As your body goes through a number of changes throughout pregnancy, a pregnancy cushion may be an invaluable source of comfort and support. Pillows like this are made to help with issues including back pain, hip pain, and a lack of restful sleep. Let’s learn how to utilize a pregnancy pillow properly so that you may have a good night’s sleep while pregnant.
Table of Contents
1. Pick a Comfortable Pregnancy Pillow
The first step in learning how to utilize a pregnant cushion is deciding on the best one for you. Several categories exist, including:
- A full-length body cushion is one that stretches from head to toe and offers comfort for the whole body.
- The “C” form of the pregnancy cushion provides support for the user’s head, neck, back, belly, and knees.
- U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow is designed to cushion and support your whole body throughout pregnancy.
- Support your stomach, back, or the space in between your knees using a smaller cushion like a wedge pillow.
- Pick a pillow that best suits your own tastes and sleeping habits.
2. Place the Pillow for Maximum Comfort and Support
How you use your pregnant cushion may have a significant influence on how comfortable you are. Some typical stances include the following:
- If you have back discomfort and are sitting or lying down, placing a cushion behind your back might provide relief. The alignment of your spine will be supported by this.
- While laying on your side, put the cushion beneath your tummy to alleviate any discomfort. You may rest easier knowing that your developing belly is supported.
- Slide the pillow between your knees while you sleep on your side to alleviate pressure on your hips and pelvis. This corrects your hip alignment and relieves stress.
- The usage of a U- or C-shaped cushion may provide full body support. Lie on your side with the pillow under your head and extending down to support your lower back, stomach, and legs.
3. How to Sleep
Sleeping on your side, particularly your left, is advised when pregnant. You and your baby will benefit from the increased blood flow, and there will be less strain on your heart and other major blood arteries.
Lie on your left side with your legs slightly bent. Support your hips and pelvis by placing the pregnant cushion in between your knees and thighs. Keep your spine in its natural curvature by placing the pillow’s upper portion beneath your head and neck Make use of the pillow’s bottom half to prop up your belly. The weight will be taken off of your lower back and stomach. Feel free to prop your head up on a standard pillow if you’d like.
4. Modify and try new things
It may take some experimentation to find the best way to use your pregnant cushion. You may find that your requirements for ease of pregnancy vary as your body changes. Here is how to tinker and try new things:
- You may get the best support and comfort by elevating or lowering the cushion.
- If you have more than one cushion, experiment with various sizes, shapes, and materials.
- To find the most comfortable position for your pillow behind your back, try adjusting the height and angle.
- If your lower back or hips are bothering you, for example, try shifting your pillow position.
- As your pregnancy advances, you may find that your current configuration is no longer enough.
5. Pile on extra pillows if you need
You may find that using additional cushions in addition to your pregnant pillow is useful. Here are a few illustrations:
- If the pregnant cushion isn’t giving you enough support or elevation, try using a standard pillow instead.
- If you feel swelling or pain in your legs, try putting a cushion beneath your ankles or calves to prevent fluid retention.
- A little neck cushion or a rolled-up towel might provide a welcome supplemental neck support.
- When sitting for long periods of time, it might be helpful to support your lower back using a little cushion or a folded towel.
- A belly band helps alleviate some of the pressure that you’re putting on your lower back as your tummy expands.
- If you need more support while you sleep, these extra pillows are here to help.
6. Don’t slouch in bed
Even while a pregnant pillow might help, it’s still important to sleep in the right position:
- Maintain a 90-degree bend in your knees and legs.
- Make a straight line with your head, shoulders, hips, and knees.
- Don’t assume the fetal posture; doing so will only give you pain by squeezing your organs together.
- Switching sides throughout the night may put a lot of tension on your muscles and ligaments, so it’s best to do so slowly.
- Support and sustain this position with the help of cushions and your pregnant pillow.
7. Maintain Your Pregnancy Pillow
The cleanliness and effectiveness of your pregnancy pillow depend on regular maintenance. Read the tag attached to your pillow for cleaning instructions. Most are designed with detachable, washable coverings.
Keep the pillowcase clean and free of dust mites by washing it often. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your pillow, use a protector or several pillowcases. If the pillow develops lumps or stops providing enough support, you may want to consider getting a new one.
8. Make Pillows Bigger or Smaller as Desired
Your requirements may alter as your pregnancy develops. A smaller wedge cushion may be OK in the beginning of your pregnancy, but as your belly swells, you may want a bigger U-shaped pillow. Don’t be afraid to buy new pillows or various kinds of pregnant pillows to meet your ever-evolving comfort needs.
9. Extend the Life of Your Pregnancy Pillow
Your pregnant pillow is not a throwaway purchase. As a result of its convenience, many women keep wearing them even after their pregnancies are over. Any member of the family may use their assistance when nursing, in the healing period after delivery, or at bedtime.
10. Please Seek the Advice of a Qualified Medical Expert
Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist if you’re in a lot of pain or discomfort throughout pregnancy. They will be able to tailor their guidance on using a pregnant cushion to your individual requirements. They will also be able to provide you with advice on how to deal with various types of pain throughout pregnancy.
In conclusion, a pregnant cushion may greatly enhance your level of comfort and sleep quality during your whole pregnancy. Better sleep and less pain may be yours throughout pregnancy if you choose the appropriate pillow, place it properly, and make any required modifications.
