16.05.2023
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6 min. reading Pillows for pregnant women: whim or necessity?
In fact, everything that can make life easier for a future mother is a necessity. And this is not discussed. Therefore, dear future dads and loving relatives, take note: a pillow for pregnant women is a great gift that can demonstrate your love and care. Moreover, he will not lie idle even after the birth of the baby. How to choose the right pillow - read in our article.
- Why do you need a pillow for pregnant women?
- What are the pillows for pregnant women?
- Horseshoe
- Bagel
- Banana pillow
- In the shape of the letter G
- I-shaped pillow
- L-shaped pillow
- What about the filler?
- Choosing a cover
- How to choose a quality pillow?
- How to use a pillow for pregnant women?
Source: Shutterstock
WHY DO YOU NEED A PREGNANCY PILLOW?
Carrying a baby is not an easy task. A woman's body is undergoing constant restructuring, complex processes are taking place, the baby is growing, gaining weight, and it is getting heavier every month. Pregnancy is a kind of stress, so sleep disturbance in expectant mothers is not a rare problem.
There are several main causes of poor sleep in pregnant women.
- Psychological - in the first months of pregnancy, the quality of sleep is affected by excessive impressionability, increased anxiety, thoughts about upcoming changes, even fear, which can manifest itself in nightmares.
- Physiological - appear with the growth of the fetus and, accordingly, the load on the body. Indigestion, bloating, difficulty breathing, pain in the legs and back, cramps, pressure of the uterus on the bladder... All this definitely does not contribute to sound, healthy sleep.
Of course, it is most difficult to find a comfortable position for night rest in the last stages of pregnancy, because there are so many restrictions!
- Sleeping on the stomach is contraindicated for the safety of the future baby.
- Sleeping on the back is also extremely undesirable, since the uterus exerts excessive pressure on the internal organs, the vena cava is squeezed, blood circulation is disturbed, which leads to swelling of the limbs, dizziness and even fainting.
- If the mother takes an unfortunate position in a dream, the baby may not have enough oxygen.
Of course, it will not be possible to completely solve sleep problems with the help of a pillow for pregnant women, but it is quite possible to improve the quality of sleep.
Source: Shutterstock
There are several types of pillows for pregnant women in terms of shape and size. But in general, they all perform one important task — they support the back and abdomen, allowing the expectant mother to choose the optimal sleeping position. You can do this by placing a pillow under your stomach, side or by placing it between your legs.
Besides:
- you can put your feet on such a pillow so that they rest after a long walk;
- it is convenient to use while reading or watching TV;
- during trips in the car, you can put a pillow under your back and wrap your tummy;
- it is also suitable for performing gymnastics.
And after the birth of the baby, the pillow can be used during feeding, for performing gymnastic exercises, as a protective barrier for the baby, if the mother wants to leave the room for a short time.
WHAT ARE PREGNANCY PILLOWS?
There are several types of products in terms of shape and filler.
LINING
This is one of the most popular options. Such a pillow is made in the shape of the letter U.
Of the pluses: provides support for the abdomen and back; evenly distributes the load on the spine; when changing the position during sleep, it does not need to be turned over, thus, the pillow provides comfortable rest on any side.
Among the minuses: it takes up a lot of space, so it is only suitable for a large bed.
When buying such a pillow, pay attention to its length: some products are intended for women taller than 160 cm, others for expectant mothers shorter in height.
Source: Shutterstock
CRESCENT
It takes up less space than the previous version — the approximate size is 340x35 cm. It can be placed under the head, back or stomach. However, it has one drawback: every time to fly to the other side, it must be turned over.
Such a pillow is more functional. For example, it can be used during daytime rest when you read or watch a movie. The pillow completely covers your body, you can place your head, back or stomach on it as you wish.
Source: Shutterstock
BANANA PILLOW
Such a pillow (it is also called a boomerang pillow) has the shape of the letter C. Compact, it is convenient to sleep with it in the last months of pregnancy - on the side, since it supports the back and stomach well. It is perfect for daytime rest, and it is also convenient to take on a trip, as it has a relatively small size.
