Poor sleep can be a slippery slope during pregnancy as your body and mind undergo rapid changes. Setting yourself up for success early on with a pregnancy pillow can be a game-changer in your pregnancy sleep journey.
Learning how to use a pregnancy pillow and selecting the right one for your needs will help keep your body aligned, reduce pressure on your joints, and ensure you stay comfortable throughout the night. From full body to C shaped to wedge pillows, we’ll guide you through each style, helping you find the best fit so you can sleep better and wake up refreshed.
- How to Sleep with a Pregnancy Pillow
- Challenges of Pregnant Sleeping
- Choosing a Pregnancy Pillow
- When to Use a Pregnancy Pillow
- Pregnancy Pillow FAQs
Explore Boppy’s extensive collection of Pregnancy Pillows to help improve your sleep.
How to Sleep with a Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy pillow supports your hips, back, and growing belly for a more comfortable night’s sleep. U shaped pillows offer balanced support for those who shift positions, while C shaped pillows are contoured to match your body’s curves. For front and back support with less bulk, full body pillows are a great pregnancy pillow for side sleepers. For quick, targeted relief, wedge pillows easily tuck under your belly, back, or pillow to improve alignment. Whatever option you choose, the ultimate goal is to keep your spine, hips, and legs in alignment so you can get a better night’s rest.
Sleeping with a Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
A full body pregnancy pillow is a long body pillow typically placed in front of your body. This elongated shape allows you to hug the pillow from your neck all the way down to your knees and feet for spine and hip alignment. Or try it on the other side for support all the way down your back. Some full body pillow options, like Boppy’s full body side sleeper, feature a removable side pillow for added support on the opposite side of your body as well. These pillows are loved for their full-body support without the added bulk or restrictions.
Sleeping with a U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
A U shaped body pillow hugs both sides of your body, perfect for sleepers who tend to switch positions during the night. With its curved, symmetrical design, all areas of your body can be supported at once, easing pressure and discomfort. Rest your neck at the base of the U, hug one side, and tuck it between your knees for optimal alignment while the other side supports your back. Some users find the all-around compression to be difficult for mobility or sharing space with a partner. For this reason, you may opt for a full body pillow instead, allowing for more flexibility.
Sleeping with a C Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Similar to the U shaped option, a C shaped body pillow also curves around both sides of your body to provide targeted support and relieve discomfort. Built to mimic your natural curves, you can either hug the open, front side of the pillow for extra back support while still supporting your neck and knees, or hug the back side for more belly support. Boppy’s total body pregnancy pillow is a great option, uniquely shaped with added contouring, delivering a slim design without compromising on comfort or mobility.
Sleeping with a Wedge Pregnancy Pillow
A wedge pillow is a small, versatile pillow for firm, targeted support where you need it most. Its thin, angled shape allows you to easily place it under your belly, neck, or between your legs for better alignment and reduced pressure. Perfect for travel or small spaces, it also works as a supplement to a larger pregnancy pillow. In addition to our wedge pillow, Boppy offers additional compact designs like the cuddle pillow and side sleeper pillow to provide just the right support without the bulk.
Check out Boppy's breathable and easy-wash pregnancy pillows that are designed with you in mind.
Common Pregnant Sleeping Troubles
With all of the changes your body is going through during pregnancy, sleep can feel somewhat elusive at times. Finding the right sleep position during pregnancy can be challenging, especially if you are a stomach sleeper while pregnant. Luckily, using pillows during pregnancy can provide some relief by promoting proper alignment of your muscles and joints. Let’s explore the main culprits of poor sleep during pregnancy, disrupting your normal sleep patterns in their own unique way.
- Changes in Hormones: In addition to growing a belly, your body’s endocrine system is preparing too. Spikes in estrogen and progesterone can result in mood swings, stress, anxiety, depression, and even nausea.
- Physical Discomfort: As you progress in your pregnancy, it’s common to experience pain or aches in your back, pelvic area, and abdomen from your growing belly. Heartburn is also normal, especially during the third trimester when the pressure on your stomach is the greatest.
- Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Pregnancy insomnia is real and due in large part to the previous two bullet points. Your changing body (both internally and externally), physical discomfort, and added stress and anxiety can result in trouble sleeping.
- Leg Cramps or Restless Legs: About a third of pregnant women will experience leg cramping or restless legs throughout the night, affecting sleep. Although the exact cause is not known, experts believe that hormonal changes, along with genetic factors, could be the cause.
- Frequent Urination: In the third trimester when your growing belly puts the most pressure on your bladder and bowel, you might find yourself making more and more frequent trips to the bathroom, which means your sleep is disrupted multiple times per night.
Learn the causes, and symptoms, and how to manage and minimize your pregnancy fatigue.
Choosing the Best Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep
Given the number of body pillows for pregnancy out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which supportive pillow is right for you. Your body size, unique sleep challenges, aches and pains, and personal comfort preferences will all play into which pregnancy pillow is right for you. The best pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers will not be the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers, for example.
Consider your preferred pillow size, shape, material, and more below to ensure optimal support and comfort during your pregnancy and beyond.
