Do You Really Need a Pregnancy Pillow?

If you're pregnant, you've likely discovered that merchandise marketed toward pregnant moms tends to be costly. Sometimes that's because manufacturers make it with stretchy, high-quality materials. Other times, its place in a niche market allows companies to charge higher prices to take advantage of the demand.

If your wallet feels lighter lately, you might wonder how many of these specialty pregnancy products you truly need. Should you treat yourself to the fancy pregnancy pillow you've seen in the boutique?

While nobody needs a pregnancy pillow, there are plenty of great reasons to pick one up to support your body during the tricky third trimester. Many women swear they help eliminate pregnancy aches and can help even the fussiest sleepers settle into a comfy sleeping position.

We've created this guide to help you make the right decision about whether or not to splurge on that fancy, full length pregnancy pillow at the store. Read on to learn the ins and outs of these cozy products.

What Are Pregnancy Pillows?

If you're at the point in your pregnancy when you're considering pregnancy pillows, you've probably noticed that your body is changing. It has new curves and contours, your weight sits differently, and you have a big old bump in the way!

Most women switch up their sleeping position as the changes become more pronounced. These physical changes and adjustments can cause strain on your pressure points, making it challenging to get comfortable in bed. They can cause everything from insomnia to back pain and cramping.

A pregnancy pillow can help compensate for the changes by filling in those new nooks and crannies. Most normal pillows don't offer that amount of cushioned support. Your new accessory will fill in your contours so you can get comfortable, sleep better, and wake up pain-free.

Benefits of Owning a Pregnancy Pillow

Pain reduction is a great reason to invest in a new, supportive pillow, but you might wonder if a maternity pillow can help with your specific issues. It can help to understand what a pregnancy pillow does and how those features can make you feel better.  

Foremost, a pregnancy pillow can help keep your entire spine aligned, from your neck to your hips. It should keep your legs parallel to take pressure off your hips, pelvis, and groin area. It will contour to your body to fill in "gaps" created by your bump, where you may need support to feel secure.

Pillows can help in the following ways:

• Reduce limb pain
• Reduce joint and hip pain
• Prevent you from rolling during sleep
• Improve circulation
• Prevent "tingling" or "pins and needles" sensations
• Reduce the instance of cramping
• Decrease heartburn during sleep
• Improve nasal congestion issues at night
• Reduce your likelihood of straining muscles
• Sleep deeper and for longer
• Eliminate feelings of restlessness ("tossing and turning")
• Improve discomfort-related insomnia

Ultimately, a pregnancy pillow can offer extra support to help you adapt to your changing body. It provides extra comfort during sleep and reduces pain upon waking.

Types of Pregnancy Pillows

Pregnancy pillows come in several varieties, and certain ones might be more appropriate for different physical needs. Most women use pregnancy pillows to support their bump or their back. Some women prefer to keep a pillow between their legs for better spinal alignment.

The different types of pregnancy pillows come in a range of shapes. Not every kind will work for you and your needs. Choosing a pregnancy pillow is like selecting any pillow—your unique comfort preferences matter.

Wedge-Shaped Pillows

Wedge-shaped pillows are the smallest and most economical option. They look like an inclined plane and can support one part of your body at a time. Many women place them under their backs or between their legs during sleep.

Some women also use a wedge pillow to support their heads. It allows them to sleep on an incline, which can help with congestion and heartburn.

These smaller pillows take up less space, so some women prefer to use two.

Body Pillows

Body pillows are full-length and can support multiple body parts at once. They can cushion your head, your bump, and even your hips, legs, or knees at once.

Though they aren't as small as a wedge, they don't take up so much space that your partner will need to sleep on the couch.

C-Shaped Pillows

A C-Shaped pillow is versatile and can support your back or your bump, depending on where you need cushioning. This type of pillow helps the most with alignment. It's effective for someone who frequently wakes up with back or neck pain.

C-shaped pillows tend to be large, however. You may be unable to fit a C-shaped pillow and a partner in the same bed!

U-Shaped Pillows

U-Shaped pillows are the most supportive and the most expensive of your options. They wrap around your entire body to support every part of you at once. They're huge and take up a lot of space in the bed, but they are a lifesaver for women experiencing insomnia due to discomfort.

How to Choose a Pregnancy Pillow

Every woman has unique preferences when it comes to her pillow. Consider whether you sleep hot or cold when choosing materials. If you tend to sweat, you might choose a pillow with a removable, washable cover.

In most cases, a firm pillow is more supportive than a soft pillow during pregnancy.

Also, note that pregnancy pillows are versatile. Many women reuse theirs when they begin nursing their new baby. Don't be afraid to invest in a quality product, even in the third trimester.

Sleep Easier With Pixsee

Although you don't need a pregnancy pillow, most women really enjoy owning one. Many women go on to use their favorite maternity pillow long after their sweet baby has arrived. It's a safe, easy way to compensate for the changes in your body during your dynamic third trimester.

Once your baby is here, you won't need a pregnancy pillow to sleep better—you need the Pixsee smart video baby monitor. Your Pixsee is a steadfast parenting companion that will help you see your baby in crystal-clear FHD, even in perfect, late-night darkness.

Visit our Pixsee Shop and Amazon online store to discover the other ways that Pixsee helps new moms sleep easier.