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Best Mattress for Pregnancy

August 23, 2021

Best Mattress for Pregnancy

When you're pregnant, getting quality sleep can be challenging, which is why you need one of the best mattresses for pregnancy. Pregnancy causes you to experience many different things — like a changing body, aches and pains (especially back pain due to the baby bump), sensitivities to smells and noises, and other symptoms that can interfere with your sleep.

So, it's important to get as much restful sleep as you can, since sleep disturbances during the third trimester could impact labor and delivery negatively. This is where various types of mattresses come in for pregnant women.

For pregnant women, choosing the best mattress is essential to help provide comfort, offer support and pressure relief, and minimize sleep disturbances and back pain during your pregnancy, and once your little one is born.

There are various things to look for in a good mattress for pregnancy. For instance, pregnant women are often recommended to sleep on their sides, but the same mattress for pregnancy isn't as comfortable as it would be if they slept on their stomach or back. Mattress firmness is also an important feature to look for for pregnant women, regardless of sleeping position.

Other features to take into account are:

●      Pressure relief
●      Back support
●      Temperature regulation (mattress temperature and body heat)
●      Sleeping position
●      Cooling abilities
●      Motion isolation
●      Firmness level

With all of these and more factors coming into play, it can feel overwhelming to determine which mattress type is best when you're pregnant.

Before we discuss finding the best mattresses for pregnant women, we need to understand sleep during pregnancy, and its factors.

Pregnancy And Sleep

For many pregnant women, sleep during pregnancy can be difficult, regardless of sleeping position. Physical uneasiness, fluctuating hormones, and concern about being a mother for the first time have all contributed to a variety of sleep issues, as does being in the hot sleepers camp. In fact, at least forty-nine percent of pregnant women suffer from sleep problems.

Sleep is an important aspect of antenatal care. If you have trouble sleeping during pregnancy, you aren't the first person. What makes sleep important will be discussed in the next paragraph.

Why Sleep During Pregnancy Is so Important

Good sleep during pregnancy is vital for both mother and baby. On the mother's side, these lidless nights lead to tiredness and daytime drowsiness, of which the wrong mattress type can worsen. Sleep also plays an important role in decision-making, learning, memory retention, appetite, and mood - all of which are important in preparing for the reception of a newborn in your home.

Research also reveals that pregnant women who take too much or too little sleep during early pregnancy are likely to develop high blood pressure in that pregnancy's third trimester. Severe lack of sleep in early pregnancy can also increase the risk of preeclampsia, an ailment likely to lead to premature birth and long-term complications of the mother's kidneys, heart, and other vital organs.

Although further research is needed to understand other variables for pregnant women, lack of sleep risks cesarean section deliveries, preterm birth, depression, low birth weight, and painful labor. New studies also infer that low sleep quality during pregnancy may forecast crying and sleep issues in newborns.

What Causes A Change In Sleep During Pregnancy?

Poor sleep during pregnancy is caused by several factors, of which the wrong mattress type is one. From the first trimester, fluctuations in hormone levels cause widespread discomfort and other problems that make it difficult to sleep and stay sleeping. This may include weakness, vomiting, breast tenderness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, higher body temperature, frequent nocturnal urination, and leg cramps. Pregnant women may also be hot sleepers.

Over time, pregnant women may also experience back pain and sometimes pain in the hips and shoulders (from pressure points) while laying on any mattress type, and irrespective of sleeping position, making it difficult to adjust comfortably to the baby bulge, especially if the baby starts kicking at night.

Concerns about an impending birth, being a mother for the first time, balancing work with the new life, or searching for pressure relief caused by pressure points from the pregnancy and other worries can make your head spin at night. Many pregnant women experience vivid and distressing nightmares throughout the third trimester, compromising sleep quality.

Although it is common for a lot of pregnant women to have at least some of the above symptoms, they can sometimes be associated with a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders are linked to potential problems for the mother or baby, so it's crucial to speak with your doctor if you notice any symptoms.

Obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome are the most prevalent sleep disorders that develop during pregnancy.

1.  Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Many women snore during pregnancy due to the weight gain, and a stuffy nose, which can be a risk factor for hypertension. Some women may develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep ailment characterized by snoring, wheezing, and recurrent respiratory failure that impairs sleep quality.

OSA can block the flow of oxygen to the fetus for pregnant women, and increase the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Studies show it affects one pregnant woman in five.

2.  Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) patients suffer from sensations that are best explained as itching, crawling, or tickling, causing an unstoppable need to move their legs around. This condition makes it hard to fall asleep because the symptoms are far more serious when the person is resting.

RLS is thought to affect up to a third of women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Treatment of Sleep Problems During Pregnancy

There are several ways to alleviate sleep problems during pregnancy. Key strategies include adjusting sleeping positions, and hygienic sleep habits. In addition to good sleep hygiene, managing sleep disorders and problems like back pain and hip and shoulder tiredness while being pregnant is vital to better sleep.

