How to sew a pillow for pregnant women with your own hands
Pregnancy is an important period in the life of every woman. At this time, the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity especially need support and care. The specific emotional and physical state dictates its own rules. Recently, an increasing number of women are trying to purchase a pillow for pregnant women in order to ensure themselves a good rest.
Luxury or necessity
Often it is from men that you can hear that a pillow for pregnant women is a luxury that you can do without, especially since it costs such a pleasure, oh, how expensive it is. Dear future dads! Have you ever tried to sleep when you have an additional weight of about 5 kilograms on your stomach? Even if we put aside hormonal disruption and a difficult emotional state, it is very difficult to physically withstand such a load for several months. And a special device for sleeping greatly facilitates the fate of expectant mothers.
6 reasons to use a pregnancy pillow
First of all, it should be noted that this accessory will be required not only during pregnancy, but will also facilitate taking care of the baby. So, 6 reasons:
- Improves blood circulation, normalizes the tone of the uterus.
- Relieves fatigue, helps to establish good sleep.
- Provides a comfortable position for the legs, relieves swelling.
- Relieves tension and relieves back and lower back pain.
- Protects the child from injuries and falls (if you leave the baby on the bed for a short time and make a side from such a pillow).
- Helps to choose a comfortable position at the time of feeding the baby.
How does a pillow help
During pregnancy, a woman gains about 10 kilograms of weight. Of course, changing the weight category seriously affects all aspects of life: it is more difficult to walk, some actions become simply impossible, well, and special conditions are required for sleep.
The pillow for pregnant women is the development of gynecologists and orthopedists just to make a woman's sleep in such a specific period more convenient and comfortable.
Most often, during sleep, a person lies on their side. And for pregnant women, doctors recommend this position, since this way a better blood supply to the fetus is ensured. If the expectant mother is accustomed to sleeping on her back, then the child squeezes important vessels with her weight, which affects the woman's condition, and such a position is harmful to the child - hypoxia, insufficient supply of the fetus with oxygen and nutrients are possible. Well, sleeping on your stomach before childbirth is simply dangerous.
And thanks to the pillow for pregnant women, rest on the side becomes complete, since the tummy gets an additional point of support, is fixed and does not create unpleasant sensations.
Varieties
The pillow can be different. The model is chosen depending on the size, shape, design, color, as well as the type of inner filler and top material.
The main criteria are: size, shape, and "insides".
The shape of the maternity pillows can be as follows:
- U-shaped.
- G-shaped.
- C-shaped.
- Bagel.
- I-shaped (that is, straight).
- L-shaped.
The shape is chosen depending on the structure of the woman's body. If you are in doubt which pillow is right for you personally, it is better to consult a gynecologist.
U-shaped
This form is the most common. According to the majority, this is the most convenient option, since body support is guaranteed at all points. The product is absolutely symmetrical, and during sleep you can turn as you like without fear of losing the feeling of comfort.
Advantages of the model:
- The body is in a comfortable position throughout the rest.
- Thanks to its symmetry, the pillow "hugs" you from all sides and there is no need to turn it over or move it.
- It is this model that is indispensable for supporting the back and abdomen.
- The U-shape relieves tension from the intervertebral discs and provides an even load on the back.
- Relaxes the leg muscles.
Of the shortcomings, only one is large dimensions. So, if you are not used to sleeping alone, you will have to find another model.
The standard version offers three sizes: 280x35, 340x35, 360x35. The first number is the length of the deployed pillow. So even tall women will be able to feel comfortable in the 360x35 model.
G-shaped
This model has appeared relatively recently. The size of such a pillow is 350x35, and thanks to the rounded shape, there is room for your partner on the bed.
"Pluses" of this form:
- Supports the back, abdomen, legs and head well.
- More compact in size compared to the U-shaped model.
- There is a possibility to sleep together.
The main drawback is that if you want to roll over on the other side, the pillow will also have to be turned over.
As a filler for G-shaped models, materials such as holofiber, expanded polystyrene, artificial swan's down, thinsulate, synthetic winterizer, and komerel are used.
"Bagel"
A very functional model. It is convenient to use it not only during sleep, but also when reading a book, or when watching TV.
The advantages of this form:
- Body support from different angles.
- Convenient belly groove for a good night's sleep.
- It is quite compact in size.
