How to properly use a pregnancy pillow depending on its shape

During gestation, the female body works in an intense mode, because unusual and heavy loads occur on the entire body as a whole. It is very important that the expectant mother regains lost strength while sleeping and gets a good mood and well-being for the whole day. A pregnancy pillow is an excellent helper for a woman in this matter.

General sleep rules for pregnant women

For obvious reasons, sleeping on the stomach is prohibited; doctors' recommendations boil down to sleeping on the left or right side. Obstetricians believe that this position contributes to the correct flow of physiological processes in the womb. Sleeping on the left side is recommended because it is beneficial for the heart of the expectant mother and child.

Also, some doctors believe that the sleeping position on the right side can contribute to impaired blood flow in the pelvis, which in turn complicates the child’s intrauterine nutrition. It is difficult to imagine sleeping on one side during pregnancy; for this reason, alternating sides is considered useful.

Sometimes, the baby may be located in the stomach not along, but across. Then it is advised to sleep on the side on which the baby’s head is located. If the ultrasound showed that the baby is lying with his pelvis down, then it is advisable to change positions during sleep.

What is back position?

The posterior position is a position in which your baby's head is down and the back of his head is facing your spine. By the time labor begins, approximately every tenth child is in this position.

In most cases, these babies are born during a normal, vaginal birth, but this placement creates additional difficulties for the mother, especially if the baby's chin is raised up instead of down. As a result:

you may experience lower back pain caused by the pressure of the baby's head on your spine,
your water may break early,
labor can be long and slow,
you may begin to feel pushing before your cervix is fully dilated.

When the baby reaches the pelvic floor, he will have to turn almost 180 degrees in order to get into the position most comfortable for birth.

This process may take some time, and it also happens that the child prefers not to roll over at all! In the latter case, he is born face up, as if looking at you. In addition, in this case, to help it be born, you may need forceps or a vacuum extractor.

Sleep rules for each trimester

During the first trimester, you are still allowed to sleep on your back; you can lie like this until the 16th week. Until the 12th week you can still sleep on your stomach; the uterus does not enlarge by this time, so there are no restrictions on sleeping positions. The side position is acceptable at any time.

From the second trimester you should switch to a position on your side. Lying on your back is dangerous in terms of the possibility of causing compression of the vena cava, which causes swelling and headaches. For the baby, the danger lies in the disruption of blood circulation in the uterus.

In the later stages, sleeping on the left side is considered best. Changing the position to the right side is allowed; it is better to sleep on it for a short time. And the baby is unlikely to allow his mother to lie on him for a long time; from the discomfort caused, he will begin to kick.

Consult your doctor

Before purchasing a pillow, you can and should consult your doctor. Describe to him the nature of the pain that occurs, tell him whether swelling occurs in the morning and whether there is increased blood pressure after sleep or while falling asleep. A professional look at the problem will help identify the most sensitive areas that need additional support. Maybe you just need a small bolster to comfort your expanding belly, or maybe you need a G-shape or horseshoe pillow to support your entire spine. During the consultation, you will be told how to lie on a pregnant pillow to alleviate your condition.

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Pillow models and how to sleep on them

To solve sleep problems in pregnant women, special types of pillows are made; their use can significantly improve comfort. The choice of pillows should be based on the anatomical characteristics of the woman herself; accordingly, the shape and size are important. The forms of existing products will be described below:

in the shape of the letter P, the most comfortable, one side supports the back, and the other a woman can hug and throw her leg over it;

in the shape of the letter G, similar to the previous version, supplemented with a pillow for the abdomen, it is acceptable to sleep on it in a reclining position, even in the later stages;

in the shape of the letter L, similar to the first type, but placed not under the head, but between the legs;

in the shape of a cocktail tube. It is small in size and is used to place under the head or between the knees;

C-shaped - you need to place it against your back, it reduces the load from the lower back.

Note! The most comfortable sleep will be ensured if you use several pillows at once on different areas, under the stomach, lower back and to hug the knees.

What is the best position for my baby to give birth?

