Ask just about any pregnant woman (or woman who has ever been pregnant) and she’ll tell you that carrying a child messes with your sleep in a big way. In fact, 78 percent of women report experiencing sleep disturbances during pregnancy.

Are you struggling to get adequate sleep during your pregnancy? Do you deal with issues like insomnia, or wake up with pain in your back or neck?

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you may want to consider a new mattress.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing the right pregnancy mattresses.

Effect of Pregnancy on Sleep

There are lots of ways in which pregnancy has a negative impact on sleep. Some common issues pregnant women experience include the following:

  • Aches and pains, especially in the neck, back, and hips
  • A frequent need to change positions
  • A frequent need to urinate during the night
  • Heartburn and nausea, which can lead to difficulty staying asleep
  • Stress and anxiety, which can also lead to difficulty staying asleep

All of these issues can come together during pregnancy and make for a very difficult time getting the quantity and quality of sleep you need to function and feel your best.

Choosing a Great Pregnancy Mattress

If you’re dealing with any of the issues outlined above, you can likely benefit from a new pregnancy mattress. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one:

Materials Matter

One of the first things to consider is the material out of which your mattress is made.

There are lots of material options you may want to consider, but memory foam (like a Tempur-pedic) is an especially popular one among pregnant women. It provides additional support and contours to your shape for maximum comfort.

A foam and latex combo can be a good choice, too. It is a bit more responsive than pure foam, so it can make it easier for women to get out of the bed during the second and third trimesters of their pregnancies.

Keep It Cool

Almost everyone needs a semi-cool room to help them get good sleep at night. However, the temperature tends to be an issue for a lot of pregnant women.

They may find that they’re overheated more often than not, which can make it difficult for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.

A mattress that provides good temperature control is very helpful during pregnancy. Look for materials that help to keep the body cool, or consider getting a mattress topper that’s designed with cooling technology.

Prevent Motion Transfer

It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to need to shift around a lot during the night or get up to go to the bathroom often. When this happens, not only is their sleep interrupted, but their partner’s sleep can get interrupted, too.

To prevent this, look for a mattress that limits motion transfer. That way, even if you do need to get up several times in a night, you’re less likely to wake your partner up in the process.

How Do You Sleep?

Consider your preferred sleeping position, too, and remember that you’ll eventually need to transition to side sleeping during your second and third trimesters.

When you’re testing out mattresses, lie down on your back as well as your side to see how you feel. This will help you decide whether a particular option will be supportive enough as your pregnancy progresses.

Know Your Budget

Of course, you have to think about your budget when you’re shopping for a new mattress.

Mattresses are available in a wide range of prices, so it’s fairly easy to find one that meets your specific comfort needs without breaking the bank.

Be sure to shop around, though, so you know you’re getting the best deal. Look online for discount codes or information about sales, too.

Consider the Warranty and Return Policy

Always ask about the warranty for a mattress before you pull the trigger as well. Find out how long it’s expected to last and whether or not you can get it replaced if it doesn’t last as long as the maker predicts.

You may want to ask about trial periods as well. Some manufacturers will let you try a mattress in your home for 30, 60, or even 90 days and let you return it for a full refund if you decide you don’t like it within that time period.

Read the Reviews

Don’t forget to check out mattress reviews online before you make a final decision. Reading reviews can help you get a better idea of what other people in your position have experienced.

Be sure to pay attention to the written portion of the review; don’t just focus on the star rating. Find out why people do or do not recommend a particular mattress and ask yourself if it applies to your situation. 

Beyond the Mattress: How to Make Your Bed Better

In addition to buying a new mattress, there are some other steps you can take to make your bed more comfortable during pregnancy.

Buying a mattress topper can help to make your existing mattress softer or more supportive (it can also be a good add-on to purchase along with your new mattress). 

Make sure you’re using plenty of pillows, too. Body pillows can help to provide extra support and make it easier for you to stay in one position during the night. 

You may want to buy some higher thread count sheets and pillowcases, too. They’ll give your bed a more luxurious feel, and you’ll look forward to sliding into it at the end of every day.

Get Your Pregnancy Mattress Today

As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for pregnancy mattresses.

If you remember these guidelines, though, you’ll have a much easier time finding a mattress that suits your needs and helps you get the rest you need and deserve during pregnancy and beyond.

Do you want to learn more about shopping for a mattress or other supplies that can help you through your pregnancy? If so, visit the pregnancy section of our site for more useful resources.