Pregnancy Pillows: What They Are & How To Use Them

The term pregnancy pillow can be used to describe a number of shapes and styles of pillows or sponge-like supports used by pregnant women during their pregnancy. They are even referred to as maternity pillows in some cases.

They can be as simple as a spongy wedge or a sausage shaped tube pillow as long as one’s body, or shaped like an “L,” “C,” or even “J,” depending on individual circumstances and preferences.  But whichever type of pregnancy pillow a mother-to-be selects, a pregnancy pillow is a great tool for making it easier to adjust to one’s changing body during this exciting time.

Pregnancy pillows help you sleep on your side during pregnancy

During pregnancy, sleeping on one’s stomach becomes impossible, and sleeping on one’s back is generally not recommended for the health of the baby, as it can restrict oxygen flow and create other potential problems. Sleeping on the left side is the suggested position by most doctors.

A few notes to be aware of:

• This may be a new position for a mother-to-be, and a pregnancy pillow can help the woman in place while she sleeps by serving as a gentle barrier around her body.
• Sleeping on one’s side can be painful to the hips and pelvis, especially if this is a new sleeping position. Pregnancy pillows provide support to the back, legs, and abdomen in a way that relieves this pressure and makes sleeping on one’s side as comfortable as possible.

Pregnancy pillows help relieve aches and pains

Many women suffer from a range of aches and pains during pregnancy as their body adjusts to the changes and additional weight.  Unfortunately many of these issues seem worse at night which may prevent women from getting the rest they need during pregnancy.

• Pregnancy pillows are a great way to relieve back pain. Many women suffer from back pain during pregnancy as a result of the 25 to 55 pound weight gain; pregnancy pillows offer a comfortable position that allows those tense back muscles to relax, alleviating the pain immediately and lessening future pain.
• Muscle aches and pains are also common in areas other than the back, as the growing baby puts more pressure on the mother’s organs and the additional weight strains her joints. Sleeping on a pregnancy pillow or even relaxing with one when watching television or reading can relieve the pressure felt by the body and ease the pain.