Updated at: 11-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Since your body is undergoing changes, you may find it difficult to fall asleep.

You are not alone in experiencing these emotions. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep disturbances affect 78% of pregnant women. So, what should a pregnant lady do if she has discomfort?

One of the most common and easy solutions to this issue is the use of a pregnant cushion. In addition to helping with sleep, they can help pregnant women feel better overall.

When should you start using a pregnancy pillow?

In this instance, there is no correct answer. You can start using a pregnant cushion as soon as you feel the need, and you can continue using it for as long as you wish.

At roughly 14 weeks of pregnancy, relaxin, the hormone that loosens your ligaments in preparation for delivery, reaches its highest level.

Aches and pains in the first trimester are common, even before a woman shows. Pain like this can make it hard to get to sleep.

How To Sleep With A Pregnancy Pillow (6 Ways) - Terry Cralle

In the early or late stages of pregnancy, it’s normal to feel a bit sick to your stomach when lying in bed.

It could be that your hips hurt, your back hurts, or you just don’t feel quite right. Perhaps now is the time to make a wise financial investment in pregnancy pillows.

Why Pregnancy Makes Sleep Difficult

Pregnant women, like other pregnant women, experience a range of physical and emotional changes, some of which might make it harder for them to go asleep or remain asleep.

1. Hormones

Pregnancy-related sleep disturbances are common, and they are almost always caused by hormonal changes. When progesterone levels are high, a person may feel sleepy throughout the day, but other hormones may cause them to have vivid and strange dreams or cause their muscles to contract, causing them to snore and be uncomfortable when sleeping.

2. Heartburn

Hormonal imbalances can cause symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, and esophageal ulcers. It’s common knowledge that heartburn during pregnancy can keep a woman up at night.

When pregnant, your stomach is under more stress, and that can cause digestive acids to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn.

3. Stress

As a corollary, being pregnant is challenging. When a baby is born, a mother’s mind naturally turns to the many unknowns that lie ahead. Just how much work can we expect? Speculation is futile since one never knows what will happen. Asking, “Did I forget something?” We all know that these kinds of concerns may keep a mother up at night because we’ve been there.

The health of both you and your kid is at risk if you do not get enough sleep. Despite the challenges, prioritizing sleep should be a high priority.

Pregnancy pillows are useful in this case. Finding a supportive pregnancy pillow can be a godsend when you’re trying to get back into your regular sleep schedule.

Using Full Length Pregnancy Pillows

A full-length pregnancy cushion may be just what the doctor ordered if you’re expecting a child.

  • Which side of the bed do you like to sleep on?
  • You don’t move around much while you’re sleeping.
  • There is plenty of room on your bed.

Wrap your arms around a full-length pregnancy cushion on the bed for the most comfortable support. Cradle the cushion close to your body for maximum comfort. There are full-length pillows for pregnant women available in both a rigid and a flexible design.

Using C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows

Would you feel comfortable sitting on the c-shaped cushion?

  • It seems like your back is hurting you.
  • You need something that will support you completely.
  • You don’t have trouble sleeping because you toss and turn.
  • Which side of the bed do you like to sleep on?
  • There is plenty of room on your bed.

Before drifting off to sleep, fluff out the c-shaped pregnant pillow so you may snuggle into it.

To complete the “c” shape, round off the top and bottom. So that you can sleep comfortably, position the pillow so that its top is toward your head and its bottom is between your legs. The entire bottom of the cushion, from its beginnings all the way to its end, should be able to support your stomach.

Specialist Advice on Pillows

Keep an eye out that the cushion doesn’t go higher than your thighs. You need to have it right smack in the middle of your shins. Both of them will be able to get the assistance they require this way.

Using U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows

The following applies to you if…

  • You toss and turn all night long.
  • Most nights, you like to sleep on your side or back.
  • To put it another way, you want the whole nine yards when it comes to medical attention.
  • There is plenty of room on your bed.

As with c-shaped pregnant pillows, U-shaped pillows are made to make switching sides more comfortable. You wrap your arms around the pillow and snuggle up to one side. Simply turning over is enough to switch sides.

U-shaped pregnancy pillows are beneficial for pregnant women who sleep on their backs because they offer support on both sides of the body. Women can use the cushion for support in the centre of their bodies, specifically their backs, necks, and heads.

