Children

Choose the Right Bed for Your Pregnancy

Bed Sleep

Oh, the joys and wonders of pregnancy! It’s one of the most exciting milestones in any woman’s life, a big rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences. As you eagerly anticipate meeting your new bundle of joy, you may find yourself tangled in a web of dilemmas, thinking, “I never knew even sleeping could become this troublesome!” And you’re absolutely right, as it can indeed be inconvenient at times.

Prior to pregnancy, you could simply lie down however you pleased, in the position that felt most comfortable for you. But as your baby bump continues to grow, getting a good night’s sleep becomes a challenging task. Hormonal and bodily changes make it even harder to catch some Z’s, leading to frequent awakenings and disrupted sleep cycles, affecting up to 78 percent of pregnant women.

Studies indicate that getting the right amount of sleep early in pregnancy contributes to a healthier birth and improved overall health later on. So, while you’re out shopping for baby clothes and supplies, why not explore mattresses that cater to your needs? It could spare you from restless, sleepless nights.

Choose the Right Mattress

During pregnancy, your body is putting in extra effort, and just when you need sleep more than ever, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to achieve a restful night’s sleep! Before settling on a mattress, there are several factors to take into account.

Mattress Firmness

Mattresses come in three firmness options – soft, medium, and firm. While ultra-soft memory foam mattresses may sound appealing, they could make getting up more challenging, especially considering that pregnant women often need to visit the bathroom during the night. Opting for a medium-firm mattress strikes a balance; it’s soft enough to alleviate pressure on your pelvis and lower back without the sensation of sinking into the bed.

Weight Distribution

Your weight and body shape significantly influence your mattress choice. Different types of foam offer varying levels of support. Memory foam excels in reducing motion transfer compared to spring mattresses. When your partner shifts during sleep, it will barely disturb your slumber.

Cooling Technology

Around 70 percent of pregnant women are considered “hot sleepers,” experiencing night sweats due to hormonal shifts. If you fall into this category, consider a mattress with cooling technology to facilitate airflow. Opting for harder foams or memory foam with lower density can be beneficial.

Eco-friendly Options

Many furniture items contain a range of chemicals, including flame retardants and harmful adhesives. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can be harmful, especially for individuals with allergies. For pregnant women, it’s doubly concerning for both you and the baby. Look for natural alternatives. Mattresses made from tree sap and organic latex are excellent choices.

Creating the Ideal Sleep Environment

Acquiring the perfect mattress for your expanding belly is just the initial step on your path to a restful night’s sleep. Having a comfortable bed is essential, but it’s also crucial to complement it with additional sleep aids.

Pregnancy Pillows

A pregnancy body pillow provides extra support for your tummy, back, shoulders, and more. It helps expectant mothers sleep on their side, preventing excessive movement that might exert pressure on the baby bump.

Maternity Protectors

Given hot flashes and bouts of morning sickness, mattress protector pads shield your bed from liquids and allergens, keeping your mattress clean and dry. These protectors are removable and machine-washable.

Maternity Belts

These provide support for lifting your baby bump, alleviating pressure on your bladder and reducing back pain.

Specific Sleeping Positions

The recommended sleep position is SOS, or Sleep on Side. However, remember there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all women; it depends on personal comfort and preference.

Conclusion

After a day’s worth of carrying your unborn baby in your ever-expanding belly, feeling tired and exhausted is entirely normal. Sleeping on a suitably comfortable mattress can be the perfect remedy. You’d be amazed at the impact your bed can have on your pregnant body.

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Dr. Jade Marie Tomaszewski is a pathologist-in-training at McGill University, where she also did her degree in MSc Pathology. She obtained her medical degree (MD) from the University of the Philippines, after completing a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. In her (little) spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, curling up with a book and a large mug of tea, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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