How to choose a pillow for pregnant women

Women waiting for the baby should take care of quality sleep. Because of the growing abdomen, choosing a comfortable pose is not easy. Special pillows for pregnant women will come to the rescue, the existence of which you did not even suspect before a new life was born inside you. We will tell you how to choose a pillow that is right for you.

Why do I need a special pillow for pregnant women?

A pillow for pregnant women is not just a woman’s whim. Experts are convinced that during pregnancy you need to use a pillow specially designed for expectant mothers. Here are its main advantages:

• allows a pregnant woman to find a comfortable posture for sleeping, relaxing, reading, watching TV, eating;
• reduces the burden on the body of the expectant mother, which is especially true from the 2nd trimester, when the stomach is noticeably rounded. The pillow can be used as a support for the lower back, rounded sides or tired legs;
• you can put such a pillow under your stomach and you will not feel discomfort, as is the case with the usual models;
• its use will reduce the load on the spine, as it is distributed evenly;
• even after the baby is born, it will come in handy: you can rely on it when feeding or make a kind of playpen for the baby from the pillow so that he does not fall out of bed.

After the birth of a baby with a pillow, you can:

• Free your hands to ease the load on the spinal muscles during feeding. This is especially true if the baby eats slowly.
• Create a cozy "nest" for games and even baby sleep.
• Make the feeding process as convenient as possible even for twins.
• Reduce the burden on the hands.
• Help your child learn how to sit, etc.

Pillows for pregnant women differ in fabric (the cover that covers the pillow is easily removable and easy to wash in the washing machine), shape, filler (which allows the pillow to perfectly follow the contours of your body), as well as in quality and price. Making the right choice is not so easy. However, taking note of our advice, you will not lose.

Shaped Pillows

There are many forms, each of which has its own characteristics. Briefly describe the main forms of pillows, which will help you make the right choice.

U-shaped

This pillow resembles a horseshoe in shape, therefore it is sometimes called as such. She is considered one of the most popular options for pregnant women. Will this pillow bring you happiness and good sleep? Let's look at its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of a U-shaped pillow:

• evenly supports the stomach and back;
• perfect for those who like to wrap themselves in a blanket at night, as if in a cocoon;
• you don’t have to shift it when you roll over, as it covers from two sides.

And now for the cons. Its disadvantages are as follows:

• need a spacious bed, since the dimensions of the pillow are quite large;
• you are unlikely to sleep in a hug with your loved one.

We will clarify about the size that this pillow is presented in two versions. If your height is more than 160 cm, the 340x35 model is suitable for you. Miniature girls choose a pillow size of 280x35.

"Bagel"

A pillow of this shape will allow you to comfortably sit not only for a night's sleep, but also for watching a movie or reading a book. Its size is usually 340x35. Its advantages are as follows:

• the pillow completely covers your body;
• you can place your head, back or stomach on it;
• it is suitable for a small bed, as opposed to a “horseshoe” ;.

Although the “bagel" has its drawbacks, a significant minus is only one:

• the back when turning the woman to the other side is without support, and the belly of the future mother rests on the back of the pillow, which leads to the need to turn this accessory.

G-shaped

This species has recently appeared on sale, but has already managed to gain popularity among the fair sex. The size of such a pillow is 350x35. That's why you should choose her:

• a pillow will help you relax, relieve muscle tension;
• you can sleep as you want: put it under your head, grab your legs, lean your back, tuck under your stomach;
• perfect for daytime relaxation.

But this type of pillow has a drawback:

• The “appendix,” that is, the tail of the letter G, may interfere with your sleep.

C-shaped

A banana pillow, as it is also called, is also specially designed for pregnant women. In addition, it is made taking into account the growth of the expectant mother. If it is more than 160 cm, the size is 190x30, and miniature women should choose the option 170x30. Main advantages:

• it does not require much space;
• support the back and stomach;
• provide a good sleep on one side, which is especially true in the later stages;
• allow you to relax in the afternoon reclining or half-sitting;
• The small size of the pillow makes it comfortable for traveling.

Future mothers rarely remain unhappy with her purchase - there are no significant shortcomings.

L-shaped

This pillow is a long cushion in shape, the length of which is 230 cm. Its upper part is rounded especially for the head. Advantages of this form:

• does not require a lot of space;
• in any situation it will be convenient.

Its minus is that when you turn over from side to side, you will need to shift the pillow.

I-shaped

A special pillow-cushion for women in position is very popular. Usually it comes in the following two sizes - 170x30 and 190x30. It is chosen because of the following advantages:

• it is compact;
• thanks to her, your body will have a good rest;
• allows you to unload the neck joints and spine;
• helps muscles relax;
• inexpensively.

This pillow does not take up much space and helps you relax. Her big flaws were not noticed.

Fillers

Opinions on which filler is better differ. The choice is usually among two options: polystyrene foam and holofiber.

Expanded polystyrene - A very interesting filler, which is a small ball. It is absolutely safe, it is not threatened by ticks, mold and various microorganisms. A pillow filled with polystyrene foam will take on the contours of your body, which will allow you to get comfortable. In addition, it does not spring.

Styrofoam Pillows:

• very light;
• hypoallergenic;
• environmentally friendly;
• water repellent;
• do not absorb odors;
• not attractive to ticks, molds, and other microorganisms;
• durable.

