly and puts strain on her back muscles.

Sleeping position

Sleep rules for each trimester

During the first trimester, you are still allowed to sleep on your back; you can lie like this until the 16th week. Until the 12th week you can still sleep on your stomach; the uterus does not enlarge by this time, so there are no restrictions on sleeping positions. The side position is acceptable at any time.

From the second trimester you should switch to a position on your side. Lying on your back is dangerous in terms of the possibility of causing compression of the vena cava, which causes swelling and headaches. For the baby, the danger lies in the disruption of blood circulation in the uterus.

In the later stages, sleeping on the left side is considered best. Changing the position to the right side is allowed; it is better to sleep on it for a short time. And the baby is unlikely to allow his mother to lie on him for a long time; from the discomfort caused, he will begin to kick.

Product shape

Now you can find many attributes for pregnant women, having different shapes, filling and covering material. The pillow must be selected individually based on the needs of the expectant mother.

Horseshoe

This attribute is otherwise called horseshoeing. The product has several significant advantages:

1. It can be used for daytime relaxation.
2. If a girl likes to roll over in her sleep, then there is no need to carry the attribute with her, because it covers her on both sides.
3. Ideal for those expectant mothers who are used to wrapping themselves in a blanket like a cocoon.
4. The horseshoe evenly distributes the load on the back.

Disadvantages of bedding:

1. You can’t sleep with your beloved man in your arms.
2. For horseshoeing you need a spacious bed.

Bagel-shaped

No less popular is the pillow in the shape of a bagel. There are many advantages of how to use a pregnancy pillow:

1. You can sleep with it on a small bed.
2. You can choose to place the head, back or stomach.
3. The product completely envelops the body of the expectant mother.

Disadvantages of sleep aids:

1. If a girl turns over in her sleep, her back will be without support, and her stomach will rest against the back of the pillow. In this case, it will have to be shifted.

The standard product has dimensions of 340x35 cm.

G shaped

This product began to be produced for pregnant girls quite recently; in appearance it looks like a bagel. It will be very convenient to feed a newborn on the attribute in the future. Pros of the bagel:

1. Comfortable for daytime use.
2. The pillow allows a woman to take a comfortable position while sleeping: the attribute can be clasped with her legs, her head can be placed on the pillow, the product can be placed under her stomach, or she can lean her back.
3. Bagel helps relieve muscle tension.

Disadvantages of the product:

1. Not all girls are comfortable with the attribute extension.
2. The tail of the letter G can interfere with sleep.

Standard product size: 350x35 cm.

Banana shaped

This product is shaped like the letter C. Positive characteristics of the attribute:

1. The product is small in size and convenient to take with you when traveling.
2. During the day you can relax well, reclining or sitting.
3. It is comfortable to sleep on your side.
4. Good support for the stomach and back.
5. Doesn't take up much space.

The product has virtually no negative reviews. On the market of goods for pregnant women, the attribute is presented in sizes for girls taller than 160 cm: 190X30 cm, and for women of smaller height, products measuring 170X30 cm are suitable.

Size Big

This is a special device for pregnant women, which is very popular. Having chosen this product, there will be no questions left regarding which pillow to choose for pregnant women. Pros Big:

1. You can easily take it with you on a trip, thanks to its optimal size.
2. Compact and small size.
3. The back, stomach, and head rest comfortably on it.
4. The product allows a pregnant girl to fully restore strength during the day and rest at night.

The attribute may not be suitable for some girls for the following reasons:

1. If you turn on the other side at night, you will need to take the product with you.
2. Unaccustomed to this, discomfort in the neck joints may appear.

The standard dimensions of the pillow are 280x35 cm.

"L" shaped

The product is a long roller, approximately 230 cm long, with a rounded part for the head. Advantages of using the product:

1. It is comfortable to rest on it in any position.
2. Doesn't take up much space.

The downside of the attribute is that it is small and will not give a woman the same comfort as, for example, a bagel or a horseshoe.

Sleep roller

A bolster-shaped pillow is very popular among the fair sex. There are many reasons for this:

1. Low cost.
2. Relieves muscle fatigue.
3. Allows the body to rest.
4. Relieves the load on the neck joints and spine.
5. Compact size.

This orthopedic sleep option is recommended to many mothers by gynecologists. The product has practically no disadvantages. The standard dimensions of the roller are 170X30 or 190X30 cm. Manufacturers of products for pregnant women care about their customers, so in stores you can find a wide range of products for those who are preparing to become a mother. There is no answer to the question of which product is optimal for a pregnant woman, because the pillow must be selected individually. When choosing a pillow, you should take into account the woman’s physique and her financial capabilities.

