At 12 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is only about the size of a plum but your baby bump is already visible. While most women don’t need any support pillows during their first trimester, and only start using one towards the end of their second trimester. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. If you are pregnant with twins or sometimes, even if you’re not, your belly may be larger than what is expected. This is completely normal because every pregnancy is unique but you will probably need to start using a pregnancy pillow to support your changing body.
Here are some considerations to make when choosing your pregnancy pillow
1. Pick a pillow that meets your current needs
Despite the potential morning sickness, the first trimester is an amazing time in your pregnancy! Your baby is still very small and you don’t have to deal with other more uncomfortable side-effects such as body aches and swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles. You’re excited about your pregnancy and you might be tempted to buy a pregnancy pillow that seems to be exactly what you will need in the coming months.
However, this is not a great idea because you won’t know which shape pillow will best suit your needs at that point. Also, some pregnancy pillows have a 30-day return policy so if you buy it now and it doesn’t suit you later on, you will not be able to return it. If you need a little additional support during your first trimester, you don’t have to break the bank as there are plenty of affordable options that provide sufficient comfort and support for your belly. By your second trimester, you can start looking at U-shaped pillows, C-shaped pillows and J-shaped pillows to narrow down your choices. You can compare the best pregnancy pillows that have been vetted by independent parenting experts and tested by real moms to help you make a decision.
2. Choose a pillow that targets your areas of physical discomfort
J-shaped pillows provide targeted belly support so if you don’t need back support as well, this pillow shape will work well for you. However, if you have hip or leg pain, you will be better off with a U-shaped pillow. A C-shaped pillow provides support to your head, neck, back, belly and even your ankles so if you suffer from a lot of body aches and pain, this would be the best option for you.
3. Consider your sleep position
Your sleep position not only affects your quality of sleep but it can also affect your baby’s health and safety. If you are used to sleeping on your back, it would be best for you to get used to sleeping on your side while you’re still in your first trimester. Although sleeping on your back will only be an issue in your second and third trimester, it makes sense to start sleeping on your side as soon as possible so that you have time to get used to the change. U-shaped pillows and C-shaped pillows will help you keep to sleeping on your side.
If you tend to change positions throughout the night, then a U-shaped pillow would be best because you won’t have to move the pillow each time you change positions.
4. Factor in your bed space
If you have limited space on your bed, you may not be able to fit a U-shaped or C-shaped pillow. Check the dimensions of the pillow you want to buy and see if it will fit. If you have limited space, you might be better off with a J-shaped pillow or even a straight full-length pillow.
5. Consider Postpartum Use
Your body aches and pains will not disappear the moment your baby is born! Labour and childbirth can take weeks or months to recover from, physically. You will probably be more comfortable continuing to sleep with your pregnancy pillow for at least a few weeks as your body heals. In addition to this, your pillow can also help you breastfeed your little one. Studies show that pillows help to reduce pain and discomfort while breastfeeding and increase the length of feeding sessions.
C-shaped and U-shaped pillows can be wrapped around your body to help support your baby while breastfeeding. They also help you position your baby correctly and reduce the strain on your arms and back. J-shaped pillows are good for breastfeeding in reclining positions.
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