Some therapies for pregnant women have shown to be effective in treating sleep issues, such as continuous airway pressure devices (CPAP) for OSA patients, antacids for GERD sufferers, or vitamin-mineral enhancements for RLS and back pain.

Before using any drugs or herbal sleeping pills, pregnant women should visit their doctor.

Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy

At the beginning of pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to get used to being side sleepers (sleeping on their sides). Laying on your sides with your knees bent is probably the most comfortable sleeping position during the progress of your pregnancy. It also facilitates the work of the heart as it prevents the weight of the baby from leaning on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that conveys blood through the feet and legs back to the heart, and supports spinal alignment and support.

Some physicians explicitly suggest that pregnant women sleep on their left side (or generally become side sleepers).

Because the liver is on your right side, lying on the left helps prevent the uterus from pushing against it for pregnant women. Laying left promotes the heart's blood circulation as well as the blood circulation to the fetus and kidneys. Again, rub minds with your doctor, and hear his advice.

But don't worry yourself trying not to turn back later during sleep, you might increase back pain. Changing positions during sleep is a natural behavior that you cannot hope to control, much less when pregnant. Probably in the third trimester of pregnancy, your body will not switch sleeping positions, as this will be very uncomfortable due to the baby bump.

If you lie on your back as a pregnant woman, you will probably wake up due to the discomfort of that back pain. Talk to your doctor, who may suggest that you use a pillow on your side.

Try placing pillows in different spots to find a comfortable sleeping position. Using a cooling pillow might be helpful for some pregnant women who are hot sleepers. For some, back pain is reduced when a pillow is placed under their belly or between the legs, and can also help with shoulders and hips alignment. You can also relieve pressure and maintain spinal alignment with a pillow or blanket wrapped around your lower back. There are even pillows called maternity pillows for sale. Get your doctor's advice before making this decision, too.

Tips For Better Sleep During Pregnancy

Having a good sleep routine while pregnant is very vital. While you may have heard so many good things about sleeping aids for pregnant women, let it be known that most of them aren't suggested for expectant mothers.

In addition to sleeping supplements during pregnancy, considering factors such as mattress firmness level, mattress type, mattress firmness option, and other intrinsic factors like edge support, breathability, pressure relief, motion transfer, and excellent motion isolation are also important.

Some of these are listed below:

Start by going to bed at the same time every day.

Start your routine with something relaxing to help you unwind. Practice meditation, take a yoga class, or try relaxation techniques and exercises to help you wind down after a busy day. These methods are often taught in childbirth classes for pregnant women. (Be sure to discuss any new activity or fitness regimen with your doctor first.)

Avoid time in front of the screen for at least an hour before bed.

The blue light from a TV or cell phone can affect the circadian rhythm of your body. You are better off reading a book.

Take a relaxing bath can also put you to sleep, and adjust body heat.

Pregnant women should be cautious to make sure the bath temperature is not too high; this can be dangerous for the baby's development. This is especially true in early pregnancy.

Eat healthily, but take it slowly to reduce the likelihood of heartburn.

An early dinner can also help, but don't go to bed hungry. Treat yourself to snacks if you need to eat something at night. Something high in protein can keep blood sugar levels stable overnight. A glass of warm milk can also help you sleep, and keep gas out of the body.

A comfortable bedroom can result in better sleep.

Keep your bedroom quiet, devoid of light, and cool to maintain body heat for the best sleeping conditions. Use a low light in the bathroom for bathroom night visits. Dimmed light will be less shocking than bright lights.

If you are one of the pregnant women who are bothered by breast tenderness, you can slip on a comfortable bra that is well-fitting throughout the night.

Key Factors Affecting Mattress Experiences

For mattresses, firmness options (scale), and firmness level are features that combine to give you the best mattress experience for all kinds of people, including pregnant women – irrespective of size, status, and other factors. For instance, some expectant mothers prefer a firm mattress, whereas others prefer a medium firm mattress.

Other slight factors like excellent motion isolation, motion transfer, edge support, and pressure points all combine to give the highest pleasurable experience that can be gotten from mattresses.

Mattresses for pregnant women, therefore, will be manufactured based on a pre-analyzed set of combined factors listed above, most importantly motion isolation and motion transfer if the expectant mother is going to be sharing a bed with a partner.

WHY LATEX MATTRESSES ARE THE BEST MATTRESSES FOR PREGNANCY

Latex is ideal for pregnant women, whether they are side sleepers, back, or stomach sleepers. Latex offers motion isolation and contouring support due to its organic composition and materials.

When it comes to mattresses, latex is used as the support core and in the comfort layers, notably for pressure relief, and to brace pressure points. It can be synthetic or natural. Obviously, natural latex makes for the best mattresses for comfortable sleeping positions (back, stomach, and side sleepers) during pregnancy.

