Expecting a baby is a joyous journey, but it’s often accompanied by discomfort, particularly when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Enter the pregnancy pillow – a potential game-changer for mothers-to-be.
These specially designed pillows can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and sleep disruption. But with a plethora of options on the market, how can one find the perfect fit?
Understanding the Role of a Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy pillow, not just a plain cushion, plays a pivotal role in facilitating comfort and rest for expectant mothers. The distinct design of these pillows, with curves and contours, aims to provide support to specific regions of the body that typically bear the burden during pregnancy.
First, a pregnancy pillow lends support to the pregnant belly, accommodating its growing size. For instance, the U-shaped or C-shaped pillows wrap around the body, cushioning the belly and eliminating the pressure exerted on it by the weight of the growing baby.
Second, back pain, an affliction familiar to many expectant mothers, often finds its relief through the use of a pregnancy pillow. With an appropriate pregnancy pillow, such as a wedge pillow, it becomes possible to prop up the lower back, easing the tension and strain on the spine.
Finally, leg cramps and swollen feet are among the common complaints from pregnant women, conditions a pregnancy pillow can alleviate. These pillows, by providing a soft and comfortable platform, allow for the elevation of the legs to improve blood circulation, potentially decreasing swelling and discomfort.
Key Features to Consider When Buying the
Selecting the most fitting pregnancy pillow implies considering key features that address individual needs and preferences. Material, shape and size, support and comfort, and ease of cleaning – these determine the efficacy and convenience of a pregnancy pillow.
- Material: The construction material grounds the durability, softness, and hypoallergenic properties of a pregnancy pillow. Opt for a pillow with a breathable, hypoallergenic cover, such as cotton or bamboo-derived rayon. Inside, a filling of microfiber or memory foam often ensures optimal levels of support and comfort.
- Shape and Size: Pregnancy pillows come in different shapes including U-shape, C-shape, or wedge. Larger U-shaped pillows cater to total body support, whereas smaller C-shaped pillows target specific body parts, for instance, the back or the legs. Wedge pillows, on the other hand, offer versatile use despite their compact size.
- Support and Comfort: The best pregnancy pillow offers substantial support to the abdomen, back, and legs, alleviating issues like back pain, leg cramps, and swollen feet mentioned in the previous section. Try out different pillows if possible, as personal comfort considerations vary greatly.
- Ease of Cleaning: Pregnancy pillows must be easy to clean, considering possible spills or sweat. A removable, machine-washable cover remains a desirable addition to any pillow.
Comparing Prices of the Best Pregnancy Pillows
When on a budget, comparing prices becomes crucial. The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow, popular for its full-body support, is available at an approximate price of $40. Some find its superior design and high-end materials worth the cost. For the pregnant woman desiring support in various areas without spending too much, the Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity Pillow, offered at around $60, remains a competitive choice.
The Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow focuses on accommodating side sleepers. Its price resides in the middle range, costing roughly $30. This pillow proves to be affordable while also delivering targeted support, making it popular among side-sleeping mothers-to-be.
Priced around $50, the Queen Rose U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow offers complete body support and is preferred for its extensive coverage. Despite being pricier than some other options, expectant mothers often feel the comprehensive support it provides justifies the cost.
Finally, there’s the Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge at about $20. It’s optimal for active mothers and makes a budget-friendly choice. Being among the most affordable pregnancy pillows, it’s praised for offering under-belly and back support while remaining considerably lower in price than other pillows of its quality.