How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Smarter Sleep

Getting a great night's sleep is so important when you're pregnant, both for your health and your baby's. Finding a comfortable sleeping position as your belly grows can feel nearly impossible. That's why you need a maternity pillow.

Just as importantly, you need to know how to use your pillow. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about using different types of maternity pillows and how to avoid common pitfalls!

 

Table Of Contents

1. Why Sleep is Challenging During Pregnancy
2. Types of Pregnancy Pillows
3. How to Choose the Right Pregnancy Pillow
4. How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow
5. Common Problems with the Pillows

• Straight pregnancy pillows are large, tubular body pillows that can be curved and adjusted for different use styles. They're usually easier to move around and they take up minimal space. However, they may not support every single key point for you, so you may still need a pillow for your head.
• U-shaped pillows are the largest option, with full support for the head and both sides of your body. If you're very prone to tossing and turning, a U-shaped pillow will keep you in place. They're also very large, though, and you may find getting in and out of bed with them difficult.
• C-shaped pillows are a little softer and more flexible than U-shaped pillows, but they're often just as large. They're great for more adjustable full-body support, although they can still be unwieldy.
• J-shaped pillows are usually a little more solid, like U-shaped pillows, but they have one shorter arm which allows for easier entry and exit from bed.
• Wedge pillows are small, half-moon-shaped pillows designed to support the stomach. If you don't need full-body support or you'd rather use multiple pillows, it's a great option that'll contour to your stomach.

There are pros and cons to choosing each type of pregnancy pillow, so ask yourself these questions when trying to decide:

1. How large should it be?
   U-shaped and C-shaped pillows will take up a lot of space and can act as a barrier but they'll give you a lot of support. Straight body pillows are a great medium-sized option while wedge pillows take up little to no space.

2. Where do I need support?
   Consider whether you need a large pillow for full-body support or a small one for targeted spots. Keep in mind that once you reach week 28, being able to sleep on your left side is important for you and your baby's health, so your ideal pillow will support you in that position.

3. How firm is it?
   Choosing between soft and firm pillows depends on whether you prefer a material that'll contour to your body more or that will provide more support.

4. How easy will it be to clean the pillow?
   Consider whether the pillow itself is machine washable or whether it comes with washable covers.

For those who want both support and convenience, our WildBird Pregnancy Pillow strikes the perfect balance. It's a soft, versatile pillow that will serve you from the first trimester to the early stages of parenthood. It'll keep your belly, hips, back, legs, and ankles supported without creating a barrier in your bed.

There are a lot of ways to use a pregnancy pillow, depending on the type of pillow you have and where you need the most support.

Sleeping with a Straight Pregnancy Pillow

Straight pillows like the WildBird Pregnancy Pillow are versatile and comfortable to use. The classic way to use this pregnancy pillow is to rest your head on one end of the pillow, hugging it to your chest gently. Your stomach should rest against the pillow or be slightly propped by it. This position aligns your arms and supports your stomach.

With your legs slightly bent, bend the other end of the pillow between your legs to keep your pelvic floor aligned. Finally, place your ankles above and below the bottom of the pillow to keep your ankles elevated and prevent pain.

If your pillow isn't large enough, you may need to use one additional pillow for ankle or neck support.

Pregnancy Pillow for Back Use

If you need additional back support or help staying on your left side when you sleep, consider resting your back.

You can bring the bottom of the pillow forward between your legs and forward, to support your legs and pelvis. Feel free to play with exactly how you align the pillow so you can also enjoy head and neck support or stomach support.

C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Comfort for Both Back and Belly

A C-shaped pillow also allows for both back and front positioning. Most pregnant women prefer to hug the curve of the pillow, with the opening in the back. This position supports all of your key points while still allowing a partner to hug you from behind. 

Others prefer to have the curve of the C against their back, with the opening in the front. This position will allow you to get out of bed easily while still supporting your head, legs, pelvis, and even stomach.

Sleep Better with a U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

The greatest challenge when using a U-shaped pillow is getting into bed. Some U-shaped pillows have a semi-detachable arm that is easy to lift, but with most, you'll have to crawl into bed from the bottom or roll over the pillow. 

Once you're inside the U, however, place your head on the top of the pillow, and hug one of the arms with your belly and legs supported to side-sleep. 

For Feeding

You can continue to use your pregnancy pillow to help with feeding once your baby arrives. To do so, sit comfortably on the floor or in bed. Wrap the pregnancy pillow around your torso, and use it to help prop up your baby as you breastfeed or bottle feed.

Note, that Wildbird's maternity pillow also can be used as breastfeeding pilow.

The biggest issue with pregnancy pillows is that they're so bulky, and can become a nuisance in bed.

To start, set yourself up for success by positioning your maternity pillow so it won't impede you from getting into bed. For example, you can keep a straight pillow by the headboard, and then reposition it once you're in bed.

C-shaped and U-shaped pillows (or any solid memory foam pillow) can act as a barrier once you're in bed. Depending on which position you choose, your pillow could trap you in bed or block your partner from being able to hug you.

You might have to make some tough decisions about how to get “blocked”. You can also practice rolling over or lifting the arm of your pillow, but this can become increasingly difficult as you progress in your pregnancy. The best option if this is a concern for you is to choose a lighter and more flexible pillow.

Once you're in bed, getting into position should be difficult. Don't be afraid to use your feet to get your pregnancy pillow into position between your legs, especially when reaching past your belly becomes difficult.

Lastly, don't be afraid to combine regular pillows with your pregnancy pillow, to enjoy more customized support, since it's ultimately all about your comfort.