Source: Shutterstock
IN THE SHAPE OF THE LETTER G
A pillow of this shape appeared on sale relatively recently, but quickly won the hearts of expectant mothers. In general, it is similar to a baguette pillow, but on one side it has a roller under the head. You can sleep on it, put it under your head, wrap your legs around it, lean against your back, tuck it under your stomach... However, many people prefer to use it specifically for daytime rest, since the tail of the G can interfere with sleep.
Source: Shutterstock
AND-PICTURE PILLOW
In fact, this is an ordinary roller about 230 cm long. The pillow does not take up much space and perfectly reduces the load on the spine. The disadvantage that is standard for most such products is the need to turn the pillow when changing the position in sleep.
Source: Shutterstock
L-SHAPED PILLOW
It is similar to the previous version, but has a rounded part for the head. It does not require much space, it is convenient to use both during the day and at night. The minus is one and standard: when turning from side to side, it must be shifted.
WHAT ABOUT FILLERS?
The first opinion is that it is better for a pregnant woman to choose natural pillow fillers. Such as fluff and wool, buckwheat husk. But in fact, this is not the best option.
- The wool quickly collapses, and the pillow will lose its shape.
- Down is a strong allergen. And this can hurt not only the future mother, but also the baby.
- Buckwheat harbors insects. And in the case when the manufacturer claims that this is excluded, be sure - the filler was treated with some kind of chemistry, which is also not useful for pregnant women.
Therefore, it is better to give preference to artificial fillers: expanded polystyrene, holofiber, synthetic down and comforella.
Source: Shutterstock
- Styrofoam balls can be large or small. Pillows with such a filler repeat the shape of the body, giving a pregnant woman the opportunity to adopt the most comfortable position. They are light, durable, hypoallergenic, do not absorb odors, dust mites and mold do not grow in them. Another plus is that such products are easy to wash. Minus — the balls rustle quite loudly.
- Hollow fibers are hollow fibers fused together under the influence of high temperature. It has all the same characteristics as expanded polystyrene, plus it does not rustle. Products filled with holofiber hold their shape perfectly and even have a slight spring.
- Artificial down and comforel are also good choices, but pillows with these fillings lose their shape faster.
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CHOOSING A COVER
But here, give preference to natural fabrics - calico or cotton. A slight admixture of synthetics is acceptable. Feel the fabric, it should be smooth and pleasant to the touch. You still have a long time to use it, so pay attention to every little thing.
Source: Instagram @kids_textil_bortiki
HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY PILLOW?
There are several basic criteria.
- There should be no threads sticking out of the seams.
- The pillow should not have a pronounced smell, otherwise low-quality paint was used for its manufacture.
- A good pillow for pregnant women is multi-layered: the filler is placed in a cover made of dense fabric, and a removable pillowcase is put on top.
By the way, when buying, pay attention to how easily the pillowcase is removed. This is also an element of simplicity and ease of use of the product.
HOW TO USE A PREGNANCY PILLOW?
Before buying a pillow, it is better to consult with a doctor who manages pregnancy. He will tell you what position is optimal for sleep, and from this you can be guided in your choice.
To choose the best option for sleep, experiment! Fold the pillow in different ways, take comfortable positions. The product can be placed under the head, back, stomach, between the legs... During the day, you can comfortably lie on such a pillow.
When the baby is born, use a pillow for feeding. This is especially important if you have twins.
- Sitting - put one end of the pillow behind the back, and put the other end on the knees. Thanks to this, the load on the spine will decrease, and you will free your hands.
- Lying down - with a pillow it is convenient to give the baby a second breast, just put him higher on the pillow.
Source: Shutterstock
It is also convenient to use a pillow for pregnant women as a barrier for the baby if the mother leaves the room for a short time.
It can also be used when the child learns to sit (just don't start experiments with sitting too early).
And when the baby grows up, you can make a comfortable place for games out of such a pillow.
Source: Shutterstock
An interesting fact. Pillows for pregnant women are often called "hugs". Japanese scientists recommend them for single people who experience a lack of hugs and physical intimacy.
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The opinion of the editors may not coincide with the opinion of the author of the article.
Use of photo: P.4, Article 21 of the ZU "On copyright and related rights - "Reproduction for the purpose of covering current events by means of photography or cinematography, public communication or communication of works seen or heard during such events, to the extent justified by the informational purpose."
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