How to sleep with a pregnancy pillow

Using a pregnancy pillow can be a game changer when it comes to getting enough zzz’s while you’re growing a little mini-me inside. But knowing how to sleep with a pregnancy pillow properly is the key to getting the maximum benefits and comfort.

Your bump is getting bigger, your hips are starting to move, and there’s increasing pressure on your back and legs.

Suddenly, the pregnancy hormones are bringing on a new level of tiredness, and before you know it, you find yourself crying into a cuppa because you just can’t get comfortable enough to sleep.

You’re also counting sheep for two, so getting enough shut-eye is crucial for both your health and the development of your baby.

A pregnancy pillow can help alleviate some of the discomfort you may be experiencing, but it’s important to use it correctly in order to reap its benefits. Thankfully, we’ve got answers to all your questions on how to use one, so you can get that much-needed rest and relaxation.

WHY USE A PREGNANCY PILLOW?

Investing in a pregnancy pillow will help you take care of you while you're asleep. You need to be recharged for the next day of pregnancy, of course.

Pregnancy support pillows are designed to reduce the discomfort you’re experiencing and guide you into a healthy, more restful sleeping position.

They’re really useful throughout all stages of pregnancy and will become more useful the bigger the bump gets, which tends to be in the second trimester when hip, back, and joint pain can be rife.

Any change to a routine can be awkward at first, so it’s a great idea to get into the habit of sleeping with a pregnancy pillow as early as possible, ideally in the first trimester.

What is the Correct Way to Sleep With a Pregnancy Pillow?

The way in which you use your pregnancy pillow will all depend on a) the type you have and b) the pain you’re trying to alleviate.

The most common shapes of pregnancy pillows include C, U, and wedge, and because they’re all made differently, they’ll need to be used differently. We’ve explained how below…

Pregnancy Pillow Shape	How to Use	Extra Tips
C-Shape (like SnüzCurve)	Place it next to you, sandwiching it between your legs	You can use your normal pillow to rest your head on
U-Shape	Place the connect U-shape at the top and rest your head on it. Position it so you don’t roll onto your back	These pillows are large and may not be ideal for restless sleepers
Wedge	Place it wherever you feel you need support	They are portable, so useful for weekend get aways

How to Sleep With a Pregnancy Pillow: C-Shape

A C-shaped pillow, like our SnüzCurve Pregnancy Support Pillow, will offer full-body support to side sleepers or encourage you to sleep on your side if you usually sleep on your back.

To correctly use a c-shaped pillow…

Place it next to you, with one leg underneath and one on top
Hug it close to you and ensure your arms are comfortable
Rest your chin on top of the pillow, or just use your regular pillow for familiarity

Our SnüzCurve, which takes the shape of a C, relieves pressure on all key stress points. It's also the only pregnancy pillow with KneeBlade™.

Our innovative KneeBlade will guide you into the perfect positioning for sleep by taking pressure off your hips, legs, and ankles. It also helpfully supports the upper body, reducing back pain and pressure on your bump.

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How to Sleep With a Pregnancy Pillow: U-Shape

A U-shaped pregnancy pillow sort of wraps around you like a big cuddle, prompting you to stay on your side.

According to Healthline, sleeping on your side will give your baby optimum blood flow.

It’s recommended you don’t sleep on your back or stomach after a certain point in pregnancy, because as the baby grows, “there is a greater chance of compression to blood flow to the uterus.”

To use, you should…

Place the connected part of the pillow at the top of your bed in an upside-down U-shape.
Upon laying down, you would place your head at the top and lay within the U.

U-shaped pillows are bulkier and take up much more space than their compact C-shaped counterparts. So, if you're a restless sleeper, a big pillow could be quite irritating, and a C-shaped pillow is probably better suited.

How to Sleep With a Pregnancy Pillow: Wedge

A wedge pregnancy pillow is a small triangular or round pillow that supports your bump, back, legs, and hips during your sleep.

You use it by placing it on the area you want to target. For example…

Between your legs
Underneath your bump
Behind your back.

The wedges' portability makes them great for one-off nights away, but they don't target your whole body simultaneously, so you can definitely opt for something more beneficial.

How to Sleep With a Pregnancy Pillow for Hip Pain

Placing a pregnancy pillow between your upper knees or thighs can do wonders for hip pain during your pregnancy. It helps support your hips and align your pelvis, which can relieve some pressure from your hip joints.