Pillow models and how to sleep on them

To solve sleep problems in pregnant women, special types of pillows are made; their use can significantly improve comfort. The choice of pillows should be based on the anatomical characteristics of the woman herself; accordingly, the shape and size are important. The forms of existing products will be described below:

• in the shape of the letter P, the most comfortable, one side supports the back, and the other a woman can hug and throw her leg over it;

• in the shape of the letter G, similar to the previous version, supplemented with a pillow for the abdomen, it is acceptable to sleep on it in a reclining position, even in the later stages;

• in the shape of the letter L, similar to the first type, but placed not under the head, but between the legs;

• in the shape of a cocktail tube. It is small in size and is used to place under the head or between the knees;

• C-shaped - you need to place it against your back, it reduces the load from the lower back.

Note! The most comfortable sleep will be ensured if you use several pillows at once on different areas, under the stomach, lower back and to hug the knees.

How to use a pregnancy pillow

Depending on the shape of the roller, it can be used in different ways. For example, a roller product is simply hugged from above, and the lower part is passed between the legs. In this case, you can rest your head on an ordinary thought. How to use soft G-shaped pregnancy pillows? On one side, they have space where it is convenient to turn with your stomach, and on the other, there is a comfortable cushion that supports your back.

Option for using an ottoman

Form C is similar to the previous one, but does not have a bolster under the back. It is convenient to place your stomach, head and legs on such a thought. You can stretch your legs straight, place a soft object under them, or bend your knees and place them along the curve of the pillow. The U-shape allows you not only to take various sleeping positions, but also serves as a kind of cradle for the baby during feeding or rocking.

How not to sleep during pregnancy and why

Expectant mothers should not sleep on their stomach after the 12th week; strong pressure on the stomach can have a bad effect on the baby. Until this time, sleeping on the stomach does not affect the child, he is still too small and is protected by the muscles of the uterus.

Continuing to sleep on your stomach after 12 weeks will lead to disruption of the blood supply to the placenta, which can lead to oxygen starvation. The result may be developmental problems for the child.

Sleeping on your back is possible until the 20th week. Lying on your back in later stages can lead to a decrease or increase in the blood pressure of the expectant mother.

If an ultrasound showed the presence of several children, you should stop sleeping on your back and stomach after the twelfth week. This can have a harmful effect on both mother and child.

If the baby's head is too low, then you should not sleep on your back either.

Using a nursing pillow. How to feed a newborn?

To make the feeding process as enjoyable and comfortable as possible for yourself and your baby, we recommend using special feeding pillows. They allow you to free your hands and reduce the load on the spine and cervical regions. They also contribute to the proper formation and development of the newborn’s spine.

To find a comfortable position, wrap the pillow around you, resting your back on one edge, and place the other edge on your knees, where you can comfortably lay the baby and, if necessary, transfer it from one breast to the other.

Large pillows in the following shapes are perfect for this position: horseshoe, bagel, G-shaped and J-shaped. Small shapes: “banana pillow” and long bolster pillow, suitable for feeding while lying on your side. Large pillows are also suitable for this position.

It is worth consulting with your pediatrician which feeding position is best for your baby.

Using a pillow to play with your baby

A maternity pillow can also be used as a cozy “nest” for your baby to sleep on your bed during the day. And also as a barrier so that a grown-up mischievous person, crawling, does not accidentally fall while you are away on your own business.

These devices will also help you when teaching your child to sit.

Both adult children and husband will like soft products!

Maternity pillows are helpful both during pregnancy and after birth. Of course, there are no absolutely clear rules for its use. Every mother takes into account the general recommendations, but still looks for and finds the most comfortable position for herself and the child. Therefore, experiment with the pillow, listening to your own feelings.

Features of multifunctional pillows for pregnant women

The use of this product helps relieve tension from a woman’s body and helps her become more comfortable. They can be used at any time.

Several positive properties of this product can be noted at once. The meaning of their use is:

• sleep will not be accompanied by fatigue in the back area;

• legs that are subjected to heavy loads during the day due to increased weight will be able to rest;

• the position of the abdomen is optimal;

• The pillows are made light, the materials used are pleasant to the body, and they have pillowcases that can be washed. Some models have pockets in which you can put necessary things;

• They can be used even after the baby is born; they are convenient for feeding the baby.

