Maternity pillows make great sleep aids during pregnancy

Pregnant mothers often quickly find out that getting a good night’s rest is easier said than done.  Finding a comfortable position to sleep becomes more difficult as the baby grows and develops during pregnancy, causing many changes in the expectant mother’s body.

A maternity pillow is a specially designed pillow designed to help expecting mothers sleep.   And while they may come in different shapes and sizes, generally speaking using a maternity pillow to support your back and belly during advanced stages of your pregnancy can give you the much needed good night’s sleep.  This is especially true during the second and third trimester of your pregnancy.

How maternity pillows work

Pregnancy research indicates that lying on your left side is the ideal position for sleeping since it prevents the weight of the baby from obstructing the blood flow through the vena cava and aorta, both of which lie slightly to the right of your spine.  Using a nursing pillow as a support while lying on your left side will have you and your baby resting more easily.

A nursing pillow can help you relax in many ways including:

• Tuck it between your bent knees to support your lower back and make side sleeping more comfortable.
• Place it behind your back for you to lean on, as you sleep on your side and get a good night’s sleep.
• Put it under your belly while you lie on your side to reduce the feeling of heaviness.
• Gently elevate your legs by placing the pillow under them to take the pressure off your back and tummy when you are tired of sleeping on your side.
• Use it to prop yourself up to a semi-recline when you are lying on your back.

Different Types of material

Maternity pillows come in many shapes and sizes as well as different types of materials and stuffing.  These include traditional pillow materials such as cotton, polyester fibers and even memory foams.  It is a good idea to carefully review the materials in a prospective maternity pillow to ensure there is no allergen causing material present.

Find a maternity pillow that can double as a nursing pillow