Why and When to Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
Why Pregnancy Pillow? 5 Reasons in 2025!
Why pregnancy pillow? A pregnancy pillow provides the comfort and support your body needs during pregnancy.
Here are the main reasons:
- Reduces pain in neck, back, and hips
- Improves sleep quality
- Supports a healthier side sleeping position
- Helps against heartburn
- Increases breathing comfort
During pregnancy, your body changes rapidly, which can lead to discomfort. A pregnancy pillow is specially designed to relieve these pain points. It helps you sleep more comfortably by supporting your head, neck, and knees. Additionally, it can reduce the chance of heartburn and breathing problems, significantly improving your night's rest.
What is a Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow is specially designed to help pregnant women sleep and sit more comfortably. It is a large, supportive pillow that usually has the shape of a U, C, or J. These unique shapes help keep your body in a comfortable and orthopedically responsible position.
Definition
A pregnancy pillow is a special type of pillow that helps pregnant women reduce body aches and improve their sleep quality. It is not just a large pillow; it is designed to support the unique needs of a pregnant woman.
Shape and Design
The shape of a pregnancy pillow is crucial for the support it provides. The most common shapes are:
- U-shape: Provides full body support. You can place your body between the "legs" of the U, supporting your back, stomach, head, and knees.
- C-shape: Ideal for back and belly support. You can wrap the pillow around you for extra comfort.
- J-shape: A combination of a body pillow and a head support pillow. It provides good support for the back and neck.
Why Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
Benefits of a Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy is a special time, but it can also bring many physical challenges. A pregnancy pillow offers various benefits that can help make this period more comfortable.
Health and Side Lying
During pregnancy, it is important to sleep in a stable side position. This promotes better blood circulation and reduces pressure on vital organs. A pregnancy pillow helps you maintain this posture, which is essential for both your health and that of your baby.
Improved Sleep
A good night's sleep is crucial, especially during pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows are specially designed to support you in the most comfortable sleeping position. This ensures that you wake up less often due to discomfort and wake up better rested.
Pain relief
Many pregnant women experience back and pelvic pain. A pregnancy pillow can significantly reduce this pain by providing support to your belly, back, and hips. This ensures that you feel less pressure on painful areas.
"Since I started using my pregnancy pillow, my back pain has almost completely disappeared," says a satisfied customer.
Heartburn and Breathing
Heartburn is a common problem during pregnancy. By elevating your upper body slightly with a pregnancy pillow, you can reduce this discomfort. Additionally, the pillow helps improve your breathing by keeping your body in an optimal position.
Hypoallergenic and Washability
Most pregnancy pillows, such as those from Ella Sleeps, are made from hypoallergenic materials. This is important to prevent allergic reactions, both for you and your baby. Moreover, these pillows are often washable, which contributes to better hygiene.
Stability and Support
A pregnancy pillow provides stability and prevents you from unconsciously turning into an uncomfortable position. This is especially useful if you are used to sleeping on your back or stomach, positions that are less ideal during pregnancy.
Allergies and Washability
Many pregnancy pillows are hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause allergies. This is an important feature, especially if you are sensitive to dust or other allergens. In addition, they are often washable, which helps to keep the pillow clean and fresh.
In the next section, we discuss When to Use a Pregnancy Pillow, including tips on the right time to start using this handy tool.
When Do You Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
From Which Week Do You Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
During pregnancy, your body can change significantly and that can sometimes be uncomfortable. Many women start using a pregnancy pillow around week 20. This is often the moment when the belly grows larger and it becomes more difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Side lying is the best sleeping position during pregnancy. It promotes blood circulation and reduces pressure on the organs. A pregnancy pillow helps you maintain this position more comfortably.
But the benefits do not stop after birth!
After the Delivery
After childbirth, your body can still use support. After all, you have carried a baby for nine months and gone through childbirth. The pregnancy pillow can help with relaxing and supporting your body during recovery.
Nursing pillow
A pregnancy pillow can also serve as a nursing pillow. This makes feeding your baby much more comfortable. You can wrap the pillow around you and let your baby rest on it. This relieves your arms and back and ensures a better posture.
Play area for the Baby
When your baby starts to roll and crawl, the pregnancy pillow can serve as a safe play area. Place the pillow on the floor to create a soft and safe boundary. This way, your little one can explore the world without the risk of falling.
A pregnancy pillow therefore offers versatile support, both during and after pregnancy. In the next section, we discuss the different types of pregnancy pillows and how to choose the right pillow for your needs.
Different Types of Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy pillows come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own advantages. Here are the most common types:
How to Choose the Right Pregnancy Pillow?
U-shape
A U-shaped pregnancy pillow, like the Comfort-U, offers full body support. The pillow wraps around your body and supports your back, belly, and legs. This type of pillow is ideal for people who often change sleeping positions.
