If only I'd known about the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers, I could have avoided all plenty of headaches when my wife was pregnant with our daughter.
My wife used to sleep on her back. But as her tummy grew, so did the discomfort, which grew in intensity as the months passed.
We tried everything, including bringing our sofa cushion to bed and buying so many pillows that it crowded up our bed. The doctor also suggested that my wife start sleeping on her side.
On top of having difficulty getting used to sleeping on her left side, my wife was also dealing with the back pain and the edema that most other moms assured her were normal during pregnancy.
It was only years after that we learned about the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers. But by then, our daughter was already in grade school!
It may be too late for us, but what you're about to read might help you. It may even change your life (or, at least, the next nine months).
By the second trimester, you should be lying on your side with your hips and knees bent. You should also place pillows between your knees, behind your back, and under the abdomen.
The National Sleep Foundation also warns against sleeping on your back for long periods when you enter the third trimester of your pregnancy.
Sleeping on your left side facilitates blood flow to your unborn child, as well as to your kidneys and uterus. And, yes, the National Sleep Foundation also recommends using a maternity pillow for better quality sleep.
You may think it's okay to sleep on your back when you're pregnant. But as you've read above, this position may impede blood flow to your fetus.
However, what's most alarming is that sleeping on your back may cause a variety of health problems for your unborn baby.
A 2017 study found that supine sleep positions may increase the risk of stillbirth. If you sleep on your back, your fetus will have decreased activity, which could be a sign something's wrong.
The study reiterates that sleeping on your left side is the best position for expecting mothers. It found that when you sleep in this position, the fetus is very active and will move around a lot.
Change positions so you are on your back, and the fetus becomes very still and quiet almost immediately.
Of course, you will want a pregnancy pillow that's comfortable and gives you the support you need, no matter what sleeping position you prefer. But that may not be your primary consideration here.
Since there is an increased risk of stillbirth when you sleep in a supine position, you should look into the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers to help you ease into side sleeping when you enter the second or third trimester.
You probably won't be comfortable sleeping on your backs during the last few months because of your growing bump, anyway. Some of you might protest, "I've been sleeping on my back for so long, I can't possibly change now."
Well, with the right pregnancy pillow, you can.
First off, you should know the different types of pregnancy pillows available.
The body pillow is one of the simplest types, and it spans your entire height. A body pillow supports your whole body without taking up too much space.
Meanwhile, the U-shaped pregnancy pillow wraps around your body. This body pillow will prop you up if you lie on your back, or give support to both your back and front when you sleep on your side.
Other variations of the U-shaped pregnancy pillow includes the C- and J-shaped pillows. Both of these pillow shapes allow you to get the support of the U-shaped one, but without closing you in or engulfing you.
For instance, C-shaped pillows will be able to support your hips, legs, back, belly, and head. You get all that, and you also get more space on one side.
Pregnancy wedge pillows, on the other hand, are smaller and more affordable. This type of pillow will give you targeted support, such as for your back or your bump.
The thing with pregnancy pillows is there are a lot of products to choose from, and these come in various shapes and sizes. However, there are not many scientific studies to help you know which ones are good and how you should choose one.
So, it will all boil down to your personal preference.
A pregnancy pillow, however, should make you feel relaxed and comfortable when sleeping.
Other than that, you should also decide whether you like a firm foam or a softer fill. The fabric used to cover the pillow is also important.
Because you are going to use a pregnancy pillow for months or maybe even longer, you should also opt for something with a washable cover.
Lastly, you should consider your bed's size. For example, a U-shaped pregnancy pillow is going to take up a lot of space, so you should probably avoid it if you have a smaller bed.
Different pregnancy pillows are suitable for back sleepers. However, different types of pregnancy pillows have their own strengths and benefits, as well as drawbacks.
We researched several products and chose different types of pillows that not only help pregnant women who sleep on their backs get better and longer sleep, but also offer great support to help you transition your sleeping position.
With a shortlist of recommended products offering the benefits you would want from the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers, we checked each of these products on Amazon. We included only the products that are readily available and have excellent customer feedback.
What is the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers? We've done the research so you can spend more time resting and preparing for the baby's arrival.
While the products below are numbered, they're listed in no particular order.
So, without further ado, here are our recommendations:
If you are still in the first trimester of your pregnancy and you want to sleep on your back, you can use the Abco Tech Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Top.
This product elevates your head when you sleep so you can breathe easily and avoid acid reflux. It also helps stop snoring, heartburn, and respiratory issues.
This wedge pillow uses premium materials to support your body weight and does not collapse when you lie on it. You can also use this pillow as a backrest when you're sitting.
It features a memory foam top, so you won't need an extra pillow. What's more, you can also use this wedge pillow to prop your legs up.
You will love how comfortable and breathable this pillow is, and it remains cool regardless of how long you lie on it.
The Abco Tech Bed Wedge Pillow also comes with a washable cover you can just pop into the washer when you need it cleaned.
You'll also like how this product doesn't lose its shape even when you've been using it for months. It helps relieve body pain, as well.
However, if you're the type who tosses and turns when you sleep, you might find yourself sliding down this pillow during the night.
You should also know that this pillow expands when you take it out of its original packaging. If you have problems with the pillow, returning it might be a problem because it won't fit back into its box.
The ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow is designed to help you get the right body posture when sleeping. As such, you get better quality sleep with this pillow.