Labor is almost always faster and easier if your baby is in a head-down position with the back of his head facing your belly.
This position of the fetus is called “cephalic presentation, anterior view.” In most cases, the baby takes exactly this position by the end of pregnancy. Being in the forward position, the baby is most comfortable in the curve of your womb. During labor, the baby tilts his head forward so that his chin touches his chest. In this position, childbirth proceeds easier and faster, because in this case:

During contractions, the crown of the baby puts gentle and even pressure on the cervix. This promotes the dilation of the cervix and the release of hormones necessary for the successful course of labor.
During pushing, the child passes through the pelvic bones at an angle at which the smallest circumference of his head is in front. To better visualize this, try wearing a shirt with a tight-fitting high collar, without hiding your chin, and everything will immediately become clear to you.
When the baby reaches the pelvic floor, he turns his head slightly so that the widest part of it is in the widest part of the pelvis. In this case, the back of his head may pass under your pubic bone. When born, the baby leaves the mother's body, sliding his face along the surface located between the vagina and the anus (perineum).

How not to sleep during pregnancy and why

Expectant mothers should not sleep on their stomach after the 12th week; strong pressure on the stomach can have a bad effect on the baby. Until this time, sleeping on the stomach does not affect the child, he is still too small and is protected by the muscles of the uterus.

Continuing to sleep on your stomach after 12 weeks will lead to disruption of the blood supply to the placenta, which can lead to oxygen starvation. The result may be developmental problems for the child.

Sleeping on your back is possible until the 20th week. Lying on your back in later stages can lead to a decrease or increase in the blood pressure of the expectant mother.

If an ultrasound showed the presence of several children, you should stop sleeping on your back and stomach after the twelfth week. This can have a harmful effect on both mother and child.

If the baby's head is too low, then you should not sleep on your back either.

Natural fibers

It is difficult to find products filled with natural materials on wide sale. They are too difficult to care for and can also be a source of allergens for the mother and her unborn baby.

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The service life of the filler is also very limited. However, you can find pillows filled with buckwheat hulls, feathers or sheep's wool. Usually such products are made to order.

Features of multifunctional pillows for pregnant women

The use of this product helps relieve tension from a woman’s body and helps her become more comfortable. They can be used at any time.

Several positive properties of this product can be noted at once. The meaning of their use is:

sleep will not be accompanied by fatigue in the back area;

legs that are subjected to heavy loads during the day due to increased weight will be able to rest;

the position of the abdomen is optimal;

The pillows are made light, the materials used are pleasant to the body, and they have pillowcases that can be washed. Some models have pockets in which you can put necessary things;

They can be used even after the baby is born; they are convenient for feeding the baby.

Possible applications

How to use the pillow:

unfold it in a way that is comfortable, completely customize it for yourself. Place under the stomach, side, between the legs;
fold, twist in different directions, choosing a shape that allows you to fully relax;
after the birth of the child, use it for feeding;
For a grown-up baby, the product will be an excellent barrier that ensures safety.

Proper use of a pillow will help a woman sleep soundly at night and feel great during the day. This is very important not only for her health, but also for the baby who has not yet been born.

Purpose

Why use these pillows, what do they contribute? First of all, the woman’s blood circulation is normalized, which has a positive effect on both the woman and the baby. It can also be noted:

the stomach and back are supported;

the load on the spine is distributed evenly;

cervical spine is supported;

prevention of edema;

complete relaxation of the muscle corset.

Using such pillows, a woman can get complete rest:

lying on them you can sleep in a comfortable position, read, watch TV;

the load on the body decreases, which is important when the abdomen enlarges;

the discomfort and inconvenience that accompanies sleep and rest during pregnancy will no longer disturb you;

They are also convenient when traveling by car.

Bagel

This view will make your sleep and cultural pastime comfortable.

Pros:

completely covers the entire body;
ideal for small beds.

Cons: inconvenient when changing sides; you have to turn the pillow over.

Types of fillers and fabrics

Expanded polystyrene, polyester fiber, and natural materials are used as fillers.

Polyester fiber

Comforel is usually chosen from polyester fiber. This is a soft filler in the form of hollow siliconized fibers, they are twisted into the shape of balls with a diameter of 5-7 mm. This filler is hypoallergenic and does not harbor pests. The pillow retains its shape well and is sold at a reasonable price.