How to choose

Which pillow for pregnant women is better can be found out based only on your own experience. Criteria such as cost, personal preferences and anatomical features can influence the choice.

In addition, when choosing, you should consider the following details.

1. Size and dimensions. It is necessary to take into account the height and size of the bed.
2. Multifunctionality - the purchase must serve during the prenatal and postpartum periods.
3. The device should be pleasant to the touch and elastic, restore its shape after pressure.
4. Seam quality. Smooth and tight seams, without protruding threads, are the key to the durability of the accessory.
5. A mandatory condition is a quality certificate.

Purpose

Why use these pillows, what do they contribute? First of all, the woman’s blood circulation is normalized, which has a positive effect on both the woman and the baby. It can also be noted:

• the stomach and back are supported;

• the load on the spine is distributed evenly;

• cervical spine is supported;

• prevention of edema;

• complete relaxation of the muscle corset.

Using such pillows, a woman can get complete rest:

• lying on them you can sleep in a comfortable position, read, watch TV;

• the load on the body decreases, which is important when the abdomen enlarges;

• the discomfort and inconvenience that accompanies sleep and rest during pregnancy will no longer disturb you;

• They are also convenient when traveling by car.

How to use

Despite the many types, there are general recommendations for using bedding.

1. Sleeping on your side - place the accessory parallel to the body in front, leaning your tummy on it, throwing your leg and arm over it. This pose helps improve blood circulation and unload the spine.
2. To rest while sitting, place it under your back and lean on your elbows. This position supports the back and relieves the muscles.
3. For relaxation, place it under your back, with your stomach or legs in a comfortable position.
4. To feed the baby, the accessory is wrapped around, so one edge provides support for the spine, the second is located on the knees, frees up the hands and reduces the load on the shoulders.

Types of fillers and fabrics

Expanded polystyrene, polyester fiber, and natural materials are used as fillers.

Polyester fiber

Comforel is usually chosen from polyester fiber. This is a soft filler in the form of hollow siliconized fibers, they are twisted into the shape of balls with a diameter of 5-7 mm. This filler is hypoallergenic and does not harbor pests. The pillow retains its shape well and is sold at a reasonable price.

Polystyrene foam balls

Expanded polystyrene looks like small balls; they are treated with a safe substance, which protects against the appearance of field ticks, harmful microorganisms, and fungi in this bedding.

This is an environmentally friendly, water-repellent, non-allergenic material. It adapts well to the curves of the human body and is easy to care for. But it has a high cost.

Natural fillers

Buckwheat husk is used as a natural filler; it rustles when moved. Natural fluff and wool, they quickly lose their shape. All natural fillers are dangerous because they contain pests and can cause allergies.

These pillows have two layers, the first one uses calico or satin fabric. For pillowcases, choose linen, cotton, velor, knitted fabric.

It is important to know!

Even if you have this accessory and know how to sleep on a pregnancy pillow, you should not neglect doctors’ recommendations regarding mandatory exercises to maintain the body, wearing support bandages, as well as diets that reduce the risk of possible complications. Not a single pillow, even the best quality one, will help to avoid swelling if you allowed yourself an extra liter of water or juice before going to bed, or did not monitor your posture, weight and exercise.

← Which pregnancy pillow to choose? Which nursing pillow to choose - best tips →

Product care

Having purchased a product, it is better to wash the pillowcase first. The pillowcase should be washed periodically and after use. Products with holofiber are washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle and at a temperature of 40 degrees.

If polystyrene foam is used, then load the pillow into the machine, placing a pillowcase or cover so that the balls do not scatter in the machine if the product breaks. Then the temperature is set to 60 degrees.

Important! Over time, the product shrinks, then you can supplement it with filler, which can be purchased separately.

Is it possible to sew a pillow for pregnant women with your own hands?

It’s easy to make your own pillow for a pregnant woman. To do this, you need to stock up on two types of fabric - one for the inner cover, the second for the outer pillowcase. You will also need filler, thread, zipper or buttons:

1. Lay out the fabric for the inner cover on a flat surface, attach the pattern (you can look it up on the Internet), trace it, taking into account the seam allowances, and cut it out.
2. Do the same with the material for the pillowcase. The pillowcase should stretch freely over the pillow, since a cover that is too tight will crumple the product and the seams will begin to unravel.
3. Sew the entire length of the inner cover using a regular straight stitch, leaving a small hole for the filling.
4. Fill the case with holofiber or other material and sew up the hole by hand.
5. Sew the pillowcase in the same way, sew a zipper into it, or leave the place where the buttons will be sewn unsewn.
6. Put on a pillowcase.