It can also relieve the pain you feel in your lower back, hips, or knees. This pillow is just about the right height for your legs to rest on, giving you the best circulation and lymphatic flow possible.
It can also reduce the swelling around your ankles and relieve leg pain. The non-slip cover is also machine-washable.
This leg rest pillow is excellent for pregnant women who sleep on their backs and need to put their feet up. You will also like how wide this pillow is, allowing you to put both feet up a once.
However, there are people who may find it a bit too bulky for their beds. Another downside is you might find it a bit uncomfortable to use for an extended period.
If you have a small bed or if you want localized support for either your back or your bump, then you should get the hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge for Maternity.
This product helps relieve back stress and lessens the pressure you feel. In short, it will help curb your urge to lay your back flat on the bed because your back will not feel tired from lying on your side.
This hiccapop pillow will also make sleeping on your side a lot more comfortable. You can place it under your stomach, between your knees, or behind your back for a more relaxing sleep.
The manufacturer claims it can lessen edema in your legs, hands, and feet. It can also reduce leg numbness and nerve pain.
If you can't decide between getting a firm or soft pillow, you'll be glad to know this hiccapop pillow offers both. There are two sides to provide different levels of support.
One side has softer memory foam, while the other has a firmer foam filling. You can easily use this pillow throughout your entire pregnancy.
The product also uses a very breathable material to keep it cool even after you've used it for a long while. Meanwhile, the plush Velboa cover makes the pillow feel soft and comfortable.
Because of the localized support it provides, this pillow is smaller in size compared to all other pregnancy pillows on this list.
If you're trying to switch your position to sleep on your side, the Queen Rose Classic U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow will do wonders for you. This U-shaped pregnancy pillow offers contoured support to give you the best sleep throughout the entire nine months.
It supports both sides of your body, so you don't need to adjust the pillow every time you turn. What's more, you can use this product if you want to lay on your back.
The manufacturer claims that customers have used this pillow while pregnant or if they suffer from some sort of pain. It's also a good pillow for nursing.
The Queen Rose Classic U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow gives you a comfortable position for tons of activities, including watching TV, reading, or nursing. A 90-day exchange guarantee covers this product.
Another U-shaped pregnancy pillow, this product allows you to rest and sleep comfortably. It follows the contours of your body.
The manufacturer claims the NiDream Bedding 60-Inch Pregnancy Body Pillow helps relieve leg swelling, back pain, and hypertension. It can support your knees, hip, feet, sides, belly, and back.
It gives optimum support for pregnant women who sleep on their backs. When you're ready to transition to side sleeping, you can continue using the same pillow.
This pillow will engulf you and allows you to find the most comfortable sleeping position for you. However, this NiDream pregnancy pillow tends to take up a lot of space, so you will need to have a bigger bed for it.
There are also times when you might feel the pillow is thick and lumpy in some places, while not containing enough filling in others.
If you like a soft cushion that is also adjustable, then look no further than the Meiz U-Shaped Body Pillow. This body pillow is filled with premium 7d hollow fiber.
It also has a brushed fabric inner cover, and the velvet outside covering is machine-washable.
This pillow is very versatile and can provide support for any sleeping position you prefer. It can support every part of your body, as well.
Say, "Sayonara," to back pain, as well as a host of other conditions such as hypertension and sciatica. If this pillow doesn't work for you, you can return it within 90 days for a full refund.
As you have already guessed, most of our recommended products for this best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers list are U-shaped. That is because this design provides support for both back sleepers and those who like to lay on their side.
The Wannafree Full Body Pregnancy Pillow is no different. This product can help you sleep soundly through the night while also relieving pain in various parts of your body.
What makes this product stand out is the fact it comes in a variety of colors. You can choose from gray, black-gray, coal gray, and pink, among many others.
But your options don't stop with the color. You can also choose from six different sizes, from 55 to 60 inches long.
What's more, it uses a hypoallergic, bionic, polyurethane filling that will not smell even when you have been using this pillow for a long time. The cover is also removable, so you can just throw it into the wash.
The ComfiLife Lumbar Support Pillow for Sleeping helps with your back pain. This wedge pillow provides localized support, making it extremely versatile.
For back sleepers, you can put this under your body for added support. You can also use this wedge to elevate your legs or feet.
High-density memory foam is used for this pillow. Plus, it has a breathable design and a machine-washable, easy-clean cover.
You will like how this pillow helps keep your back, feet, and knees in proper alignment. The memory foam also won't collapse under your weight.
The best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers can help expectant mothers get some much-needed rest. According to a recent study, sleep disorders are relatively common among pregnant women.
These sleepless nights are caused by hormonal and physiological changes in your body. But it can also be because of other things, such as being uncomfortable when you sleep or trying to change your sleeping positions.
Just as long as you keep in mind that you should avoid sleeping on your back during the late stages of pregnancy, you can choose any one of these products for your needs.
The U-shaped pillow is perfect for women who like utmost comfort and have enough space on their beds to accommodate the bulky product.
It can also help you switch from sleeping on your back to slumbering on your side.
However, for those who have specific issues, such as back or neck pain, or those who want support in particular areas such as their tummy or backs, wedge pillows may offer better, localized support.
The good news for all expectant mothers is they now have the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers right at their fingertips. These products can help them get better sleep and be more comfortable.
And here's even better news for the rest of us: You don't have to be pregnant to use the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers!
Are you ready for a good night's rest? Which one of these pillows are you going to buy? Tell us about it in the comments!
Featured image source: freepik
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