Using Inflatable Pregnancy Pillows

You might benefit from using an inflatable pregnancy pillow if you:

  • You’re now far into the third trimester of your pregnancy.
  • You prefer to sleep on your stomach.
  • You want to adjust the level of help you now provide.

A pregnancy pillow may be helpful if you’ve found that sleeping on your stomach is uncomfortable now that you’re expecting.

An inflatable pregnancy pillow is made of the same material as an air mattress. They typically include a pump, making installation a breeze. Simply use the included pump to inflate the pad, and you’re good to go.

Next, lay on top of it carefully so that your expanding belly can slide into the slit. A blanket or towel can be placed over a pillow if desired, especially if the pillow is made of a cold material.

Sleeping With A Pregnancy Wedge

A pregnancy wedge may be helpful for women who are currently pregnant:

  • In order to succeed, you should seek assistance from a local.
  • You have less money to work with this time around.
  • The bed does not have a lot of spare room.
  • You need something flexible.

Pregnant mothers who are having trouble sleeping may find that utilizing a pregnancy wedge helps. A wedge can take the shape of a circle or a triangle. Just slide the pregnant wedge under your sore place to give yourself some much-needed support.

Can you sleep on your back with a pregnancy pillow?

For this reason, the answer is typically not yes.

When your baby is growing, the pressure on your blood vessels from sleeping on your back can be dangerous.

As a result, your uterus will get less blood and you may feel dizzy or sick.

Most doctors recommend sleeping on one’s left side when pregnant.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to sleep on your back, but pregnancy pillows can help you avoid doing so unintentionally.

How to sleep with a pregnancy pillow: which is best?

What you decide to do is entirely up to you. You’ll make your decision based on how restless you become at night, how much money you want to spend, and how you want to sleep. One or two other things to remember:

  • Different pillows have different purposes, and there are many of them. A curved or flexible cushion can be used as a breastfeeding or feeding assistance pillow once your baby comes.
  • Pregnancy pillows can take up a lot of space in a tiny bed (especially the U-shaped ones). Other than that…
  • When both partners in a partnership are expecting, the pregnancy pillow might be a nuisance. This isn’t something to gloss over as you and your spouse get ready for the birth of your child; rather, it’s something to keep in mind as you enter the home stretch.

How to sleep with pillows when pregnant

Your sleeping position when pregnant will be affected by the shape of your pillow. Consider what you have here:

The wedge

The most frequent form of pregnancy pillow is a wedge shape. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can find a more comfortable position by placing this triangle cushion under the offending object.

The prenatal pillow also has its own “A-Z” of terms:

The C

This cushion is long and curved in a C at both ends. Your body curves in two different directions: your head and your legs. If the C’s bottom is long enough, you can draw it up to use as a stomach support.

The I

It’s the same as a standard pillow, only it’s longer. Flat pregnancy pillows have multiple use. You cuddle it as you adjust to the new position, with one leg on either side. Women in their third trimester of pregnancy commonly use their regular pillows for their heads while sleeping on a flat pregnancy cushion for the rest of their bodies.

The J

How about a C-shaped pillow that only curves in one direction? You can lay on your back with the cushion between your legs and your head on the curved portion of the long side.

The U

When you sleep, your head is supported by an upside-down U formed by two pillows. Just like the C pillow, this one helps keep your spine, belly, and pelvis aligned while you sleep. Also, you may avoid wasting time by constantly switching out the pillowcase as you toss and turn during the night.

Tips and Tricks To Sleep Better During Pregnancy

Tips for Better Sleep During Pregnancy

You can get plenty of rest before the baby arrives by taking some precautions, such as using a quality pregnancy pillow.

  • If your doctor gives you the go light, breaking a sweat during the day can help ease those painful cramps at night.
  • Avoid waking up in the night to use the restroom by limiting your fluid consumption before bed.
  • Snacking on bland and filling foods like rice can help prevent nighttime stomach distress.
  • A warm shower or some stretching before bed will help you unwind and get a better night’s sleep.
  • Take brief naps during the day to make up for the sleep you’re losing at night.
  • Spend less time than usual staring at screens right before night and more time doing things like reading or meditation.
  • Your doctor should be consulted before using any drugs or supplements during pregnancy.