- Size and Shape of the Pillow: Consider which areas of your body you need the most support, and select the shape of your pillow from there. You’ll also want to think through the size of your bed and whether you need to leave space for your partner.
- Fabric and Cover: There are so many options out there when it comes to fabric for pregnancy pillows. Select a pillow made of high-quality, breathable fabric like cotton with a removable zipper cover to make washing a breeze.
- Flexibility and Usability: You’ll want a pregnancy pillow that is firm enough to provide support but flexible enough to move around easily as needed throughout the night.
- Personal Sleeping Habits: Do you tend to sleep warm? Are you a natural side sleeper? Do you like being surrounded by pillows and blankets, or not so much? All of these answers about your personal sleeping habits will inform your decision on which pregnancy pillow is right for you.
When to Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow
The beauty of pregnancy pillows is that they aren’t just for pregnancy! One of the many pregnancy pillow benefits is that their versatility means you can take it with you for postpartum and beyond. While sleeping remains most challenging for the majority of women during the second half of pregnancy, you might have new sleep challenges and body aches to address postpartum. In this section, we’ll explore the endless ways to use the pregnancy pillow for pregnancy, recovery, nursing, and more.
Sleeping During Pregnancy
Sleeping during pregnancy can be elusive for a combination of the reasons we mentioned earlier: your growing belly, the frequent need to use the bathroom, changing hormones, and more. A pregnancy pillow helps by keeping your body in proper alignment, reducing pressure, and improving overall comfort for a better night’s sleep. With so many sizes and shapes on the market, you’re sure to find the right fit for your needs.
Postpartum Recovery & Sleeping
The postpartum period typically lasts six to eight weeks and can be a long and exhausting journey. Physical discomfort, fatigue, incontinence, hair loss, and depression are just a handful of the many symptoms women face after giving birth. To relieve physical aches and pains, utilize your handy pregnancy pillow. Place it anywhere you need extra support or relief on sore body parts, like swollen feet. If you had a c-section, pregnancy pillows can prevent strain and relieve pressure on your incision area.
If you find comfort in using pregnancy pillows for sleeping while pregnant, continue to use them postpartum to soothe any pain and maintain a consistent sleep environment. Pregnancy pillows can help you fall asleep faster and minimize tossing and turning from aches and pains. Your partner might even want one too!
Pregnancy Pillow Nursing
Pregnancy pillows aren’t just for sleep, they’re a game changer for nursing moms too. Finding a comfortable position while feeding can be tough, especially with a fussy baby. A repurposed pregnancy pillow or one of Boppy’s dedicated nursing pillows helps position your baby at the right height and angle, reducing strain on your back, neck, and arms. This extra support can really make a difference, making the nursing experience more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Explore Boppy nursing pillows for added comfort for you and your baby.
Explore Boppy Pregnancy Pillows to Transform Your Sleep
We know that pregnancy can be a lot to manage. From sciatic pain during pregnancy to the seemingly never-ending pregnancy fatigue, you are going through so much.
Pregnancy pillows are just one small way to help relieve discomfort and improve your sleep. Whether you choose a full body, wedge, or C shaped pillow, your joints and muscles will thank you. Unlike many pregnancy purchases, this one is meant to grow with you throughout your entire pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Our pregnancy pillow collection offers a shape and size for all moms and sleep preferences.
Here at Boppy, we’re committed to supporting moms and babies at every stage of pregnancy. Whether you’re shopping for pregnancy pillows or just looking for general pregnancy advice, we’re here for you. Check out the Boppyhood Blog for even more resources and tips.
Pregnancy Pillow FAQs
Can I sleep on my stomach while pregnant?
Early in your pregnancy, sleeping on your stomach is generally safe, but as your belly continues to grow you will find it less comfortable. Each pregnancy is unique and you should always consult with your doctor or midwife, but most experts recommend side sleeping throughout your pregnancy. If you aren’t a natural side sleeper, pregnancy pillows can help with positioning and make side sleeping more comfortable.
Can I sleep on my back while pregnant?
Sleeping on your back is best avoided after your first trimester, as this position can put pressure on key blood vessels and reduce circulation to your growing baby. Sleeping on your side, especially your left side, is best for reducing pressure and increasing blood flow. Natural back sleepers can use a pregnancy pillow to help transition to the side and make it a more comfortable option.
Can I take sleep aid while pregnant?
While some sleep aids may be safe during pregnancy, it’s critical to consult your doctor or midwife before taking any sleeping pills. They may recommend over-the-counter options like Unisom or Magnesium, as there is limited data on the effects of common prescription sleeping medications on pregnancy. Focusing on other sleep strategies like taking epsom salt baths before bed and using a pregnancy pillow can help improve sleep without medication.
How much sleep should I get while pregnant?
Most pregnant people should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to promote emotional and mental well-being, help avoid complications, and support the baby’s development. Quality is just as important as quantity of sleep when you are pregnant, so prioritize rest with a consistent bedtime routine and comfortable sleep setup with a pregnancy pillow to keep your body in alignment throughout the night.