Every pregnancy is different. Your aches and pains may come at a different time than the other mommies in your pregnancy group. But while the aches and pains come, you may find yourself looking for ways to relieve it. With all the “must have” items that are marketed to moms these days, it’s hard to know what you should buy and what you should avoid. Pregnancy pillows are one of those questionable items that you don’t know you need until you do. If you are considering whether or not a pregnancy pillow is right for you, then this list is for you. Here are a couple signs and indications that you may need a pregnancy pillow to get through the difficult last stages of your pregnancy.
1. Keep Pressure Off Your Back
As your body starts to change and grow, you will start feeling the effects of your little one. The extra and unfamiliar weight has the potential to disrupt your natural stance. And one of the first parts of your body that will feel this strain is your back. You can experience a range of back pain including pain in your lower back and pain in your upper back. If you feel any of these strains, it might be a sign that you need a pregnancy pillow.
The great thing about a pregnancy pillow is that it is not just limited to sleeping. You can take it with you to the living room while you sit on the couch or even use it while at you are at work. Sitting or sleeping with a pregnancy pillow can help alleviate some of the back pains you will likely experience. Be sure to keep a sleeping pillow nearby to keep the back pains at bay.
2. Help Align Your Spine
Your body will take on a new shape as you progress through your pregnancy. When you hit your second and especially in your third trimester, you will certainly start to see the changes occur. With your growing belly and your growing boobs (yay!), your center of gravity will change. You might start finding yourself leaning forward a lot more and disrupting your natural posture. The increased weight may have a negative impact on your spine. If you start feeling strains alongside your spine, it might be time to get yourself a pregnancy pillow. Sleeping with a pregnancy pillow will help align your spine. Keeping the proper posture is essential in getting a good night’s sleep. Because if you don’t, you risk waking up with a stiff back or stiff neck that will keep you sore and uncomfortable the next day.
3. Keep Your Blood Circulating
When you fall asleep at night (if you can get any sleep these days), then you have probably experienced the sensation of numbness. Whether it be your arms or legs, one of your extremities is sure to take a nap while you take yours. You can help lessen the sensation of numbness by using a pregnancy pillow when you sleep. Be sure to sleep on your left side to help with circulation. If you are like me and have had the joy of having your legs fall asleep to the point of painful numbness, then your pregnancy pillow can be of help. Position your pregnancy pillow between your legs when you go to bed so that your left leg is slightly elevated. This will help your blood circulate through your body while you try and get some shut-eye.
4. Get Into That REM Sleep
It’s no secret that you say goodbye to a lot of things when you’re pregnant. One of those things is going to be sleep. More specifically your deep sleep. If you find yourself unable to fall asleep at night and get into the deep sleep or REM sleep, then it might be a sign that you should invest in a pregnancy pillow. Pregnancy pillows are great for helping you get into a comfortable position. Usually, that’s all it takes in order to find the right way your body wants to fall asleep. Your sleep doesn’t have to suffer. And if it is, then you’re likely better off investing in a good pregnancy pillow sooner rather than later. Because the fact of the matter is, the more you progress in your pregnancy, the more sleep you’re going to miss out on. Nip it in the bud while you still can.
5. Braxton Hicks Contractions
When your Braxton Hicks contractions sent in, it might be a good idea to invest in a proper pregnancy pillow. Ask any mom and they will tell you that trying to fall asleep while Braxton Hicks kick in can be rather annoying. Especially since Braxton Hicks are more likely to set in during the hours when you are trying to fall asleep. Cuddling up with a good pregnancy pillow can help you get through your Braxton Hicks contractions and fall asleep a lot more easily. Wrapping yourself up in the right pregnancy pillow will allow you comfort and pressure that will encourage the Braxton Hicks to pass a little more easily. This will make your contractions a bit more bearable and ultimately sleep a little more possible.
6. Find Comfort Anywhere
The great thing about a pregnancy pillow is that its use is not just limited to bedtime. You can virtually take your pregnancy pillow with you anywhere. Cuddle up with it while you are lounging around the house and watching T.V. If you are traveling, take your pregnancy pillow with you. Literally anywhere you go and anything you do, you can take your pregnancy pillow with you. And if you are worried about getting funny looks while you tote around your pillow, don’t be. You can take it anywhere with you and get a pass. After all, you are pregnant!
7. Keep Your Baby Safe
If your dabbling with the idea of getting a pregnancy pillow to sleep with, consider this. You can still use your pregnancy pillow long after your little one is born. Great uses for your pregnancy pillow is to keep your little one secured and safe. When you leave your little one on the bed, you can use your pregnancy pillow as a barrier to keep them from rolling off. If you co-sleep, you can even use your pregnancy pillow as the wall to separate you and your little one so that you can both get some shut-eye.
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise there are many different products on the market that are labeled as “must haves” for expectant moms. You might want to skip the Diaper Genie and head for the pregnancy pillow instead. You are sure to receive more comfort and use out of a pregnancy pillow then you may expect.. If you find yourself suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, then it might be a sign that you’re better off getting a pregnancy pillow sooner rather than later.
Related Article: An Overview of Co-Sleeping
