How to sleep with a pregnancy pillow? 4 best sleeping positions

Updated Nov 17, 2022
How to sleep with a pregnancy pillow? 4 best sleeping positions

Sleep during pregnancy can be difficult to navigate. It goes without saying that a growing belly comes with aches and pains, not to mention any attempt at changing sleeping position results in catapulting yourself around like those air dancers at car dealerships (bye-bye abs!).

Air dancers at a car dealership.

IN THIS ARTICLE: 

What is a pregnancy pillow and what are the types?

When should you start sleeping with a pregnancy pillow?

4 best sleeping positions with pregnancy pillows

Sleeping with a pregnancy pillow FAQ


Pregnancy pillows are body support pillows that allow for optimal positioning to improve comfort, thereby improving sleep. Pregnancy pillows can come in handy, as they are known to relieve common aches and pains associated with pregnancy, especially low back, and hip pain. There are several varieties of pregnancy pillows but the 2 most popular are the C-shaped and U-shaped pillows. There are also pillow wedges that are much smaller and usually fit just behind the back or underneath the belly. 

Regardless of the type of pillow you choose, the positioning of the pillow to promote neutral spinal alignment (the natural position of the spine when all three curves: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar are aligned with each other) is what is important. This allows the muscles surrounding the pelvis and hips to relax. Whether you’re using a regular standard pillow, a U-shaped pillow, or a rolled-up towel, the recommendation is that it be placed between the thighs and knees, supporting those achy muscles and joints from the hips to the knees. 

It is not absolutely necessary to sleep with a pregnancy pillow at all. However, most pregnant women find that they have increased difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position or are unable to roll over without a struggle around 20 weeks. This may be a good time to try a supportive pregnancy pillow rather than trying to create a comfortable sleep space using all the throw pillows stolen from your living room.

By placing the C-shaped pregnancy pillow behind your back, laying your head on the part that reaches around, and placing the end between your knees, it will give optimal back support.

By placing the C-shaped pregnancy pillow behind your back, laying your head on the part that reaches around, and placing the end between your knees, will give optimal back support.

Placing the C-shaped pillow in front of you as you lay down on your side and placing the end between your knees will give you front support.

Place the C-shaped pillow in front of you as you lay down on your side and placing the end between your knees will give you front support.

Place the U-shaped pregnancy pillow with the "U" connected end behind your head so it supports your head and both sides when you lay down.

Place the U-shaped pregnancy pillow with the "U" connected end behind your head so it supports your head and both sides when you lay down.

Lay down on the side you want to sleep on and place the I-shaped pregnancy pillow, also known as a body pillow, on the side that you want to be supported.

Lay down on the side you want to sleep on and place the I-shaped pregnancy pillow, also known as a body pillow, on the side that you want to be supported.

Sleeping with a pregnancy pillow FAQ

Q: Can you sleep on your back with a pregnancy pillow?

A:

A pregnancy pillow allows for a more comfortable side-lying position and generally helps to avoid flat-back sleeping. A U-shaped pregnancy pillow supports both the front and back, which helps to avoid rolling into a flat-back position. Even if you are partially elevated or supported in a more back-lying position, this is considered to be safe.

Q: Can you sleep on your stomach with a pregnancy pillow?

A:

Generally, it is quite uncomfortable to sleep on your stomach at most points during pregnancy, and a pregnancy pillow is designed for comfortable side-lying positions.

Q: How to sleep with a pregnancy pillow for hip pain?

A:

Read more about sleeping positions during pregnancy in this article. We talk about the best and worst positions for pregnancy. One position would be using a long regular pillow or a pregnancy pillow between the upper thighs to create space in the pelvis and hips.

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.