For expecting mothers, the right support is crucial, especially during work hours. This article explores the best office chairs for pregnancy, emphasizing lumbar support and breathability.
Read on to discover the essential features of some of the best office chairs on the market. We are here to help you make your pregnancy journey as comfortable as possible with the right chair choice.
- Our Top 8 Best Office Chairs for Pregnancy
- Why Use a Specialized Office Chair for Pregnancy?
- Key Features to Look for in Office Chairs for Pregnancy
- Additional Accessories to Enhance Comfort
- Tips for Sitting Comfortably During Pregnancy
- Office Chair Maintenance and Care Tips
- Final Thoughts – Best Office Chairs for Pregnancy
Our Top 8 Best Office Chairs for Pregnancy
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The Herman Miller Embody Office Chair is a standout choice for pregnant women in the corporate world. It’s engineered with well-being in mind, making it ideal for those seeking the best office chairs for pregnancy.
The backrest mimics your spine’s natural curve. This promotes a neutral, balanced posture while allowing for comfortable movement. The breathable and cooling seat incorporates four layers of support crucial to prevent moms-to-be from overheating.
One notable aspect is the PostureFit function, which provides support to your sacrum (a triangular spine bone above your tailbone) and reinforces your pelvis; preventing slouching, fatigue, and lower back pain during sitting.
The built-in Pixelated Support helps with even pressure distribution, allowing for adequate blood flow, and reducing stress on your lower limbs. This is essential if you are expecting, as it keeps you feeling light on your feet and prevents swelling. Moreover, it includes a seat lift mechanism and adjustable armrests, making your comfort a top priority!
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Spine support
- Promotes correct posture
- Lumbar Support
- Comfortable back design
- Optimal weight distribution
Top 5 Cons for Pregnant Women
- The chair may not fit all body types, which can lead to discomfort for some users
- The lower lumbar portion of the backrest might feel harsh as it cannot be adjusted
- The seat slider can be tricky to adjust
- The armrest does not move front and back, only laterally
- Need to play around with it to learn how it works
This is another great pick for glowing mummies. The Aeron Chair by Herman Miller, known for comfort since 1994, is also one of the best office chairs for pregnancy.
This inclusive chair comes in three sizes to welcome a wide range of body types. Aeron’s 8Z Pellicle mesh material offers support in eight zones, eliminating pressure points and keeping you cool. Thanks to the PostureFit SL feature, it keeps your spine in tip-top shape, ensuring optimal posture. The harmonic tilt feature allows you to customize your comfort effortlessly.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Ergonomic design
- PostureFit SL feature for spine support
- Three available sizes catered to different body types
- Pneumatic seat height adjustment
- Under-seat tilt mechanism feature for easy adjustability.
Top Cons for Pregnant Women
- Pricey compared to other office chairs
- The lumbar support can move
- Some users have issues with armrest adjustments
- May not be suitable for tall individuals
With its cloud-like seat cushioning, and a cooling, breathable mesh back, Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair is another wonderful chair for expectant mommies.
You can adjust the height, back and armrests to your liking. Plus, its super stylish modern design elevates any home or office.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Ergonomic support
- Lumbar support
- One-touch chair height adjustment
- Breathable mesh back
- Easy back and armrest adjustability
Top 5 Cons for Pregnant Women
- Offers more lumbar support than upper back support
- Your butt may slide forward
- No forward tilt or tilt limiter
- Some users found the assembly to be a bit tricky
- The build quality may not be as high as other office chairs
This soft, heavy-duty office chair will keep you and your baby bump cool and comfortable. The NEUHAUS Ergo 3D Ergonomic Office Chair comes with 3D lumbar support, and an armrest, while its 5-point base with dual castors gives it greater stability and strength. And when it’s time to kick back, enjoy a super-lounge recline up to 135°.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Lumbar support
- Breathable and cooling Soft HD ElastoMesh
- ErgoTilt to ensure correct neck placement
- 4D orbital armrests
- 135-degree Super Lounge Recline with Recline Lock
Top 5 Cons for Pregnant Women
- Small space around the thighs
- Mesh support sinks and wears over time
- Harder to clean compared to other office chairs
- Some users find the assembly process challenging
- Lower overall build quality compared to other office chairs
The Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair has a mesh that allows for airflow and a thick seat cushion that adds extra comfort. With its rollerblade wheels, it’s easy to move it around your workspace and home. You can wheel yourself from your desk to the fridge and back again! Additionally, the chair is designed to be durable with a sturdy base offering a seat for you and your plus-one. From customizable backrests and height to a fantastic recline feature, it’s designed with your comfort in mind.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Breathable mesh back
- Thick seat cushion
- Adjustable height, back and armrests
- Highly adjustable
- Sturdy base
Top 5 Cons for Pregnant Women
- Some parts may become loose if mishandled
- It might feel heavy for some users
- There may be stability concerns when leaning back
- May not suit taller individuals
- The comfort of the seat tends to decrease with time
The Lorell Ergomesh 86000 Chair is known for its mesh that provides excellent airflow for cooling, and a thick seat cushion for extra comfort. But what really sets it apart is its unique asynchronous three-lever control.