Ottoman pattern

Recommendations for women: how to sleep on different pillow shapes

How to use a pillow for pregnant women to get the maximum benefit, you can receive instructions upon purchase. After all, each type may be slightly different. You can consult your doctor. It is important to consider the types of products to understand which will be the most comfortable.

Banana

Banana, which can also be called a boomerang, is the most popular option. It is also used after the birth of the baby for convenient feeding. It is comfortable to sleep on and sit for a long time. Supports the thoracic and lumbar spine, arms and neck.

U-shaped

The horseshoe shape is also very popular. It helps support your back and stomach. When you need to roll over, you don’t need to change the position of the pillow; it takes up a lot of space.

Bagel

It takes up little space, provides abdominal support, and is convenient to take with you, for example, when driving in a car.

Pillow G

Provides support for the abdomen, back and legs. It can quickly relieve tension, it is easy to get comfortable on it, just like the previous small one.

Pillow G

The most affordable option, there are 2 positions to choose from. In the first, the bend of the letter G is used under the head, in the second, under the legs. It is made very long, which is convenient for tall people; support occurs only on one side.

Roller

This option allows you to make it to a convenient shape. Thus, it can be placed under any part of the body. Gives rest to the spine, stomach, back, and has an affordable price.

What types of pillows are there for pregnant women?

Maternity pillows come in different shapes. The most popular is the U-shaped product. It allows you to take the most comfortable position while sleeping. Ottomans in the shape of the letters C, G, G, I are also popular. Each woman chooses one according to her preferences and body parameters.

Important! To choose the type of pillow, you can contact your treating gynecologist - the doctor will tell you which shape is suitable for a particular girl.

U-shaped or horseshoe

“Horseshoe” has earned the special love of pregnant women. It ideally supports the body from all sides, does not allow the stomach to sag, and, most importantly, ensures a calm, healthy sleep. During the manufacture of the product, symmetry is maintained, so in your sleep you can twist and turn in all directions without fear of losing your state of comfort.

Advantages:

• relieves stress from intervertebral discs;
• supports the entire body throughout the night;
• supports the stomach even in late stages;
• gives rest to a sore back;
• provides comfort to feet tired during the day;
• evenly distributes the load on the back muscles;
• does not require turning the product over.

The only negative of the product is the size. It takes up quite a lot of space on the bed.

The most popular ottoman model

Bagel

The bagel is also quite convenient to use by pregnant women. It perfectly relaxes the muscles of the back and legs not only at night, but also during the daytime rest. It’s nice to watch TV, read or listen to an audiobook, or take a nap with him. Pros of the bagel:

1. Takes up little space on the bed/sofa.
2. Supports all areas of the body, maximizing the load on the spinal discs.
3. It has a special recess for a protruding tummy, which is very convenient when resting at night.

The bagel has one drawback - when turning it over to the other side, you have to turn the pillow over too.

G-shaped or snail

“Snail” appeared on the markets recently. Its main advantages:

• compact, does not take up much space on the bed;
• allows you to sleep alone with your spouse;
• perfectly supports the back, head, stomach, legs during sleep.

The downside of the “snail”, like the bagel, is that when turning it over to the other side, the pillow must also be turned over.

C-shaped or banana

Pregnant girls call this shape a banana or crescent. She performs well during a night's rest, especially women with large bellies who are carrying babies in late stages love her.

C-shaped ottoman

Advantages:

• does not take up a large area on the bed;
• convenient to take on trips;
• You can easily turn it over to the other side thanks to its convenient shape and lightness.

This form is in demand due to its compactness and comfortable body position when resting.

Big

A big hug pillow is a godsend for girls expecting a baby. It is made in the shape of a hook or a figure seven, one end is shorter than the other. Similar to a U-shaped product, but saves much more space on the bed. Excellently relaxes the back muscles, especially the spinal and cervical regions, which suffer more than others during pregnancy.

Normalizes blood flow, gives complete rest to a tired body and sound sleep. The product is used not only in its original form - it can be twisted/rolled for a reclining, lying or sitting position. A pillow is indispensable if a woman feels tired or has pain in her limbs, wants to take a nap or lie down during a headache.

L-shaped

The “Hug” in the form of the letter “G” is identical to the big type. They have similar design and characteristics. The G-shaped pillow is quite compact, suitable for small or narrow beds/sofas, as it has medium parameters and one rounded end.

