7 Reasons Why Every Mom-to-Be Needs a Therapeutic Pillow

Pregnancy, one of the greatest blessings from god, comes with a journey of happiness, transformation, and responsibility. However, it's not an easy journey for mothers who need to deal with excessive pain because of hormonal changes and discomfort during the nine months. Proper Sleep is a major factor that determines how the pregnancy journey is going to be.

Among various inventions to offer utmost comfort for pregnant mothers, therapeutic pillows stand out as a reliable option. Their unique design provides enough support to the back, belly, hips, and legs, giving women extra comfort during each trimester.

You might be surprised, but the market share of therapeutic pillows alone is expected to surpass $2.4 billion by the end of 2033. 

Let's talk about the seven compelling reasons why every mother needs a therapeutic pillow during pregnancy.

Reason 1: Relieves Pressure on the Lower Back and Pelvis

As pregnancy nears its final stage, the centre of gravity changes position because of the uterus's enlargement, which puts pressure on the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints. During these times, a therapeutic body pillow for maternity can act as a supporting system during hard times, particularly in the third trimester. 

• C-shaped or U-shaped body pillows that are therapeutic in nature uphold the lumbar region while keeping the spine in line.
• These pillows provide lateral support that assists in preventing posterior pelvic tilt, which eases stress on the sacroiliac joint.
• This helps alleviate sciatica, a common condition caused by compression of the sciatic nerve due to uterine pressure or poor sleeping posture.

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Reason 2: Improves Sleep Quality by Supporting Side-Sleeping

Doctors usually recommend side-sleeping during the later weeks of pregnancy.. This position facilitates venous return as it minimizes strain on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.

• Side-sleeping can be maintained with the help of a therapeutic body pillow for maternity, such that the legs, knees, and belly are supported.
• These aids make side-sleeping more conducive while also minimizing the need for a person to toss and turn.

Tip: Sleeping on the left side during pregnancy is suggested as it is associated with improved uteroplacental perfusion, which is the blood circulation to the placenta, preventing fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Reason 3: Lessens Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

Reflux or heartburn becomes more common during pregnancy due to the growing uterus, which exerts pressure on the stomach. This also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Combined with higher progesterone hormone levels, this greatly increases the risk of experiencing acid reflux or heartburn.

• In addition, elevating the upper body with wedge-shaped therapeutic pillows aids in reflux management through the prevention of the upward passage of stomach acid.
• This method is beneficial as it helps control gastric reflux by using gravitational force to keep the stomach's contents within it.

Reason 4: Relieves Leg Cramps and Edema

Pregnancy often causes leg cramps, particularly at night, and is associated with poor blood circulation, imbalance of electrolytes, or the weight of the womb compressing blood vessels.

• Therapeutic pillows raise the legs, enhancing venous return and reducing dependent edema (swelling in the lower extremities because of fluid).
• Moreover, Contour adjustable pillows and separate leg supports improve the circulation and relieve muscle tiredness, helping to prevent restlessness in the legs (RLS).

Medical Insight: From NIH, up to 30% of pregnant women suffer from leg cramps at night. It has been reported that elevating legs is one effective non-drug treatment option.

Reason 5: Improves Mental Well-being and Alleviates Stress

Mental stress can be exacerbated by physical discomfort, especially in the context of anxiety tied to pregnancy. Fostering good hormonal balance as well as proper fetal development necessitates restful sleep.

• Therapeutic pillows provide a nurturing and safe sleep environment, emotionally stabilizing and soothing, while providing necessary sensory comfort.
• These benefits accrue from the perception of support, which improves bonding and emotional regulation by enhancing oxytocin and decreasing cortisol levels.

Insufficient sleep is associated with a higher risk of developing depression and hypertension during pregnancy. Providing emotional comfort during rest is important for maternal and fetal health.

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Reason 6: Encourages Better Baby Positioning

In the final weeks of pregnancy, optimal fetal positioning can help in easing the labor process. A baby is more likely to be delivered vaginally if he or she is in an anterior cephalic position, which is head down and looking towards the mother’s body.

• Utilizing a specific therapeutic pillow contrived for this purpose helps maintain the pelvis open, and the baby’s position is optimized.
• Resting on the side with the hips and knees properly aligned contributes to the twisting of the uterus, which helps in giving the baby more space to move.

Reason 7: Provides Ongoing Assistance for Postpartum Healing

Pillows designed for therapy purposes have continued use beyond pregnancy. They are also beneficial during the postpartum period, especially for mothers healing from C-sections, episiotomies, or perineal tears.

• They help soothe pain during breastfeeding and while sitting or sleeping, propped up to minimize swelling after surgery.
• Some multifunctional pillows turn into nursing supports, thus helping with breastfeeding and making it less painful.

Tip: Alignment of the body after childbirth is very important to prevent pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and chronic back pain. Therapeutic pillows minimize pressure on sensitive areas and support early healing.

Conclusion

Your body undergoes tremendous change during pregnancy, and rest becomes an essential aspect of self-care as the body demands more attention. A therapeutic body pillow for maternity is more than just a luxury; it enhances circulation while promoting spinal alignment, fetal development, and mental health.

Your pregnancy journey is often filled with discomfort, such as nausea in the first trimester and hip pain in the third trimester. Therapeutic pillows not only provide immense ease and comfort, but they are a valuable boost for maternal and fetal wellness.

The benefits of a therapeutic development pillow are timeless, so there is no need to wait until sleep becomes impossible. Start using one early in pregnancy to reap all the benefits throughout the trimesters and even after.