Natural latex is durable, breathable (great for hot sleepers), and very responsive, which is welcomed by pregnant women. It contours, again helping to steady pressure points; however, it can also be crafted in a higher firmness level to offer a stable support core version. Natural latex types of mattresses are generally accepted as comfortable for every kind of person.

Some benefits of latex mattresses are:

Contouring

Mattresses that contour to your body's shape provide a customized feel, which is something some pregnant crave. Not to mention, contouring also helps to relieve pressure points on hips and shoulders, and eases minor aches and pains. While memory foam does provide contouring properties, if it conforms too closely, it could restrict airflow and impact a good night’s sleep.

Latex is a more breathable option, making it ideal for hot sleepers. It's not as likely to restrict airflow and retain both mattress and body heat, but it still contours to your body's shape to relieve shoulder and hips pressure points, which is a key benefit for pregnant women.

Organic Materials

There are many benefits to an organic latex mattress for pregnant women, such as:

1.      GOTS-certified organic mattresses don't include pesticides, formaldehyde, or chemical flame retardants.
2.      Natural latex doesn't contain the toxic chemicals you often find in many foam mattresses.
3.      Organic wool typically acts as a natural flame barrier.

These three benefits alone are very appealing to either pregnant women or those spending time in bed with their new babies.

Also, while the exact impact of environmental pollutants that could be passed from mothers to their newborns isn't known, there have been studies that found flame retardant chemicals (PBDE or polybrominated diphenyl ether) in the breast milk of women.

Many synthetic mattresses contain PBDEs, but not latex mattresses.

Other studies have also found evidence of microplastics in the human placenta, which could partially come from adhesives. For instance, glues often used in the construction of mattresses could cause certain significant side effects.

Many types of glue produce off-gassing that's bad enough on its own. But, when you combine pregnancy and allergies and sensitive sinuses with off-gassing, it can be a nightmare, especially for stomach and side sleepers. This is greatly improved since glue is skipped with natural latex mattress construction.

Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Temperature regulation in the best mattresses helps prevent overheating and overall body heat, as many pregnant women can attest as important. In a latex mattress, it's a common feature. Natural latex is breathable, and doesn't "sleep hot" like memory foam, either, so it offers you a good night’s sleep.

Balanced Feel

With hybrid latex mattresses, you get motion isolation, adequate mattress firmness, edge support, pressure relief, and support coils that also offer increased airflow. This overall balanced feel can help pregnant women sleep more deeply and soundly.

Motion Isolation

Natural latex is another perfect choice when it comes to motion isolation, and no motion transfer, particularly for pregnant women who often toss and turn all night, or have to get out of bed several times throughout the night.

Latex mattresses, like memory foam, tend to have great motion isolation, which means one person's movement is less likely to disturb a bed partner's sleep, along with great edge support. This motion isolation is intrinsic in a firm mattress as well as a medium firm mattress. If you are one of the pregnant women who toss and turn at night, this is a great feature. It's also a great choice for when your baby arrives when you'll need to get up more often for nightly wakings.

Edge Support

Having edge support is a key feature for expectant mothers, especially during the second and third trimesters. Some reasons for this include:

Getting out of bed becomes more difficult as the pregnancy progresses, and edge support can make that task easier.
If the side of the mattress sags, it doesn’t have ideal edge support. Proper edge support can help protect an pregnant woman from falling out of bed.
Good edge support makes sitting on the bed easier.
Last, but not least, edge support on a mattress gives you more sleeping space.

THE ECO TERRA MATTRESS: THE BEST MATTRESS FOR PREGNANCY

The best mattress for pregnancy does exist for support and pressure relief, and we believe the Eco Terra Hybrid Mattress is it. For most moms-to-be, obtaining a good night's sleep can be very hard to come by. While pregnancy will inevitably make you more tired than normal, your body is undergoing changes as your baby grows that can make it a major challenge to fall and stay asleep.

Fortunately, the Eco Terra Hybrid mattress offers that "just-right" weightlessness and firmness options you need for optimal sleep, so it is one of the best mattresses for pregnancy, and to relieve pressure points for shoulders and hips. Plus, its isolated coils provide ideal spinal alignment and support for pregnant women. This is more likely for stomach and side sleepers. It also takes heat away from the body, which is a key feature for hot sleepers

And, that's not all. The Eco Terra mattress is polyurethane-free, chemical-free, and crafted using certified organic wool and organic cotton, so you can feel confident you're not breathing in toxic contaminants from your mattress. It’s an eco-friendly mattress you can feel good about sleeping on.

Patrick Gunther

Patrick is an accomplished writer. He has been in the retail mattress space for the past 13 years, and more specifically in the natural mattress niche. He blogs on the subjects of natural mattresses, sleep, health, fitness, and green living.