Pregnancy is an exciting time with a baby on the way, but it can also be uncomfortable as your body changes.

This is your survival guide, pregnancy must-haves, for comfort during the different trimesters of your pregnancy!

Why Comfort Matters During Pregnancy

Comfort during pregnancy might be seen as a selfish luxury, but in reality, it is a vital part of the health and development of both mother and baby.

Here are some of the most important reasons:

Fetal safety and unrestricted blood flow

Sleep position during pregnancy matters. Back sleeping is no longer a safe option because the weight of the uterus can compress the vena cava, which is the major vein that carries blood to the heart.

In addition to worrying about the mother’s safety, compression of this vein can also reduce blood flow to the fetus. This is the reason why side sleeping during the later trimesters of your pregnancy is essential.

Prevention of early labor and/or preeclampsia: Not getting enough rest, less than 6 hours per night, affects how your body regulates hormones and blood pressure. 

This is why comfort matters—the right aids like pillows, temperature control, sleepwear, and other enhancements will help you achieve the rest you need.

Fetal brain development

Pain causes stress on the body, which raises cortisol levels. This alone isn’t a problem, but if it happens repeatedly, high cortisol levels can cross the placenta and affect fetal brain development.

The goal should be to do everything possible to ensure your comfort and reduce physical stress, protecting your growing baby from excess cortisol exposure.

Maternal mobility and skeletal health

A growing baby affects your center of balance, putting strain on the lower back and pelvis. 

Managing skeletal health is vital to avoid long-term issues like abdominal separation or chronic pelvic girdle pain.

This pain can stick around after the birth of your baby and make recovery and newborn care difficult.

Mental health

Constant pain takes a toll on your mental health. If you are always uncomfortable, your ability to resist stress increases. 

This, in turn, is a strong predictor of postpartum depression, so avoiding unnecessary stress is beneficial for your overall health and well-being pre-and post-delivery.

Here are our top 7 pregnancy must haves

Must-Have #1

A supportive full-body pillow: This is your top priority. A full-body pillow is your ticket to the most comfortable sleep possible as your baby grows.

A full body pillow helps you stay in the critical side-sleeping position and also supports your head, neck, shoulders, and knees for proper spinal alignment. 

Another added benefit is the mirror effect. With a full-body pillow, there is no need to constantly shift or move pillows when you adjust your position. Rolling over is easy because a full-body pillow is the same on both sides.

Must-Have #2

Comfortable maternity clothing: Non-restrictive, natural fabrics are the best for regulating temperature and effectively managing night sweats and hot flashes.

Bamboo fabrics are better than standard cotton because they are breathable. They wick away sweat so it can evaporate, keeping your core temperature down for comfort.

Look for labels that say “bamboo viscose,” “modal,” or “Tencel.” They are also often marketed as cooling fabrics.

The best pregnancy must-haves in sleepwear design:

1. Nightshirt or sleep dress because there are no waistbands to restrict bladder compression, leading to excessive night urination, which disrupts sleep.

2. Joggers that fit below your baby bump are important for comfort because they sit below the uterus. This avoids unnecessary pressure on the fetus and encourages unrestricted breathing.

Look for wide, soft drawstrings that can be adjusted.

3. The crossover sleep bra designed to support your growing breasts helps decrease oversensitivity and the discomfort caused by added weight without proper support.

Look for crossover fronts that make nursing easier, wide straps that don’t dig into your shoulders, and no underwire.

Must-Have #3

Hydration & Nutrition tools: Hydration tools support proper amniotic fluid levels, prevent premature contractions, and manage constipation. 

Hydration tools

  • Large capacity tumblers with straws. 
  • Time-marked water bottles to meet hydration goals.
  • Flavor infusers to help if plain water makes you nauseous.
  • Thermal steel bottles to keep water cold, since it’s often more palatable. 
  • Electrolyte additives to increase your magnesium and potassium levels, which help with leg cramps and thirst. *Always check with your OB/GYN for additives that are safe for pregnant women.

Nutrition tools

  • To stabilize blood sugar and prevent nausea. These items are essential building blocks for fetal development:
  • Strategic eating to neutralize stomach acid, like eating a protein-rich snack upon waking.
  • Separating solids and liquids to manage heartburn and bloating. Drink fluids 30 minutes before or after a meal, instead of during.
  • High-quality prenatal vitamin.
  • Choline supplements or eggs for fetal brain development.
  • High protein emergency snacks.
  • Digestive aids like fiber.

Must-Have #4

A gentle self-care routine: Daily habits that help you manage the physical and mental stress of an advancing pregnancy really work. Things like:

  1. Eating a small snack to stabilize blood sugar immediately upon awakening.
  2. Simple stretches at night, like Cat-Cow or Pelvic tilts, to release lower back tension.
  3. Mid-day hydration audit to be sure your intake is optimum.
  4. Stand or walk regularly to reduce swelling.
  5. Stay away from your phone after 6 p.m. for optimum relaxation.

Must-Have #5

Supportive footwear

The right footwear helps maintain proper spinal alignment, and prevents injury. Look for strong arch support, slip-on ease, materials that stretch as your foot swells, and good shock absorption and traction.

Must-Have #6

Sleep environment upgrades

  1. The right upgrades can aid your pregnancy and recovery in meaningful ways.
  2. Fans or any type of air circulation helps with nausea and hot flashes.
  3. Cooling mattress pad in a natural, breathable fabric.
  4. Maintaining room temperature between 60-67 degrees.
  5. A full-body pregnancy pillow for optimum spinal alignment and sleep position.
  6. An air purifier that reduces dust and allergens for a better night’s sleep.
  7. Motion-sensor night lights for bathroom breaks during the night.
  8. Noise machine for sounder sleep.
  9. A sleep mask.

Must-Have #7

  • Stress-relief & Relaxation tools
  • A warm bath with Epsom salts to relieve joint pressure and relax muscle cramps.
  • Bouncing on an exercise ball soothes the nervous system.
  • Prenatal massage.
  • Box breathing to calm the nervous system for relaxation and stress relief.
  • Meditation.
  • Doctor-approved aromatherapy.

Taking care of yourself and optimizing your comfort are among the most important things you can do to support your health and your baby throughout your pregnancy.

As always, discussing your options with your doctor should be your first priority. Still, we hope our “7 Must-Haves for Pregnancy Comfort” offers actionable, easy ways to make your journey easier for both you and your growing baby.

Yana Sleep products are made with you in mind. Our full line of products not only provides proper spinal alignment but also offers a wide range of options for a healthy night’s sleep.

Explore our selection of products, including the full-body pillow, side-sleeper pillow, cooling eucalyptus pillow cover, weighted heart-shaped pillow, and aromatherapy weighted eye mask for additional ways to aid in a good night’s rest.

Elevate your sleep routine with Yana Sleep. Quality you can count on!