Learn How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Maximum Support

Your pregnancy can be a joyful time in your life… unless you’re exhausted for the entire 40 weeks. But your body changes so much during this journey! It’s impossible to anticipate every problem you’ll have.

While every problem has a solution, researching is hard– especially when you’re exhausted from carrying your baby (or babies!)

You already have so much to manage during your pregnancy. Picking the right products for your journey should be easy. Read on to learn how to use a pregnancy pillow for maximum comfort and safety.

Do you want to learn more about sleeping well with your newborn? Read our top 7 tips here.

Do you know how to use a pregnancy pillow?

We will teach you in this article while providing other helpful tips, like using a postpartum girdle or corset.

How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow: Types and Variations

You may be surprised to discover that before you can learn how to use a pregnancy pillow, you must select the right pillow for your sleeping habits. There are 4 most common types/variations of pregnancy pillows, and each one is best-suited to specific sleeping habits.

First is the U-shaped pregnancy pillow.

This would be best if you usually slept on your back pre-pregnancy. Because of the U shape, you’ll enjoy support on both sides of your body. This should keep you from rolling onto your back while you sleep.

Next is the Candy Cane or J-shaped pregnancy pillow.

This would be best if you usually slept on your back pre-pregnancy and you want to cuddle with your partner in bed. Unlike the U-shaped pillow, the J-shaped is open on one side so you can cuddle while getting support for your bump.

There’s also the C-shaped pregnancy pillow.

This would be best if you didn’t toss and turn much while sleeping pre-pregnancy. Because it isn’t double-sided, you’ll have to move it every time you roll over in bed. If you have a particularly large or heavy belly, the C-shape provides maximum relief.

Finally, you may want a Wedge-shaped pregnancy pillow.

This would be best if you don’t need maximum support and you get very hot or cold while sleeping. The wedge is small and portable enough to be used with ice packs or heating pads for temperature regulation while you sleep.

How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow: Tips for Each Variation

The best way to use a U-shaped pregnancy pillow is essentially upside-down. You want your head on the bottom of the U, and your feet in the opening of the U.

The best way to use a J-shaped pregnancy pillow is similar to the U-shaped. Place the long side along your belly or back depending on how you’ll be sleeping, and the bottom of the J under your head.

The best way to use a C-shaped pregnancy pillow is by running the curve along your back and resting your belly near the opening in the C. This will help realign your pelvis and spine gently.

The best way to use a Wedge-shaped pregnancy pillow is to wedge it beneath your belly while laying on your side. Simply add a cooling or heating pack between you and the wedge.

Bonus: If you get heartburn during your pregnancy, using your wedge to sleep slightly propped up can help alleviate it.

Do you want to learn more about the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your newborn? Read our analysis here.

Are You Worried About How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Safe Sleeping? Use This Next Crucial Tip to Protect You and Your Baby During Your Pregnancy.

Currently, the APA (American Pregnancy Association) is recommending that you sleep on your side– ideally your left side. Why? Because if you sleep on your right side, you can put too much pressure on your liver and cut off circulation in general.

Sleeping on your left side will be more comfortable– and safer– for you and your baby.

Regardless of which shape you choose for your pregnancy pillow, all are designed to help keep you sleeping on your side. Just select the shape of pillow best-suited to the way you naturally like to sleep as outlined above.

Bonus: The right pregnancy pillow can also reduce your body aches and back pains throughout your pregnancy. When you sleep in a position that’s naturally beneficial– like sleeping on your side– you’ll reap the benefits of an aligned spine during the day, too.

How to Use A Pregnancy Pillow is Different for Every Mom

While we can teach you how to use a pregnancy pillow to get the best sleep possible, every mom’s body is different. That’s the beauty of pregnancy! So it’s your call which type of pregnancy pillow you want to try first.

As a new mom, you’re constantly bombarded with advice– from how to use a pregnancy pillow to picking the best postpartum girdle. Bellefit has you covered with different styles of girdles for your postpartum recovery. You’re usually expected to do all the research, make the final decision all on your own, and hope for the best.

But you don’t have to worry.

Because now that you know how to use a pregnancy pillow, you can check it off your list… and finally get a good night’s sleep.

Are you having other challenges sleeping during your pregnancy like weird dreams? You’re not alone. Find out about common pregnancy dreams here.