The Best Pregnancy Pillows on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers

Obstacles to getting a decent night’s sleep often pop up during pregnancy. Supportive pregnancy pillows are designed to alleviate hip and back pain, improve circulation, and stop you from rolling onto your stomach when pregnant, and several expectant mothers swear by them. However, with so many possibilities, it might be challenging to zero in on the optimal solution. Here is a selection of the most rated pregnant pillows as chosen by Amazon users like you. We now have guides to skin care items that are safe during pregnancy, nursing pillows, and non-hideous winter gear, in addition to our already popular guides to flexible leggings and nursing pillows.

Best-rated pregnancy pillow

The Insen C-Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow

This C-shaped body pillow is ideal for pregnant women, non-pregnant women, and men who like to feel supported when sleeping due to its comfortable jersey cover and not-too-firm cotton composition. One reviewer said that, when she approached her second trimester of pregnancy, this pillow was all she had hoped for. I’d been experiencing some persistent hip pain, so this really helped. Pillow was helpful for patients with fibromyalgia, inflammatory arthritis, and post-operative back pain. One reviewer who is “neither pregnant nor a lady” says it is “totally amazing.” The feeling of leaning on it is similar to that of having six pillows in your bed, except that they stay put. An individual who was not pregnant but nevertheless had trouble sleeping at night testified that “this cushion can be applied by anyone who has difficulties sleeping at night.”

Best-rated (less expensive) pregnancy pillow

Infancy Boppy Pillow

One reviewer, while noting that the cushion was a bit small, did mention that she almost sent it back because of how large it actually was. However, after trying it out for herself, her opinion shifted. I’ve been sleeping with it for four months straight and I couldn’t be happier with it. While some reviewers found the firmness of this inexpensive cushion to be uncomfortable, one expectant mother said, “I find this to be the correct size to support my bump without taking up too much real estate.” Users have reported that this pregnancy wedge cushion is useful all the way through their pregnancies. One reviewer says she puts it “under her tummy for a little more support,” while another says, “under my back to keep me from falling asleep flat on my back.” When another client tried using the wedge to alleviate the discomfort of breastfeeding engorgement while sleeping on her side, she found it to be “very effective.”

Best jersey U-shaped pregnancy pillow

U-shaped AngQi Jersey Pregnancy Body Pillow

Some reviewers have praised the U-shaped pregnancy cushion for its usefulness in allowing women to “alternate positions during night.” ” One user commented, “This pillow makes it much simpler for me to get to sleep because it supports my back and, on the other side, my stomach and goes in the space between my legs.” This AngQi U-shaped pregnancy cushion has a jersey-cotton cover that “breathes, so it doesn’t make me sweat,” the user explains. According to another reviewer, while the fabric is “super-comfy,” it is not “super-thick,” which is more to her liking. Users appreciate that the removable cover allows for multiple uses, such as a nursing cushion after baby arrives.

Best velvet U-shaped pregnancy pillow

Home Relaxation Pregnancy Pillow with Velvet Cover

Over 4,000 customers have given this U-shaped maternity pillow made of velvet five stars, with one calling it “life-changing.” Another reviewer said it was “extremely soft and cuddly,” adding that despite its comfort, “it doesn’t get too hot laying with it.” They said it’s provided them “the finest sleep I can recall” despite the fact that they first bought it to alleviate hip pain rather than anticipatory pregnancy. Another reviewer, who is expecting her fourth child, called it “the nicest prego cushion I’ve bought.” Moreover, she says, “the cover is wonderfully silky,” and the cushion “hugs well with additional room to double the ends.” One buyer noted that the cover “seemed to resist pet hair,” evidencing widespread satisfaction with the product’s low maintenance requirements. Reviewer: “I never felt overheated or stuffed up when using it, and I love that it can be adjusted in numerous [positions]…” To paraphrase: “Everyone needs this!”

Best memory-foam U-shaped pregnancy pillow

Pillow with Memory Foam Technology This is a Memory Foam Pillow. Pillow made of moldable memory foam

Women who are pregnant and might use a little more support have found the Milliard pregnancy cushion filled with shredded memory foam to be very comfortable. One customer with sleep apnea who bought the mattress to save them from tossing and turning at night describes it as “firm… pleasant.” The whole body is supported. When I’m not using it, I can’t sleep at all, therefore I think my boyfriend and I should get a second one for his place. Even the individual who tosses and turns every night was able to get some sleep thanks to this. “I was completely relaxed the moment I sat down,” the speaker said. It follows me around as a pillar of support. I was able to fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly through the night, they wrote. Thirdly, one reviewer appreciates how the memory foam allows her to “get into the appropriate position” while pregnant. As far as it goes, it aids in my ability to go asleep rapidly and remain asleep.

