When you are expecting a child, getting as much quality sleep as possible is vital for the wellbeing of you both. The physical and hormonal changes that come with pregnancy means that the way you felt comfortable sleeping before, might not be so comfortable anymore. It also might be more than just your sleeping position causing you discomfort, and a new pregnancy mattress could be the answer.
Here we have put together some advice on choosing the best mattress for pregnancy, so that you can get as much restful sleep as possible.
How does pregnancy impact your sleep?
Even in early pregnancy, you will probably find you are more tired than usual. Unfortunately, because your body changes significantly, you might find that it is suddenly much harder to get a good night’s sleep!
Many pregnant women suffer from muscular pain, cramp, restless leg syndrome, heartburn, overheating and sleep apnea, and the discomfort these conditions bring can make it very difficult to get comfortable.
Sleeping position
If you are a front sleeper or back sleeper, it is only really possible to continue sleeping this way for the first trimester, and then you should transition to side sleeping. Your sleep will be most disturbed in the third trimester, and side sleeping is the recommended position during later pregnancy as it decreases stress on the joints.
Make your sleep space as comfortable as possible
You should also make sure your bedroom is a space dedicated to sleeping. If you work from home, try and make sure that you do so from another room, and keep the room well ventilated to prevent overheating, making it cosy with plenty of luxurious bedding.
Getting the right pregnancy mattress
Getting good quality sleep while pregnant isn’t all about your sleeping position - your mattress also plays a big role.
Best mattress materials for pregnancy
As pregnancy can cause night sweats and overheating, it is recommended to choose a breathable mattress. Natural materials such as latex are superior to synthetic materials like foam which trap heat and can make you feel even hotter. Many synthetic mattress materials are also treated with chemicals, which could be harmful to you and your baby’s health, so it is always best to look for a natural option.
Best mattress support for pregnancy
As well as the breathability of your mattress, you also need to consider the level of support your chosen mattress provides. You might be tempted by a memory foam mattress because of the way they contour to your body, but these often aren’t breathable and you can get the same level of support from a mattress made from natural materials. Natural fibre mattresses are a good option because they respond to your body shape as you sleep, providing unique support at a time when your body shape is changing.
Pocket spring mattresses are also good as you can choose your level of support. Your weight is also distributed evenly to allow both support and pressure relief.
Do you need to buy a new mattress for pregnancy?
It is important to note that you don’t necessarily need to buy a new mattress if you become pregnant, but if you feel your existing mattress is insufficient or is getting worn down, it could be a great time to upgrade.Should you choose to make a change, it’s worth remembering that your new pregnancy mattress needs to last you long after your baby has been born, so it is important to invest in quality and buy something that will still give you a great night’s sleep for years to come.
If you don’t want to buy a whole new mattress but you do want an additional layer of comfort, consider a mattress topper such as the Tremendous Topper for maximum comfort, the Frome Topper, which can help to regulate your temperature during the night and improve air flow, or the Bovey Topper, which is made from thick natural latex to create our firmest mattress topper.
The best pregnancy mattress is one that keeps you comfortable and supported while also regulating your temperature. You don’t need to buy a new mattress for pregnancy, but there are few better times to upgrade!
