Get It Right: How Should You Choose the Best Bed for Your Pregnancy?

Ah, the joys and wonders of pregnancy! One of the most exciting milestones in any woman’s life. It is one big rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences. As you look forward to meeting your new bundle of joy, you soon find yourself stuck in a ball of dilemmas, thinking to yourself, “I didn’t know even sleeping could get this troublesome!” And you’re right since it gets inconvenient at times.

Before pregnancy, you used to lie down however you liked, in the position which is most comfortable for you. But as your baby bump continued to grow, getting some shut eye became a cumbersome task. Hormonal and body changes make it extra difficult to sleep, causing frequent rousings and interrupted sleep cycles, affecting up to 78 percent of pregnant women.

Research shows that getting the right amount of sleep early in pregnancy leads to healthier birth and better health later on. So while you’re out shopping for baby clothes and supplies, why not look into mattresses that suit your needs? And save yourself from restless and sleepless nights.

Choose the Right Mattress

During pregnancy, your body is working extra hard, and just when you need sleep more than ever, it’s getting harder to attain a good night’s sleep! Before choosing a mattress, you need to consider the following factors.

• Mattress Firmness. Mattress firmness comes in three variations: soft, medium, and firm. As tempting as ultra-soft memory foam mattresses sound, it could make getting up more difficult, noting that pregnant women frequently get up at night to use the bathroom. You can opt for beds with medium firmness. These mattresses are soft enough to ease the pressure on your pelvis and lower back without having the feeling of sinking into the bed.
• Weight Distribution. Weight and body shape play a significant role in shopping for new mattresses. Different foam types accommodate differently. Memory foam does a better job in reducing motion transfer when compared to spring mattresses. When your spouse shifts in his sleep, it will barely disturb your sleep.
• Airing Technology. 70 percent of all pregnant women fall under “hot sleepers,” or women who experience night sweats due to hormonal imbalances. If you’re one of these expectant mothers, consider getting a mattress with cooling technology to allow airflow. Hard foams will be best, though you can also go for memory foam with lower density.
• Go Eco-friendly.  Many, if not most, furniture come with a hefty package of chemicals such as flame retardants, harmful adhesives, and the like. And constant exposure to these chemicals is detrimental, especially for people with allergies. As a pregnant woman, it will be twice as unhealthy for you and the baby. Go for natural alternatives. Being closer to nature provides positive effects on the mind and body. In fact, there are a lot of mattresses made from tree sap and organic latex.

The Perfect Sleep Environment

Getting the ideal mattress for your growing belly is only the first step in your journey to a great night’s sleep. Having a good bed isn’t enough because you also need to support yourself with supplemental sleep aids.

• Pregnancy Pillows. A pregnancy body pillow will give you additional support for your tummy, back, and shoulders, to name a few. It helps mothers sleep on their side and prevents them from too much movement that may cause pressure on the baby bump.
• Maternity Protectors. With hot flashes and bouts of morning sickness, mattress protector pads will protect your bed from liquids and allergens from soiling your sheets, keeping your mattress clean and dry. Mattress protectors are removable and machine-washable too!
• Maternity Belts. They act as a support to lift your baby bump. Maternity belts are perfect for relieving the pressure on your bladder and reducing your back pains.
• Specific Sleeping Positions. The best sleep position is SOS or Sleep on Side. However, keep in mind that there is no definite ‘best’ for all women, it all depends on personal preference and comfort.

Takeaway

In a day’s worth of work, carrying your unborn baby inside your ever-growing belly, it’s only normal to get tired and exhausted, and sleeping in a wholly suitable mattress sounds like the ideal remedy. You’d be surprised at the impact that your bed can have on your pregnant body.