Best extra-long U-shaped pregnancy pillow

Meiz Full Body King Size Pregnancy Pillow

Full-body support is available from the king-size pillow’s 65-inch length, making it ideal for those who are taller than usual. A critic who is only 5’9″ tall would say, “Wow. To put it simply, this is a very comfortable setting. Happily, I opted for the extended version. I could fold it under my knees for lumbar support… holds one’s composure. The alternative is excellent. Another customer, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time of the review, said, “Sleeping has become more of a hassle these days.” The first night on the cushion is described as “incredible” and “perfect length.” Plenty of stuff to roll up and put between my knees. That’s some high-quality fabric for a pillowcase… was refreshingly cool and didn’t cause me to perspire or scratch. Those who are pregnant, have back discomfort, and have trouble sleeping, in my opinion, would benefit greatly from this.

Best Body Pillows for Sleep 2022: Memory Foam, Adjustable, C-Shaped - Rolling Stone

Best soft C-shaped pregnancy pillow

One large, C-shaped pregnancy pillow for the center.

This C-shaped pregnancy pillow is filled with soft and supportive polyester and has gotten many positive reviews. Women who have purchased this cushion have raved about how comfortable it is and how it allows them to sleep well throughout their pregnancies. One reviewer opined that this pillow is “absolutely a must-have” for back sleepers until they reach their second trimester of pregnancy and have to switch to side sleeping. The final reviewer, who claims she has never been able to sleep well when pregnant before, describes it as a “GODSEND.” They conclude, “[It has] made a huge difference.” Without any discomfort, I can sleep on my side without worry.

Best firm C-shaped pregnancy pillow

The Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow is an excellent option.

One reviewer’s wife is “infatuated” with this “gargantuan cushion,” and he says she still can’t sleep without it even though their baby boy is already a month old. The worst part, in my opinion, was when I was lugging this enormous pillow between hotels and my 4-foot-11 wife started screaming behind me, shouting, “Her Goliath pillow is dragging on the ground!” In addition, many reviewers have commented on the product’s long-lasting quality. One reviewer said it has “good ‘body’ to provide comfortable support” and is “thick, strong, and cushiony.” Muscles had been tense, but they eventually relaxed as I began using the cushion and my body realized how much I was holding it in place. Despite its weight, “it has the adaptability to conform to my movements.”

Best low-profile pregnancy body pillow

The Boppy Total Body Support Pillow Is Designed To Help You Relax During Your Pregnancy.

Many expectant mothers (and their partners) find the longer versions of the Boppy pillow cumbersome to sleep with, so this shorter version is a popular choice. One customer gave it five stars and said, “the half pillow design stops this cushion from taking up our entire bed as others have in the past.” I can get a decent night’s sleep without disturbing my husband. One buyer remarked, “I was looking for something small enough that I could still lie with my partner.” A reduction in lumbar and pelvic pain, plus improved tummy and leg support: that’s why I went with this low-rise option. ” One reviewer dubbed their Boppy a “wonderful savior” for alleviating hip and back pain, making it a great option for couples who share a queen-sized bed.

Best adjustable pregnancy pillow

Chill Out Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow, 55″

While many of the pregnant pillows on our list can be used for the duration of the pregnancy and even after the baby is born, this one can be adjusted to fit any size person. One reviewer noted that “stuffing may be removed, added, or adjusted” because to the zipper closure. This means the cushion can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. It “cradles all the correct locations” since it is “easy to roll over and change positions.” This pillow saved the life of a woman who described herself as “constantly turning and having to roll my pillows from one side to the other.” My new cushion has already made me the most comfortable I’ve been in a long time,” I said. Some reviewers, including a person with severe pain, have appreciated the adjustable cushion despite not being pregnant. Writing in a blog post, “I am not exaggerating in saying that I have not slept like this since I was in the womb.” “Since using this pillow, I’ve been able to sleep through the discomfort I was causing myself by sleeping without support. Crawling into my snug nest at night and not having my hips, back, or neck ache when I wake up is one of my favorite things.

