Easing Pressures of Pregnancy

For pregnant women, the joy of sleeping can be inversely proportional to their trimester.

To make the prone position more comfortable, the new Maternity Mattress, an adjustable, air-cushioned mattress, allows a mother-to-be to sleep on her stomach.

In its center are two raised rings that can be inflated separately to provide more cushioning. The inventor, Debra Halverson, expects the mattress to be in stores this month, retailing for about $120. It is designed to maintain the pelvic tilt position, thus reducing back strain, she says. For mail order information, call (908) 359-3905.

“If a woman thinks this mattress will help her and it feels good, fine,” says Paula d’Hulst, registered nurse, mother of four and the prenatal education coordinator at Women’s Hospital, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. “But sleeping on your side is best to reduce to reduce pressure on the back.”