How a pregnancy pillow can relieve back pain
If you are experiencing back pain throughout your pregnancy, you may find even the littlest things have become difficult to do... but don't worry you're not alone. Studies indicate almost three quarters of all pregnant women suffer with back pain at some point during their pregnancy.
With such a high volume of people experiencing a similar complaint, there are a whole host of recommendations for back pain relief, yet one of our favourites; the bbhugme pregnancy pillow.
About bbhugme
We love that bbhugme specialises in pregnancy and nursing pillows that help to keep mums and babies comfortable throughout pregnancy and early childhood. Developed by three chiropractors, bbhugme's mission is to ensure mums around the world feel at ease and get the rest they need.
What causes back pain in pregnancy?
In the early stages of your pregnancy, ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch in order to prepare for labour. Your body produces a concoction of different hormones including 'relaxin', designed to "loosen" soft tissues and accommodate a growing baby. As a result, the joints in your lower back and pelvis - typically at the sacroiliac joints - can be strained, resulting in back pain.
How to use a pregnancy pillow to relieve back pain
Sleep
Discomfort and pain is more problematic for pregnant women at night time and ultimately can affect your sleeping habits. If you are trying to retain your normal sleeping position, your back or pelvis may not be adjusting well. For improved chances of a good nights sleep treat yourself to a good quality, functional pregnancy pillow. A great pillow should be adjustable and provide support in all the places you need; around your belly, lower back, pelvis, knees and ankles.
Try to avoid sleeping on your back and instead use your pregnancy pillow to surround yourself on your left side or for additional support, wrap your pillow between your knees, behind your back or under your abdomen. The bbhugme pregnancy pillow is designed specifically to help you get in the most comfortable position for undisturbed sleep.
Posture
As your tummy begins to grow, you may find yourself leaning forward to accommodate changing centre of gravity, meaning that many pregnant women will shift the weight to their back, worsening the pain. The bbhugme pregnancy pillow can be used to improve posture and provide relief from changing centre of gravity.
The concept of the bbhugme pillow is that you can tie it around your waist for support on the go, creating a more supportive and comfortable environment. When using the bbhugme pillow standing up, make sure that your posture is straight with a wide stance, keep your chest held high and your shoulders back and avoid locking your knees.
Nursing
Should you choose to breastfeed your baby, the bbhugme pillow is specially designed to provide support to critical areas such as the neck and shoulders during feeding. It is even possible to adjust the firmness of the pillow to find the most comfortable position for you and your baby. You may likely spend a significant period of time nursing your little one therefore, to prevent slouching a pregnancy pillow can also be used postpartum to support your back and pelvis.
Added benefits
The bbhugme range also uses natural, soft and eco-friendly (BPA Free) materials that easily shape around both you and baby, making it easier to relax and focus during this special time. The inside stuffing consists of small ESP pebbles, a material chosen specifically for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties as well as its ability to keep you both cool.
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