The disadvantage, as in the previous model, lies in the asymmetry of the shape. If you like to sleep alternately on different sides, then you will have to turn the pillow over.
C-shaped and straight
The main advantages of these models are the possibility of using them during the entire period of pregnancy, as well as the prospect of sleeping on a bed together, since the pillow does not take up much space. When turning, it is easiest to turn such a pillow over to the other side. Moreover, if you wish, you can even take it with you on a trip - it does not take up much space, and you can feel at home everywhere.
When deciding on a filler, it is important to consider the following criteria:
- Environmental friendliness.
- Elasticity.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Durability.
- Security.
- Quality.
How to choose a color
Since this accessory will accompany you for a long time, it is important to carefully consider the color. Psychologists believe that color palette is not just a matter of your personal preference. The fact is that many colors have a serious impact on the mental and emotional state of a person, and this aspect is especially important during pregnancy.
- Yellow. It is also called the color born of the sun. This palette promotes creative thinking, calmness, and relaxation. It is no coincidence that the yellow "environment" is often recommended for young children.
- Green. Carries the life-giving power of plants. This color relaxes the nervous system.
- The brown range gives a sense of security. Light shades create a feeling of warmth and comfort, dispose to communication. But it is better for pregnant women to refuse dark brown shades.
- Orange. Warm and rich, it also carries hello from the sun.It is important to choose the right shade: it is better to refuse from aggressive and too bright, but slightly blurry with shades of peach will be just right.
- Mint color. It will give freshness, fill with energy and vigor.
What to look for when buying
- Examine the product carefully, check the seams. Even with the slightest flaws, there is reason to think: is it worth buying a pillow here?
- Try your chosen model. Reputable specialized stores that offer orthopedic products will not mind if you want to lie down right in the store and try the pillow, as they say, in action. Hug your pillow, turn around, holding it in your "embrace". And, believe me, if the store denies you samples, it might be better to look for another one.
- Pay attention to the elasticity of the object. A pillow that is too hard will create additional discomfort, rather than providing adequate rest. An overly soft accessory will be simply useless. The best option is a pillow with a medium hardness level. Important: before purchasing, read the information on hardness, as there is a certain gradation.
- Consider the size of the bed. Some pillows cannot fit in a double bed unless you are planning on relaxing alone. Others just won't fit. If you have a large bed, then choose a large pillow.
- Listen to yourself: if you are satisfied with the size and level of rigidity, but, for example, the colors are annoying, it is better to refuse the purchase. After all, you will have to sleep in an embrace with this accessory every day. Moreover, a large assortment is offered today, and you will definitely find what will suit you in all respects.
- Show discernment. As already mentioned, the maternity pillow is not only for mothers in the long term, it can help to ensure the comfort of the baby. And since different materials and fillers behave differently, it may be worth buying a more expensive model, but for a longer service.
- The upholstery also plays an important role, because you have to come into contact with it, which means that it should be pleasant to the body, not cause irritation and allergic reactions. For example, pillows made from natural silk are not cheap, however, due to their cooling effect, they are considered the most comfortable for sleeping on hot summer nights. And in this case, you will no longer regret the money spent, but you will enjoy a good sleep.
DIY maternity pillow
Of course, it is not at all necessary to purchase such an important accessory in the store. If you have at least minimal cutting and sewing skills, you can easily sew a pillow for pregnant women with your own hands.
First, decide on the model, which form will be convenient for you personally. The next step is to make a pattern for a pillow for pregnant women. Since the accessory is large enough, it is best to do this on the floor: spread the paper on a flat surface, measure the length and width, and mark the pattern accordingly. Draw the desired shape by hand, round the corners.
Before cutting out, wash the fabric in warm water and dry it so that the pillow does not lose its shape later. We fold the prepared material in half, face inward, put the pattern on top, placing it along the length along the base line. We circle the pattern, and then we make an increase in the seams (about 1.5 cm). Only after that we cut it out.
We sew, leaving a small section for stuffing. We turn out the pillow and fill it to the desired density. Then we sew the unstitched section with blind stitches.
It doesn't matter at all whether you sewed a pillow for pregnant women with your own hands, or purchased it in a store. Products of this kind are not at all a luxury, but a necessity. Moreover, you will use it not only during pregnancy, but also after.
Video: how to sew a pillow for a pregnant woman?