Side sleeping pillow
Side sleeping pillows, often in the shape of a seven, are perfect for side sleepers. These pillows support your belly and keep your spine aligned. This helps with better breathing and reduces snoring. Also, your chest and knees remain at the same height, providing extra comfort.
Body pillow
A body pillow is long and straight, and can be used in various ways. This pillow offers versatile support and can also serve as a nursing pillow after childbirth. It provides a sense of security, which helps with better sleep.
Knee support
Some pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to support only the knees. This type of pillow is smaller but can be effective in relieving pressure on the lower back and hips.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the pillow are important for your comfort. A larger pillow, such as the U-shape, offers full support, while a smaller pillow, such as a knee support pillow, focuses on specific areas.
Material
The material of the pillow, both inside and outside, is crucial. High-quality cotton is durable and hypoallergenic, which is important for both you and your baby. Also, check whether the material meets safety standards such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1.
Quality
A high-quality pregnancy pillow retains its shape and firmness, even after multiple washes. Cheap pillows can quickly lose their shape, which can lead to additional discomfort instead of relief.
Replaceable Cover
A replaceable and washable cover is a must. This ensures better hygiene and extends the lifespan of your pillow. At Ella Sleeps, we offer multiple covers so you can always use a clean cover.
With this guide, you can choose the right pregnancy pillow that perfectly matches your needs and preferences.
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
Maternity pillow after the birth
A pregnancy pillow is not only useful during pregnancy. Even after childbirth, the pillow can provide a lot of comfort and support. Below you can read how to use the pillow in different ways.
Sleep
After birth, you can still experience physical complaints. The pregnancy pillow can help support your body and thus get a better night's sleep. For example, place the pillow under your knees or back for extra support. This helps your body relax, which also benefits your baby.
Bank and Chair
During the postpartum period, it is important to get enough rest. Use the pillow on the couch or in a chair to support your back and neck. You can wrap the pillow around you for extra comfort. This can be especially nice during feeding or if you want to relax for a moment.
Relaxation
Your body has been through a lot. Use the pregnancy pillow to relax. For example, place the pillow under your neck or legs while you read a book or watch TV. It provides extra comfort and helps reduce muscle tension.
Nursing pillow
A pregnancy pillow is also ideal as a nursing pillow. Place the pillow on your lap while feeding. This ensures a natural sitting posture and supports both you and your baby. This way, you can feed longer and more comfortably without straining your arms and back.
Play area
When your baby starts to roll or crawl, you can use the cushion to create a safe play area. Place the cushion on the floor as a boundary. This provides a soft and safe environment where your baby can explore the world without you having to worry about falling.
In the source you can read more about the versatility of pregnancy pillows and how they can help you during and after pregnancy.
Use these tips to make the most of your pregnancy pillow after birth. It not only provides comfort and support, but can also help with daily care and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy Pillows
Do you need a Maternity Pillow?
Yes, a pregnancy pillow can make a big difference during your pregnancy. It provides comfort and support that your regular pillow cannot offer. Pregnancy brings many changes, and a pregnancy pillow helps you sleep better by supporting your belly, back, and legs.
A good night's sleep is essential for your health and well-being. By promoting the right sleeping position, a pregnancy pillow helps you reduce pain and discomfort. This can help you stay rested and energetic throughout the day.
Why kissing between legs pregnant?
Placing a pillow between your legs during pregnancy can provide pain prevention and improve your sleep. This helps keep your spine and hips in a natural position, reducing pressure on your lower back and pelvis. It can also help reduce heartburn and improve your breathing.
A pillow between your legs can also help reduce the risk of stillbirth. According to experts, sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs can improve blood circulation to the placenta, which is important for your baby's health.
Is a Pregnancy Pillow necessary?
Although a pregnancy pillow is not strictly necessary, it can be a valuable investment for your comfort and support during pregnancy. It helps you adopt a better sleeping position, reducing pain in your belly, legs, and back.
In addition, a pregnancy pillow can also be useful after childbirth. It can serve as a nursing pillow or as support during rest. This makes it a versatile tool that you can use in various ways.
For more information about the benefits of a pregnancy pillow, see our source.
Use these tips to make the most of your pregnancy pillow and enjoy a comfortable and supported pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, a pregnancy pillow offers significant benefits during and after pregnancy. It helps reduce pain in the abdomen, legs, and back, improves sleeping posture, and can even reduce heartburn and snoring. Moreover, it is a versatile tool that you can continue to use as a nursing pillow or for extra support while resting.
At Ella Sleeps, we strive to provide products that improve your well-being. Our pregnancy pillows are made from high-quality materials such as cotton and Minky, and are designed to last. We also offer replaceable covers to ensure hygiene.
In addition, we place great value on sustainability. We offset our CO2 emissions by planting trees through Trees for All, and strive for a minimal ecological footprint.
Choose a pregnancy pillow from Ella Sleeps and experience the comfort and support you deserve during this special time.
Discover our range of pregnancy pillows and make your pregnancy and the period afterwards as comfortable as possible.