Styrofoam pillows can be easily washed and dried. The main disadvantage of these products is their high cost, although it is justified by quality.

Hollofiber - hollow fibers of small size, connected at high temperatures.The advantages of such a pillow are its easy care, a long service life, as well as the possibility of washing it at home.

• hypoallergenic;
• eco-friendly;
• water repellent;
• does not absorb odors;
• It is not attractive for “colonization with parasites and ticks”;
• durable
• retains its shape, so that each pillow is pleasantly springy.

Types of Tissues

A necessary condition for quality pillows is their layering.

The first layer of fabric enveloping holofiber or expanded polystyrene should be sufficiently dense. It hugs the inner filler and does not allow it to freely penetrate tissue fibers. Most often, satin or calico is used to make the cover.

The second layer is a removable pillowcase. This is a durable, pleasant to the touch and in most cases natural fabric that you can choose at your discretion.

If you plan to use the pillow while feeding the baby, pay attention to how easily the pillowcase is removed and washed, because the baby can inadvertently stain it with his stool or excess milk.

The following fabric options are used in pillowcases for pregnant women:

• Coton;
• Linen;
• Knitwear;
• Velours.

A feature of velor is that it allows you to organically fit into the home interior. Flax is especially good to use in the summer. And cotton and knitwear can be called universal materials.

You can choose a bright, saturated or restrained, pastel color of the pillowcase according to your mood.

Issue price

The price depends on the manufacturer and the shape of the pillow. For example, a bagel and a U-shaped model will cost you about 3 thousand rubles. Pillows in the form of the letter G are in the middle price category, that is, they are somewhat cheaper. And the “I” - and “G” -shaped models differ in the lowest prices.

As for manufacturers, pillows at an affordable price are offered by the companies “Bio Pillow”, “Theraline”, “BioSon” and “Fest”. Red Castle, Farla, and Mothercare are slightly more expensive.

How to use

You may have a legitimate question about how to use such a pillow. At first, it may not seem very convenient for you, but after a few nights, unusual sensations completely disappear. We recommend using the following tips on how to sleep on a new pillow.

• You can deploy her in the way that suits you best, adjust it for yourself. Choose the option of its location that suits you. During sleep, placing a pillow under the stomach, side, or on the side - between the legs.
• Try your purchase before going to bed. Fold pillow, twist it in different directions, and you will see how elastic and elastic it is.
• Tell the gynecologistwatching you about your acquisition. He will give you advice on how to take the most convenient benefit just for your term. In addition, he will tell you which pillow will be optimal in your case.
• Use your purchase after delivery, in particular for feeding a newborn. For this purpose, wrap such a pillow around you with one edge under the back and the other on the knees. This will unload your spine, give it support. In addition, your hands will be released, which will allow you to lay the baby on a soft feather bed and change when breastfeeding.
• Even if the baby is already grown, a pillow will come in handy. It can be used by laying on the edge of your sofa and it will serve as an excellent a barrier to the child. This will allow you to leave for a few minutes on business, without worrying that the baby will fall. or use a pillow when the baby is sleeping, playing, learning to crawl or sit.

READ ALSO:How to sleep a pregnant woman? Can I sleep on my stomach, back, and on which side is better

Using the pillow correctly, you will sleep soundly at night and feel great during the day. Remember that not only your health, but also the development of the baby depends on this. After he is born, she will be useful to him. And this pillow will remind you of pregnancy. The comfort provided at this time may awaken in you the desire to give birth to another baby.And then the purchase will again be useful to the expectant mother.

READ ALSO:Insomnia during pregnancy - the main causes and how to deal with it

Reviews from forums

Katia: I first bought in a boomerang shape. And everything would be great, but from side to side with this bandura it is inconvenient to turn around at night. After I bought U, I’m very, very happy, I’m sleeping in a cradle, my lower back has stopped hurting. It is only necessary to take into account the size of the bed, such a pillow takes up a lot of space)

Eve: Take U, it’s really the best, they wrote it right here, you sleep as if in a crib, and you are tormented by these arcs and L-shaped ones tossing and turning on the bed. I have a L-shaped in the living room, I look at the TV set on the sofa, and only U sleeps, it’s more expensive, but worth it. By the way, I bought at the factory, there they advised me to take NOT with balls and let me lie down on the sofa))) - try.

Mashka: Oh and I now have this MIRACLE PILLOW too !! I sleep again like a normal person! I already love her) Just a mega-thing, I don’t know how I lived without her? And under the tummy and under the back - so comfortable. And most importantly, you fall asleep very quickly! I took it so long, as a result I bought the company “I Love Sleeping”, they are the coolest there) these huge pillows also turn into a toy 🙂

Kitten:I'm extremely happy with the pillow. During the day I’m lying on the couch on it, at night I sometimes sleep on it, sticking one end between my legs, the other under my head.

Lorelay: My husband finally bought a pillow for pregnant women. Just a super thing !!! It is very convenient to relax and sleep.
Here are just our bead, as soon as I put it under my stomach until it is kicked off, and not weakly, it will not calm down. And our dad got into a rest on it. Probably need another pillow

Gynecologists recommend pillows for pregnant women

Video about how to quickly and easily sew a pillow for pregnant and lactating mothers in the shape of a horseshoe. Step-by-step instruction: