A lot of people don’t view pregnancy pillows as “essential” because they believe that it’s possible to get by without one. Some people think that not buying a pregnancy pillow will help to reduce their expenses but this will come at a cost. Pregnancy pillows are not just “fancy” pillows; instead, they are functional pillows that help to support your body and ease the stress on your muscles and joints. This means less pain and discomfort as well as better sleep which will benefit both mom and baby.
Why Pregnancy Pillows Are a Game-Changer
As your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets bigger, your center of gravity changes. This results in a change in your posture which causes some muscles to become stretched and weakened while others become tight and shortened. Due to these changes, you will experience pain in your back, hips, pelvis, and legs. The stress on your body gets even worse while you sleep since your unsupported belly puts a strain on your back.
Some women try to make do by placing a pillow or a couple of pillows under their stomach for support but it is unlikely that they will remain in place throughout the night. Pregnancy pillows are designed to support your body and take the pressure off high-stress areas so that you can get some much-needed sleep. Pregnancy pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes and each type offers a unique type and level of support.
A comparison of the best pregnancy pillows will allow you to choose the type and size of pillow that will be ideal for your needs. For instance, J-shaped pillows are good for those who require more belly support while a U-shaped pillow is better for those who have hip or leg pain. It’s important that you don’t just pick one that is recommended by a family member or friend but instead, choose one that will meet your specific needs. If you’re still on the fence about splurging on a pillow that you think will only benefit you and not your baby, think again! Lack of sleep has been linked to higher levels of stress and studies show that prenatal stress increases the stress reactivity of infants, which in turn, is connected to emotional temperament later on in life.
Other Essential Products for Every Trimester
Prenatal Vitamins
Doctors stress the importance of folic acid during pregnancy. This is because research shows that folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of neural tube defects by more than seventy percent. However, folic acid is not the only vitamin that is good for your little one. Prenatal vitamins cover everything from vitamins and minerals to other nutrients like omega fats that are essential for the proper growth and development of your baby.
Sour Candy for Morning Sickness
Morning sickness starts around the fourth week of pregnancy and typically lasts until week 14. In some cases, morning sickness can last well into the second trimester. Sucking on a sour candy such as a lemon-flavored hard candy can help curb nausea and vomiting. Even though it is called “morning” sickness, it can occur later in the day as well so carry a few pieces of sour candy when you leave home.
Pregnancy Support Maternity Belt
A pregnancy support maternity belt is an adjustable belt that fits below your belly and connects to a support band around your back. This helps to ease the strain on the muscles and ligaments of your lower back so that you have less back pain.
Hot Water Bottle
You can’t escape all aches and pains during pregnancy but you can use a hot water bottle to reduce your discomfort. According to guidelines by ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), you should only use warm water (not hot) in your bottle. If you are using an electric heating pad, ACOG recommends that you keep it on the lowest temperature setting. Don’t use a hot water bottle continuously, instead keep it on for ten to fifteen minutes and then stay without it for an equal amount of time and repeat this as often as needed.
Shoes with Arch Support
Soon after you get pregnant, your body increases the production of a hormone called relaxin. As the name suggests, relaxin helps your muscles and ligaments relax which helps your body adjust to your growing baby. This causes all muscles to become more elastic which automatically decreases stability. The additional weight of your baby coupled with the increased elasticity of muscles can cause your foot arches to collapse. This is why it is important to wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support which will help you maintain your stability.
