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How To Choose The Best Pregnancy Pillow For You?

  • March 26, 2022

Choosing the perfect pregnancy pillow is a bit like searching for a glass slipper; it can be tricky to find that exact fit, but once you do, it’s a total game-changer. Since you’re growing a new life, your body needs ample time to recover and recharge every single night. The right support doesn't just help you stay asleep longer; it ensures you wake up feeling refreshed and ache-free.

But why is the right choice so vital, and how do you navigate the sea of options to find "the one"?

Why You Need a Pregnancy Pillow

Health experts often recommend these pillows to help mums-to-be maintain the recommended side-sleeping position. Sleeping on your left side, in particular, is linked to better health outcomes for both mum and bub, as it increases blood flow to essential organs and decreases the risk of heartburn and sleep apnea.

Beyond the health stats, they are simply more comfortable. These pillows are specifically engineered to ease the pressure on your legs, hips, tummy, and back, areas that take a real beating as your pregnancy progresses.

Perks of a Perfect Pillow Pregnancy pillow

The Perks of a Perfect Pillow

When you find the right support, the benefits are tenfold:

  • Fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer.

  • Wake up feeling refreshed rather than stiff.

  • Significantly decrease aches and pains in the hips and lower back.

  • Reduce common conditions like pregnancy headaches and heartburn.

  • Keep yourself securely on your side to increase circulation.

How to Choose Your Pregnancy Pillow

With thousands of options online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here is a breakdown of the non-negotiables you should consider:

1. Finding the Right Size

Pay close attention to dimensions. A full-body pillow that takes up three-quarters of the bed might lead to a very disgruntled partner! Conversely, a pillow that is too small won't provide the support you actually need.

The Sleepybelly Advantage: One of the best things about the Sleepybelly is its compact, adjustable design. It prevents you from rolling onto your back and provides full support without evicting your partner from the bed.

2. Choosing the Right Shape

Are you looking for a massive U-shape for full-body cushioning, or a C-shape to target the lower body? If you aren't sure, consider an adjustable three-piece set. These are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to change the arrangement as your bump grows.

The Sleepybelly functions as a versatile three-piece system. You can create a simple C-shape or use the back support piece to provide dual-sided stability, tucking pieces under your back or between your knees wherever you need it most.

3. Materials Matter

The best maternity pillows are firm enough to support weight but mouldable enough to be comfortable. While standard foam is firm, it lacks the "give" of latex or latex blends.

  • Internal Compound: The Sleepybelly uses high-quality desiccated latex for the perfect balance of firmness and comfort.

  • The Cover: Ensure it is breathable and washable. Our premium air-layer material features an anti-bacterial shield to stop dust mites and mould in their tracks.

Comparing the Most Popular Shapes

Pillow Type Best For... Pros & Cons
Wedge Targeted support Compact and versatile; great for under the tummy or between legs.
I-Shape Full-body "spooning" Excellent for back pain; works best when paired with a wedge.
O-Shape Post-pregnancy use Small and portable, but lacks full-body support.
U-Shape Maximum cushioning Great front and back support, but very bulky in bed.
C-Shape Lower body & breastfeeding Targets the back and belly; very popular for breastfeeding support.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

If you’re still undecided, a three-piece set provides the most flexibility for the different stages of your pregnancy. Our five-star rated Sleepybelly pillow set includes two side wedges and one long back support pillow, allowing you to customise the shape to your specific needs every single night.

Choosing your pillow might feel like a big task, but it’s an investment in your health and your baby's wellbeing. For more tips, check out our guides on how to choose the best pregnancy pillow or see our top picks for the best pregnancy pillows in Australia.

Read More

Night Sweats and Waking Up Drenched in Pregnancy

Night Sweats and Waking Up Drenched in Pregnancy

Night sweats during pregnancy are caused by hormonal fluctuations affecting your body's temperature regulation, increased blood volume, and a heightened metabolic rate. While waking up drenched and flushed can be uncomfortable, ordinary hormonal sweating is harmless and settles once your body cools down.

Distinguishing between a hormonal flush and a fever is important:

  • Hormonal Flushing: You feel hot and sweaty in waves without a raised body temperature or shivering chills.

  • Fever or Infection: A temperature reading of 38°C or higher, shaking chills, a cough, painful urination, or a rash requires prompt medical attention. Keep a thermometer on your bedside table so you can verify your temperature immediately if you wake up feeling hot.

Heartburn That Only Turns Up When You Lie Down

Heartburn That Only Turns Up When You Lie Down

Pregnancy heartburn affects roughly 8 in 10 women, driven by progesterone relaxing the stomach valve and a growing uterus crowding your abdomen. Lying flat removes the natural effect of gravity, allowing stomach acid to travel straight up your esophagus at bedtime.

To manage night-time reflux effectively, finish your last meal two to three hours before going to bed and eat smaller, lighter portions throughout the day rather than heavy dinners. When settling down for sleep, lie on your left side to keep your stomach below the esophageal valve, and elevate your entire upper torso by 10 to 15 cm using a mattress wedge rather than just stacking pillows under your head. Sip liquids between meals instead of drinking large volumes with food.

Always consult your midwife, GP, or pharmacist before starting any over-the-counter heartburn medication. If you are taking antacids, space them at least two hours apart from your prenatal iron and folic acid supplements so they do not block nutrient absorption. Contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or if upper stomach pain occurs alongside headaches, vision changes, or sudden swelling.

Snoring in Pregnancy: What's Normal and What's Worth Mentioning

Snoring in Pregnancy: What's Normal and What's Worth Mentioning

New onset snoring in late pregnancy is very common, usually triggered by hormone-induced nasal congestion, increased blood volume, and relaxed throat muscles narrowing your airways. While occasional mild snoring is harmless, frequent loud snoring, choking or gasping for air, and waking up with headaches or severe daytime exhaustion can indicate obstructive sleep apnea.

Because habitual pregnancy snoring is linked to higher blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, you should always report new snoring to your midwife or GP so they can check your blood pressure and evaluate you for a sleep study. To manage mild congestion-driven snoring at home, sleep on your side, elevate your head and torso slightly, use plain saline nasal sprays, and avoid medicated decongestant sprays unless prescribed.

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