Tailored for a precise fit, it offers adjustable armrests, independent seat, and backrest settings, as well as height and width options, catering to a range of users, including expecting women.
Compliant with fire safety standards, it combines comfort and security for your peace of mind. In terms of longevity, the chair is built to last with its heavy-duty base supporting up to 330 pounds.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Thick seat cushioning
- Breathable, cooling mesh support
- Ergonomic high-back support
- Height and width adjustable armrest
- Three-lever control for flexible positioning
Top 5 Cons for Pregnant Women
- May not be suitable for taller individuals around 6 ‘1 height
- Uncomfortable leg position
- Only available in black
- Some people had issues with the armrests
- The chair’s base is made of plastic which might raise durability concerns for some individuals
The SIHOO M57 Ergonomic Office Chair features a 3D adjustable armrest, lumbar support and 90°-126° arbitrary backrest for your favored working position.
Additionally, this model offers a unique flow waterfall arc seating design for thigh support with a sturdy and robust aluminum frame. As you settle into this lightweight office chair, you will feel the tension melt away from your neck, your shoulders supported and your spine perfectly aligned. The 20-inch-wide, breathable cushioning will ease pressure on your pelvis, which is a game-changer during pregnancy. The multidirectional headrest adjustment is wonderful for your neck.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- S-curved backrest for optimal spinal position
- Lumbar Support
- Breathable mesh seat cushion; to reduce sweating and sticking, and improve blood flow
- Height adjustment
- Thigh support
Top Cons for Pregnant Women
- May not be ideal for users over 6’2 (the highest setting is too low to the ground)
- Can be uncomfortable for people with wider hips
- Hard to adjust the lumbar support
- Squeaky sound
The Serta Big and Tall Executive Office Chair is a luxurious design suitable for any modern home or office. It features a mesh back that allows for airflow and a thick seat cushion for added comfort. You can customize the chair’s height, back, and armrests to your preferences. Its rollerblade wheels make it effortless to move around. Additionally, the chair is designed to be durable with a heavy-duty base, supporting up to 350 pounds.
Top 5 Pros for Pregnant Women
- Lumbar support
- Thick cushioning
- Waterfall seat edge to reduce leg pressure
- Height and tilt adjustment
- Padded armrest
Top Cons for Pregnant Women
- Some users find the assembly process to be a bit challenging
- The build quality of the chair is not as high as some users expected
- The chair doesn’t roll super well on carpet
- Heavier than other chairs
Why Use a Specialized Office Chair for Pregnancy?
Pregnancy comes with its unique set of needs and challenges. You’ll need to learn how to sit in positions that put the least strain on your lower back. Your center of gravity is constantly shifting forward, and you lean backward, overextending your back and knees to maintain balance and an upright posture.
That’s why choosing the right office chair with lumbar support, breathable cushioning for comfort and cooling, easy adjustability, and flexible back and armrest is paramount for your body’s health and well-being.
A low-quality office chair will likely fall short of providing adequate support for a pregnant woman’s body. For instance, many office chairs won’t provide enough lumbar support and this will result in lower back pain! Its armrests and height might not be adjustable which would make it challenging for you to find an optimal sitting position. The cushioning may be harsh, which would reduce blood flow and lead to swelling. This can worsen over time, causing discomfort, or even injuries.
You need to invest in a specialized office chair. The first-rate chairs covered in this article are designed with mums-to-be in mind and effectively address the above-mentioned concerns. They provide excellent back support along, with cushioned and adjustable height and armrests. Some models even offer reclining options that can provide relief during breaks.
Sure, some of these chairs have a higher price tag compared to regular office chairs. However, you should consider buying a high-quality long-lasting desk chair. It is an investment in your health and well-being. It will serve you well for years – even after pregnancy.
Key Features to Look for in Office Chairs for Pregnancy
Let’s look at some key features you want to keep at the top of your mind when choosing an office chair for pregnancy.
Lumbar Support
As your tummy grows the body’s center of gravity shifts forward, putting the lumbar in an excessive arch/curve (overextension), especially during the third trimester. This can lead to lower back pain. To minimize discomfort, look for a chair that offers lumbar support allowing you to maintain better posture.