L-shaped ottoman

The product is comfortable to wrap around your legs, which gives them invaluable rest and restores blood flow, preventing the occurrence of varicose veins. The disadvantage is that when turning over, the “hug” also needs to be transferred to the other side.

I-shape or roller

The shape, called a roller, is in great demand among expectant mothers. They love it for its simple shape, compactness, and lightness. It is easy to turn it over in your sleep if you want to lie on the other side. The ottoman can be hugged with your arms or placed between your legs to relieve them of the load accumulated during the day.

Subsequently, it can be used as a support for feeding a baby or as bumpers for a crib. The ottoman has one drawback - it needs to be turned over behind you when changing body position to the other side.

About the benefits of products in reviews of women and specialists

Pregnant women, after spending one night on such a pillow, immediately notice the benefits of the product. Sleep becomes comfortable, the body rests. Previously, some women noted that it was almost impossible to sleep; the pillow completely corrected this situation.

Experts advise not to delay the purchase, but to start using it from the first trimester. After all, relaxing the muscles of the body is useful at any time.

Pregnancy is an important event in life, and so that it proceeds easily and there are fewer difficulties, it is necessary to take care of the comfort of the pregnant woman. It is useful for a pregnant woman to sleep on a special pillow; it has a positive effect on both the baby and the expectant mother herself. By choosing the best option, it will be easy to avoid many problems.

Pillows to improve the quality of night's rest during pregnancy

In such conditions, it is difficult to fully rest, so doctors advise taking a comfortable position, using several pillows that can be placed under the head, stomach, lower back, and between the knees. Their number may be unlimited, but in today's conditions it is enough to purchase one functional product that will effectively replace everything at once.

Using a pillow for pregnant women is quite simple, the main thing is to approach the decision wisely and choose the ideal option for your loved one.

Purpose and features of additional sleep accessories

A special pillow can provide invaluable assistance to a pregnant woman:

• ease the load on the body by relieving tension and pain from the legs, lower back, back, neck;
• evenly distribute the load on the spine;
• restore blood circulation and eliminate swelling of the limbs;
• find the correct and most comfortable position for relaxing, watching TV, eating, reading and sleeping.

Being a multifunctional product, a sleeping pillow will be useful not only during pregnancy, but also after the birth of the baby.

With its help you will be able to:

• organize breastfeeding, reducing the load on the muscles of the back and arms;
• arrange an area for play and relaxation for the baby;
• teach the baby to roll over, hold up his head, sit, etc.

By eliminating the physiological factors of sleep and rest disturbances, you can also get rid of the psycho-emotional causes.

Attention! To get a tangible result, it is important to choose the right accessory, having previously decided on the size, shape, as well as the quality of textiles and filling. The modern market offers products that look like a horseshoe, boomerang, bagel, banana, snail

Types and descriptions of individual models

Despite similar needs and physiological characteristics, the needs of each expectant mother are individual. Taking this fact into account, manufacturers sew with high quality and produce a wide variety of models of pillows for pregnant women.

How can you not sleep in the early and late stages of pregnancy?

How can you not sleep during pregnancy in the early and late stages, and why is it harmful? Starting from the 15th week of pregnancy, it is not recommended to sleep on your stomach. This leads to compression of the uterus and the fetus in it. The uteroplacental blood flow is disrupted, hypoxia may develop, which in the future is manifested by delayed growth and development of the child, less often by defects of internal organs and systems and other anomalies. The most severe case is mechanical damage to the fetus and its intrauterine death.

From the 28th week of pregnancy it is forbidden to lie on your back. Preference should be given to the side position. Two strong formations in a woman’s body are the uterus and the spinal column. When lying on the back, they compress all the organs located between them, leading to many violations of their functions.

Compression of the inferior vena cava entails a reduction in the return of venous blood to the heart, a sharp decrease in the volume of circulating blood. Acute blood loss is observed in the body of a pregnant woman. Compression of the abdominal aorta leads to even more catastrophic consequences. The afterload on the heart is maximum, which contributes to a significant increase in blood pressure (up to 200-250 mm Hg). Under such conditions, cardiac arrest or hemorrhagic stroke may occur.

Compression of the kidneys and ureters is no less dangerous. This leads to stagnation of blood and waste products. A favorable environment is created for the proliferation of many microorganisms that contribute to infection of the kidney tissue and the development of pyelonephritis.