The pregnancy pillow has become an essential accessory for the well-being of pregnant women. It’s designed to offer expectant mothers more restful nights and greater comfort while breastfeeding. Today, this pillow remains a mystery to many mothers who are still unaware of its usefulness. But how should you sleep with this accessory? Discover here the favorite positions to adopt with a pregnancy pillow.
Sleeping on your back with a pregnancy pillow
Sleeping on your back during pregnancy is an uncomfortable position advised against by most doctors. In fact, by choosing this position, the uterus, swollen with the fetus, rests on your vena cava, preventing normal blood flow back to the heart and brain.
You are then at risk of experiencing a cardiac or vasovagal reaction. But once you know how to sleep with a pregnancy pillow, it’s easier to adopt this position. You can sleep on your back in late pregnancy without hindering your baby’s breathing. To do this, simply turn slightly to one side, preferably to the left.
Next, place the pregnancy pillow under the part of your hip that’s in contact with your mattress. This will relieve pressure on the vena cava from the uterus. You’ll sleep better, and your baby will have plenty of room to move around in your womb.
Lie down with your legs elevated
Edema is a common ailment experienced by many pregnant women, especially during the last trimester. It can sometimes lead to a feeling of heavy legs, making daily life difficult. A pregnancy pillow can be a good solution to alleviate these common discomforts.
With this accessory, simply lying down with your legs elevated is enough to say goodbye to edema. You can do this on your back, side, or in a semi-reclined position. Place the pregnancy pillow directly under your buttocks so that its curved part is positioned under your legs.
To achieve this posture, it’s essential to have the best mattresses for pregnant women’s backs . This will reduce pressure points on your back, preventing lower back pain and other discomforts associated with lying on your back. Elevating your legs off the bed with a pillow also helps prevent cramps and pressure on your vena cava.
The “fetal position” is a classic with a pregnancy pillow.
The “fetal position” is one of the most popular among pregnant women. It involves sleeping on your side with your legs drawn up towards your chest. This posture supports all the natural curves of the spine: the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic regions. When done correctly, it provides complete relaxation for the body and helps pregnant women relieve recurring fatigue.
Most osteopaths recommend this position on your left side, as it aids digestion. A pregnancy pillow helps you enjoy the benefits of the “fetal position .” Simply place the pillow’s bolster between your legs so that your belly rests on the curved part. Then rest your head on the top of the pillow. Thanks to its flexible design, it can adapt to your different movements.
Sleeping on your stomach with a pregnancy pillow: it’s perfectly possible
As the fetus grows over the months, pregnant women often fear sleeping on their stomachs. They worry about crushing the baby by lying face down on the bed. Those who love this position sometimes avoid it altogether, adopting other positions they like less. However, there is no real danger.
The uterus is thick and stretchy, and the amniotic fluid is normally distributed around the baby. With a pregnancy pillow, you’ll sleep more comfortably on your stomach. Simply choose the ideal pillow shape. Lie face down on the bed and lean slightly to one side. Position the pillow under your belly so that all your weight is supported.
Ultimately, a pregnancy pillow is an accessory that allows you to sleep in your preferred position. Whether on your back, your left side, or in the fetal position, it’s there for you. It also helps relieve lower back pain and promotes more restful nights.