Seat Depth and Width
As your tummy will grow throughout your pregnancy, you should opt for a chair with a spacious, deep seat that can comfortably accommodate your changing body.
Breathable Material
During pregnancy, managing heat and comfort is crucial. Choose a chair with materials designed to keep you cool and comfortable, helping you stay at comfortable throughout the day. This is especially important as hormonal and biological changes during pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body, making it more prone to overheating.
Easy Adjustability
Being able to change positions frequently and easily is important during pregnancy to avoid discomfort and lumbar (lower back) fatigue. Seek out for a chair that offers various adjustability enabling you to find the position quickly and effortlessly.
Sturdy Base
Stability and safety are key aspects when choosing a chair during pregnancy. Look for an office chair equipped with a durable base supporting your weight while ensuring your and your baby’s safety as you work.
Additional Accessories to Enhance Comfort
There are some awesome and useful add-ons to your chair that can further enhance your comfort. Let’s take a look at them!
Footrests
Elevating your feet can be beneficial for reducing swelling and improving blood circulation in your lower body. It would be ideal to opt for a footrest that allows you to find the height according to your personal needs.
Heating Pads
Lower back pain is common during pregnancy. But don’t worry; you can find relief by using a heating pad with your chair, specifically designed for this purpose.
Seat Cushions
To make your office chair more comfortable during pregnancy, consider adding padding. Look for a cushion made of high-density foam with a cover for easy cleaning. Here are some of our favourite seat cushions.
The Cushy Tushy Premium Foldable Piriformis Cushion is a lifesaver. Its unique foldable design and high-quality memory foam offer superior comfort and relief. Ideal for home, office, or travel, this cushion not only alleviates lower back pain but also enhances daily comfort. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, it’s a reliable solution for improving quality of life.
The Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion & Lumbar Support Pillow Combo is a game-changer for those seeking relief from discomfort caused by prolonged sitting. Its gel-infused memory foam design provides full body support, making it ideal for long workdays. The ergonomic shapes of the cushions alleviate tailbone pressure and cradle the lumbar area, which can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from piriformis syndrome. With heat-responsive technology and OEKO-TEX certified materials, this combo ensures safe, durable, and adaptive comfort. Whether for office use, car travel, or wheelchair use, this product is a fantastic choice for enhanced seating comfort.
Tips for Sitting Comfortably During Pregnancy
It’s important to adjust your workstation and chair for your needs. For optimal comfort, use a chair with lower back support and tilt your pelvis slightly forward to avoid a swaying back position, straining your back.
For optimal posture, adjust your chair’s height and backrest so you are up close to your desk with your feet flat on the floor or on the footrest.
Avoid crossing your legs as it can reduce blood flow. Instead, switch foot positions regularly and elevate your feet if needed to reduce swelling.
Stay active, take regular breaks, stretch, stand, and walk a few minutes every hour to combat fatigue.
Importance of Sitting Position During Pregnancy
Awareness of good posture is crucial. Poor posture can cause muscular pains, joint issues, strains, and abdominal and pelvic floor weakness; making labor/delivery more challenging.
In addition to these physical impacts, it can also affect your focus and productivity. The constant head forward position may cause headaches, muscular and skeletal fatigue, and stress, leading to brain fog and difficulty in focus.
It’s not a myth, it’s backed by science. Bad posture worsens depression, makes you feel down, and reduces your self-esteem.
So sit tall, as the correct posture boosts your mood, confidence, and productivity!
Office Chair Maintenance and Care Tips
To maintain the cleanliness, hygiene, and longevity of your chair, here are some essential care tips to keep in mind.
- Clean your chair regularly: you can do this with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust and debris. You can also vacuum your chair before applying any sanitizer or material-specific cleaning product.
- Use material-specific cleaning products: for example, leather can be very sensitive so you should use a mild unscented hand soap or dish soap mixed with water, or ready-to-use leather spray.
- Clean spills immediately: you should always clean immediately any spills to prevent stains and damage. Avoid rubbing – instead dry cloth.
- Avoid eating or drinking at your desk: this will avoid spillage and ensure the longevity of the chair and its material.
- Use a protection cream: consider investing in a protection spray or cream made for your chair specifically.
- Keep it out of sunlight: this will prevent color fading.
Final Thoughts – Best Office Chairs for Pregnancy
If you’re expecting and deskbound, make sure you invest in your health and well-being with a specialized chair.
Remember the importance of the lumbar support, easy adjustability, and breathable cushioning to keep you focused and in tip-top shape. You can further enhance your comfort and experience with heat pads and footrests for better blood flow and pain relief.
We hope this article helps to make your pregnancy journey a comfortable one. Let us know how you get on in the comments.