Polystyrene foam balls

Expanded polystyrene looks like small balls; they are treated with a safe substance, which protects against the appearance of field ticks, harmful microorganisms, and fungi in this bedding.

This is an environmentally friendly, water-repellent, non-allergenic material. It adapts well to the curves of the human body and is easy to care for. But it has a high cost.

Natural fillers

Buckwheat husk is used as a natural filler; it rustles when moved. Natural fluff and wool, they quickly lose their shape. All natural fillers are dangerous because they contain pests and can cause allergies.

These pillows have two layers, the first one uses calico or satin fabric. For pillowcases, choose linen, cotton, velor, knitted fabric.

Price

It is quite difficult to answer precisely here. It all depends on the shape, filler, material, size, manufacturer.

You can make such an assistant yourself. It is necessary to cut two identical pieces according to the pattern and sew them together. Don't forget about the space for the filler. Turn inside out and fill the model with filling material.

A pillowcase is made in the same way. The advantage of working independently is that you have the opportunity to choose a pattern, color or design.

As you already understood from the photo of pillows for pregnant women, they are quite different. You should choose based on personal preferences and financial situation. By using a pregnancy pillow according to the rules, you will ensure yourself a sound and restful sleep, and when you wake up, you will be full of strength and energy. And after the baby appears, he will be a faithful assistant who will help out.

Product care

Having purchased a product, it is better to wash the pillowcase first. The pillowcase should be washed periodically and after use. Products with holofiber are washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle and at a temperature of 40 degrees.

If polystyrene foam is used, then load the pillow into the machine, placing a pillowcase or cover so that the balls do not scatter in the machine if the product breaks. Then the temperature is set to 60 degrees.

Important! Over time, the product shrinks, then you can supplement it with filler, which can be purchased separately.

Sintepon

Typically used as a filler for budget pillows. Odorless, hypoallergenic, pleasant to the touch, easy to care for. Unfortunately, the padding polyester wrinkles too quickly and loses its shape.

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Recommendations for women: how to sleep on different pillow shapes

How to use a pillow for pregnant women to get the maximum benefit, you can receive instructions upon purchase. After all, each type may be slightly different. You can consult your doctor. It is important to consider the types of products to understand which will be the most comfortable.

Banana

Banana, which can also be called a boomerang, is the most popular option. It is also used after the birth of the baby for convenient feeding. It is comfortable to sleep on and sit for a long time. Supports the thoracic and lumbar spine, arms and neck.

U-shaped

The horseshoe shape is also very popular. It helps support your back and stomach. When you need to roll over, you don’t need to change the position of the pillow; it takes up a lot of space.

Bagel

It takes up little space, provides abdominal support, and is convenient to take with you, for example, when driving in a car.

Pillow G

Provides support for the abdomen, back and legs. It can quickly relieve tension, it is easy to get comfortable on it, just like the previous small one.

Pillow G

The most affordable option, there are 2 positions to choose from. In the first, the bend of the letter G is used under the head, in the second, under the legs. It is made very long, which is convenient for tall people; support occurs only on one side.

Roller

This option allows you to make it to a convenient shape. Thus, it can be placed under any part of the body. Gives rest to the spine, stomach, back, and has an affordable price.

About the benefits of products in reviews of women and specialists

Pregnant women, after spending one night on such a pillow, immediately notice the benefits of the product. Sleep becomes comfortable, the body rests. Previously, some women noted that it was almost impossible to sleep; the pillow completely corrected this situation.

Experts advise not to delay the purchase, but to start using it from the first trimester. After all, relaxing the muscles of the body is useful at any time.

Pregnancy is an important event in life, and so that it proceeds easily and there are fewer difficulties, it is necessary to take care of the comfort of the pregnant woman. It is useful for a pregnant woman to sleep on a special pillow; it has a positive effect on both the baby and the expectant mother herself. By choosing the best option, it will be easy to avoid many problems.

I-shape

This one is preferred due to several positive qualities:

compact model;
is inexpensive;
allows the whole body to relax.

No negative qualities were found.