Pregnancy pillow for sleeping: your comfort ally

Pregnant, with the many changes your body goes through, your sleep can be disrupted. As pregnancy progresses, you may experience increasing back and ligament pain. The pregnancy pillow proves to be a valuable ally, offering ideal ergonomic support for better sleep. How do you choose the right pregnancy pillow to relieve these aches? Can you use the same pillow for pregnancy and breastfeeding? How do you use it? Pregnancy pillow for sleeping: everything you need to know.

What is a pregnancy pillow and why use it?

The pregnancy pillow is an essential accessory for many pregnant women seeking to improve their comfort during sleep. Specifically designed to adapt to the body’s changing needs during pregnancy, this pillow offers optimal ergonomic support throughout this special period.

Health benefits

Using a pregnancy pillow for sleeping provides many benefits, including better lumbar support and reduced overall body pain related to pregnancy.

• Lumbar support and reduced back pain: the pillow helps relieve back and spine discomfort by supporting the vertebrae and neck. Pregnancy often causes an increase in lordosis (the curvature of the spine) due to the shift in the body’s center of gravity. When used correctly, the pregnancy pillow can help ease this pressure and promote better spinal alignment.
• Reduced hip pain: by supporting the body in an optimal position, the pillow helps relieve pressure on the hips, which may be sore due to ligament relaxation during pregnancy.
• Improved falling asleep and sleep quality: by reducing physical discomfort, the pregnancy pillow helps you sleep better.

How to choose the right pregnancy pillow?

To choose your pregnancy pillow well, several criteria should be considered, including the pillow’s shape, size, and material. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.

The different types of pillows

There are several types of pregnancy pillows, each with its own specific features.

• U-shaped pillow: this model wraps around both sides of the body, providing full support for the back, belly, and legs. Ideal if you move a lot during sleep, it helps maintain a comfortable position for better rest.
• C-shaped pillow: this type is perfect if you want to specifically relieve back pain. It supports the head, neck, belly, and back.
• J-shaped pillow: more compact, it takes up less space and provides targeted support, especially for the spine and neck.

Materials and maintenance

For easier maintenance (and especially if you plan to use it later as a nursing pillow), we recommend choosing a removable and washable pillow. It’s also best to opt for hypoallergenic materials to avoid any skin reactions. A pillow with a cotton or bamboo cover ensures good breathability, which is essential for sleeping comfortably, especially in warm weather.

Why am I sleeping worse as my pregnancy progresses?

The further along you are, the harder it becomes to sleep! But why?

• Weight gain: your body has a new shape, which can cause discomfort. The positions that used to be comfortable may no longer be.
• Your baby’s movements: they move more and more—especially when you’re at rest, which can disturb your sleep at night.
• Your bladder is compressed: this means you need to go to the bathroom much more often during the night.
• Gastroesophageal reflux: this acid reflux into the esophagus can be worsened by lying down, making the position more uncomfortable.

Techniques for sleeping well with a pregnancy pillow

Faced with back pain, often characteristic of pregnancy, the pregnancy pillow for sleeping proves to be a valuable ally, offering ergonomic support for better rest. Here are some techniques to optimize its use.

Positions to favor

There is no contraindicated sleeping position during pregnancy, as long as you feel comfortable. But if you’re struggling to find a good position, here are a few ideas to improve your comfort:

• Sleeping on your side: you can place the pregnancy pillow along your body to support your belly and reduce pressure on your hips. By placing one end of the pillow between your knees, you can also align your hips and relieve back pain.
• Using the nursing pillow: you can wrap the pillow around your body, with one leg resting on it. This provides optimal support for your belly and helps relieve tension in your lower back and shoulders.

Positions to avoid

Some positions may feel uncomfortable during pregnancy.

• Sleeping on your back: if you feel dizzy, unwell, or uncomfortable on your back, it might be due to vena cava syndrome (pressure from the uterus on the inferior vena cava causes dizziness and poor blood circulation). In that case, favor side positions (preferably on the left, as the vena cava is on the right!). Otherwise, there’s no problem lying on your back.
• Sleeping on your stomach: rest assured, your baby is well protected by the amniotic sac, so you can safely lie on your stomach. However, this position usually becomes uncomfortable as your belly grows.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it’s essential to find what works best for you and your body.

Using the pillow after pregnancy

Beyond its many benefits for better sleep, the pregnancy pillow also serves other purposes.

Support during breastfeeding

Once you’ve given birth, your pregnancy pillow transforms into a nursing pillow. Thanks to its adaptable shape, it provides comfortable support for you and your baby, promoting an optimal position for breastfeeding (while protecting your back!). Good to know: if you plan to breastfeed, the nursing pillow is one of the must-have items to include in your hospital bag.

Long-term use

Pregnancy pillows are generally removable and washable, making them easy to maintain. This feature not only ensures optimal hygiene but also extends the pillow’s lifespan, making it useful throughout motherhood and even beyond.

In conclusion, using a pregnancy pillow for sleeping can significantly improve your comfort during pregnancy by providing ergonomic support to relieve back and ligament pain. After giving birth, your pregnancy pillow can be transformed into a nursing pillow.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

–

Photos: leszekglasner | Geanna8 | Rawpixel

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.