If you want to learn how to use the pregnancy pillow, it will depend on the body area you’re targeting. There are different pregnancy pillows, but most of them are versatile for various uses and support. Therefore, understanding its usage depends on where you want to support or need tension relief.
It would also be best if you learn how to make a pregnancy pillow. This way, you can customize its size and shape to complement your body type. But first, read this guide below to understand pregnancy pillows and what they provide.
How To Use Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy pillows come in different sizes, shapes, and types to follow your changing body. However, you can quickly classify them into full-body pillows and smaller pregnancy pillows. The former can support the body from head to toe, while the latter targets specific areas.
Belly support
Both full-body and smaller pregnancy pillows can offer support on your baby bump. For example, the full-length pregnancy pillow can follow the curve of your belly. Similarly, you can sleep with wedge pregnancy pillows and U-shaped pregnancy pillows under your baby bump and help you stay in the side sleeping position.
Back support
You can also place pregnancy pillows around your back or behind you in the lower spine to maintain a neutral posture. Depending on the pillow’s shape, size, and moldability, you can even wrap it around you, so you can also target your belly simultaneously. And besides sleeping, pregnancy pillows are useful for back support when you’re sitting upright or nursing your little one.
Head and neck support
Sleeping on your side is best during pregnancy for you and your baby’s health. We often check if our back is well-supported but neglect the head, neck, and shoulders. For this region, you can use the curves of pregnancy pillows to support them or place smaller pillows under the neck to fill the gap against the mattress.
Joint support
Finally, use your pregnancy pillow to relieve pressure on your joints while also encouraging a neutral spine. You can place a wedge pillow between your legs or arms to alleviate tension on your joints. You can even elevate your legs to reduce swelling due to poor circulation or wrap your legs and arms on larger pregnancy pillows to support proper posture during sleep.
Types Of Pregnancy Pillows
You can use a pregnancy pillow to target specific regions or even provide support to the whole body. But besides learning the placements above, it would be best to understand each type of pregnancy pillow. Select the best one for you or combine multiple pillows to prevent tension, body pain, discomfort, and posture issues.
Full-length
A full-length pregnancy pillow looks like a long bed pillow meant to run along your body’s full length. While it doesn’t have curves, you can cuddle it and wrap your arms and legs for comfort. Some types are even flexible so that you can bend them according to your body type.
U-shaped
Full-length pillows offer no back support because of their straight shape, which is why U-shaped pillows are often favored during pregnancy. It’s useful for the whole body because the curve can support your head, neck, belly, back, knees, and ankles. You have multiple ways of using it and manipulating its placement.
J-shaped
If you have limited space in bed, you can opt for the smaller J-shaped pillow as an alternative to the U-shaped pillow. You can also use its curve for the head and neck, wrap your arms around the body, or place it behind you for back support.
C-shaped
Another alternative for the U-shaped pillow is the C-shaped pregnancy pillow. You can use it for the upper and lower body to relieve tensions. Some women also use it as a prop to reduce inflammation due to water retention in the legs.
Wedge
One can consider wedge pillows as a pregnancy pillow as well. Because of its shape and size, it’s useful for elevation during sleep or lounging. You can even use it to support your back or baby bump as you sleep on your side.
What’s The Best Way To Sleep While Pregnant?
According to the Nemours Foundation, the best position to sleep during pregnancy is on your side. Not only is this orientation comfortable, but it is also excellent for your baby’s circulation. You want to lay on your left side and use pregnancy pillows for support and keep you from rolling onto your back.
You can always experiment with various pregnancy pillows to see which are the most comfortable. As discussed previously, placing them in different body regions even relieves tension. Furthermore, it’s best to talk with your doctor and ask for their recommendations if you have trouble feeling comfortable sleeping.
Conclusion
The pregnancy pillow might just be your new best friend to achieve the perfect slumber. However, it would be best to learn how to use the pregnancy pillow to target specific body areas and how each type can provide support and relief. Depending on the usage and pillow itself, you might even be able to support the whole body.
The main takeaway with using a pregnancy pillow is its placement. You want to take advantage of the shape and size to support your head, neck, back, or even legs. With proper usage, you should alleviate tension, discomfort, and even swelling.