We highly recommend our SnüzCurve to provide you with the most effective hip pain relief, and we worked closely with healthcare professionals to design a support pillow that works.

The KneeBlade™ technology guides you to sleep in the correct position to support your entire body, with noticeable improvements in hip pain relief.

For other pregnancy pillows, you should position the long side of the pillow between your legs and rest your top leg on top of it. This will help keep your hips aligned and reduce any strain or pressure.

How to Sleep With a Pregnancy Pillow for Other Normal Bodily Functions

Back pain: Sleeping on your side with both knees bent can relieve back pressure. Our SnüzCurve will naturally guide you into this position.
Heartburn: Sleeping with your head slightly raised can reduce heartburn if that's something you're struggling with (baby's gonna have a full head of luscious locks).
Swelling: You can use the shape of your pillow to elevate your legs and ankles to reduce that lovely pregnancy swelling.
Better circulation: According to the NHS, sleeping on your left side benefits both you and your baby by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the baby and placenta. Side sleeping also reduces pressure on major blood vessels and organs.

What Pregnancy Pillow is the Most Comfortable?

Your pregnancy pillow will be something that's deeply personal to you. A comfortable sleeping position is often hard to come by, even when you're not pregnant, so you'll want to make sure you have the best pregnancy pillow for your needs.

If your pregnancy pillow isn't comfortable, it won't help you sleep. Period.

Here are some of the things you should be looking for when selecting your pillow:

Targeting your whole body: There's no use getting a pillow that only supports one or two parts of your body. You want the real deal.
Cooling materials: Everybody loves a cold pillow; it should be the same with your pregnancy pillow.
Washable: You should take comfort in the fact that your pillow can be regularly cleaned to smell fresh and delicious.
Correct positioning: Okay, so we're talking about comfort right now, but there's something about knowing you're in the correct position for you and your baby that brings a sense of comfort to your mind.

I mean, thank goodness our SnüzCurve hits the mark on all those. It also works its magic from the neck down, so you can continue using your regular pillow. Dreamy.

Why SnüzCurve is the Best Pregnancy Support Pillow

SnüzCurve has been developed by a dream team of Midwives, Chiropractors, Health Visitors, Physios, and mums-to-be. They all worked together to ensure that the body pillow gives the maximum support possible compared to a basic body pillow.

The cushioning between your legs keeps you sleeping on your side and takes the pressure off your hips and ankles, tackling those pregnancy leg cramps.

SnüzCurve’s upper core cushioning prevents shoulders from rolling and keeps your spine in a neutral position, alleviating back pain.

The very best pregnancy pillows should take the pressure off your body while it’s under more strain than usual, which is exactly what SnüzCurve does.

Experience a Great Night’s Sleep With SnüzCurve

We've Got Your Back (and the Rest)

So as the next few months unfold, with all that’s going on in your body, just be kind to yourself. Put those feet up when you need to.

It's so important to listen to your body and develop healthy sleeping habits early on because things will be that much easier when you’re sleeping right.

For more help and advice during your pregnancy and beyond, head to our Sleep Talk Blog.

FAQs

Is a Better Pregnancy Pillow C or U Shape?

This really depends on your individual sleeping preferences and habits. When making your decisions, consider things like the size of your bed, sleeping habits, and the level of support you may need.

How Do I Use a Pregnancy Pillow in the Third Trimester?

Lying comfortably in the third trimester can be a challenge, especially if you're not used to sleeping on your sides or back. A pregnancy pillow between the legs, in the small of your back, or propping up your bump can help ease some discomfort.

What Week Should I Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow?

Most women use a pregnancy pillow in the second trimester when their belly starts getting in the way of a good night's sleep or when they experience discomfort. If you want to use one earlier or later in your pregnancy, that's fine. There are no set rules.

Can You Use a Pregnancy Pillow After Pregnancy?

Absolutely! In fact, many women find that their pregnancy pillow continues to provide comfort and support while breastfeeding or recovering from childbirth.

Do Pregnancy Pillows Actually Help?

A high-quality pregnancy pillow will do more than just improve your sleep. It'll also improve the alignment of your spine, back, and hips. Waking up with less pain in the morning is a win for expecting mums.