Best two-sided pregnancy pillow

This pillow is adjustable, making it one of the few on our list that can be used not just during pregnancy but long after the baby has been delivered as well. One reviewer noted that “stuffing may be removed, added, or adjusted” because to the zipper closure. This means the cushion can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. It “cradles all the correct locations” since it is “easy to roll over and change positions.” This pillow saved the life of a woman who described herself as “constantly turning and having to roll my pillows from one side to the other.” I was the most at ease I’d been in a long time thanks to my new cushion. Some reviewers, including a person with severe pain, have appreciated the adjustable cushion despite not being pregnant. One blogger claimed (without hyperbole): “I have not slept like this since I was in the womb.” Since switching to this pillow, I’ve been able to finally get some shut-eye without waking up in pain. One of my favorite things is climbing into my cozy bed at night and waking up without any aches or pains in my hips, back, or neck.

Best contoured pregnancy pillow

Back ‘n Belly Contoured Pregnancy Pillow by Leachco.

Sleeping on your side is “so much easy, and natural” with this “Mercedes-Benz of body pillows,” as one reviewer put it. The contours of your body will mold to the cushion, providing optimal comfort and support for your lower back and stomach. For pregnant women, this “God’s finest invention” means no more hip pain. This pregnant woman’s cushion has been described as “plush and fluffy,” “squishy and soft,” “very cuddly,” and “with wonderful belly support,” among other superlatives.

FAQs

When should I start using pregnancy pillow?

There is no set time during pregnancy when you must use a pregnancy pillow. If you have trouble switching sleeping positions throughout the night, you may benefit from using one. Most pregnant women first notice their bellies expanding around week 20.

How do you use a pregnancy pillow shape?

As you lie on your side, support your lower back and stomach using a U-shaped, full-length, or wedge-shaped pillow. This can help keep your core and back in proper alignment while you sleep. In this position, the pillow will support both your legs and arms. Place a U-shaped or full-length pillow under your legs and arms.

Is C shaped or U shape pregnancy pillow better?

When laying on your side, support your back by placing a U-shaped, full-length, or wedge-shaped pillow under your stomach. You can strengthen your core and back muscles as you sleep. A good place for a pillow is between your legs and arms. Lie down with your legs and arms wrapped around a full-length or U-shaped pillow.

What if I accidentally sleep on my back while pregnant?

Dr. Zanotti reassures future moms that lying on their backs during labor is normal and not cause for alarm. We do know that brief periods of time probably do no harm to your child,” she reassures you, even if you’ve been resting on your back for an hour or two.

Why should I sleep with a pillow between my legs while pregnant?

The uterus receives optimal blood flow in this position, and the liver is spared any unnecessary stress. Place a pillow or two between your knees, or bend your knees slightly, to help alleviate hip and back pain during pregnancy.

Is a pregnancy pillow worth it?

A pregnant cushion can be a great option for a number of reasons, including the reduction of back pain. Many pregnant women have back pain or discomfort in the second and third trimesters. Possible sleep disruption if this is happening to you.

Can I sleep on my back with a pregnancy pillow?

Try sleeping on your side while you’re still snuggly in your uterus if you’re used to resting on your back or stomach. After pregnancy, you may need to sleep with a pillow under your stomach, between your knees, and behind your back.

How do I put a pillow under my hips to get pregnant?

“the odds of getting more sperm to the right area at the right time,” he explains, “up up,” meaning that the probability of becoming pregnant increases. When laying on your back, prop up your pelvis with a pillow so that your lower back is supported. Orgasm should be followed by at least a few minutes of uninterrupted physical contact between partners.

What’s The Best Way To Sleep While Pregnant?

The Nemours Foundation recommends that pregnant women sleep on their side. This is a win-win situation because your infant will be comfortable and have improved circulation. If you like to sleep on your left side while pregnant, a pregnancy pillow might prevent you from turning over onto your back.

You should try out a few various types of pregnancy pillows to locate the one that suits your needs best. Like we discussed, placing them in various parts of the body has a calming effect. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping, it is recommended that you see a medical professional for guidance.

Conclusion

If you’re having trouble sleeping while pregnant, pregnancy pillows may become your new best friend. However, it’s important to get familiar with the many types of pregnancy cushions and how they might help you out in different ways. Depending on your body type and the firmness of your pillow, you may be able to use it as a full-body support.

Use of a pregnancy pillow requires only one critical consideration: placement. Use its size to your advantage by use it as a leg rest, lumbar support, and neck and back rest. With the right application, you should feel less pain and swelling.