The best way to use a pregnancy pillow is to position it in a way that’ll help support the changes in your body according to the shape. With many varieties of maternity pillows, like a “U” or “C” shape, you can utilise it to make sleep as comfortable as possible and minimise any pain.
Pregnancy is a uniquely beautiful journey, but can also be physically taxing the more the baby grows and changes in your body, making it increasingly difficult to sleep.
We’ll explore the most efficient way to keep you comfortable and how to use a maternity pillow properly including:
- The different styles and types of maternity pillows
- When you should begin to use a pregnancy pillow
- The correct way to use a pillow for sleeping and some great tips
At Tasman Eco, we’re all about family and creating high quality baby furniture in Australia that is comfortable for your baby, so you’re ready for when your little one arrives.
What is a Pregnancy Pillow?
A maternity pillow or sometimes referred to as a pregnancy pillow is a long and flexible pillow made to assist different areas of a pregnant body.
It can be moulded to offer support where you need it most, which is much larger than the standard size of a cushion.
Are there Different Types of Maternity Pillows?
Yes definitely! To accommodate for a range of requirements and tastes, pregnancy pillows are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Here are a some popular choices:
U-shaped pillows:
- These support your front and back by encircling your body.
- Shape: It has the shape of the letter ‘U’.
- Fabric: Crafted out of very soft bamboo or cotton, which are highly breathable materials offering great circulation of air to keep you cooler.
C-shaped pillows:
- This pillow bends around your body and supports your front and back
- Shape: In the shape of a “C” letter.
- Fabric: For extra comfort C shaped pillows are produced with jersey knit on the exterior of the pillow for that extra stretch and comfort, with micro fibres on the inside.
Full length pillows:
- This style, is a very long and straight pillow, which run through the full length of the body
- Shape: Elongated and straight
- Fabric: Comes in a variety of materials like cotton or microfibre and has detachable, washable covers. Making it very convenient for regular use.
Wedge pillows:
- A very firm and smaller styled pillow that is placed beneath the stomach
- Shape: wedge shaped triangle
- Fabric: Usually composed of memory foam and a soft covering
When to Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow?
Many pregnant mothers are curious about when to begin using a maternity pillow. In actuality, there isn’t a one size fits all answer that works for everyone.
But to help you make a more informed decision, here are some helpful points:
- Pay attention to your body: You should consider a pregnancy pillow as soon as you begin to experience pain when you sleep. For some women, this can occur in the first trimester.
- Second trimester onwards: As your baby bump becomes more noticeable, some women may require more assistance with a pillow starting around 20 weeks.
- Side sleeping: A maternity pillow can help make sleeping on your side more pleasant and more comfortable. It’s advised to check with your doctor for permission about when to begin side sleeping, which usually happens around the 20 week mark.
- Hip discomfort or back pain: If you’re experiencing these issues, a pregnancy pillow can help alleviate the pain and in extreme conditions always talk to a qualified medical professional.
- Pre-existing conditions: Using a maternity cushion earlier in the pregnancy can help if you have back issues or other health concerns, it can take the stress off your body and the need to constantly find the right position.
No matter how far along you are in the process, using a pillow to create a comforting and supportive environment is always best .
What is the Correct Way to Use a Pregnancy Pillow?
Proper use of a pregnant pillow can greatly uplift your quality of sleep and offer comfort when you need it most. Here are some important tips and steps to help you effectively use your pillow correctly.
Follow these steps for best results:
U-shaped pillows:
- Place your bump carefully on the curved portion in front of the U
- Slide one side between your knees
- Lean back against the other side
- Rest your head on the top of the U
C-shaped pillows:
- For support place the curve at your back side
- Place the top of the C beneath your head
- Wrap the bottom between your knees
Or
- To support your bump face the C an give it a hug
Full length pillows:
- To assist and align your spine, place the lower portion of the cushion between your knees
- Hug the pillow with your upper body
Wedge pillows:
- Use it to support your bump while side sleeping
- Place behind your back when you’re sitting up in bed
or
- Underneath your regular pillow for a little bit more of a lift
Some safety advice & tips
- Always make sure your head and neck are supported correctly to prevent strain
- Make sure a large pillow doesn’t over heat you during the night’s sleep, you can either remove this or re-position the pillow to prevent the build up of sweat.
- Wash your pillow cover on a regular basis to keep it hygienic and fresh for a sound sleep
- Make adjustments as your pregnancy develops and changes, you can alter the position of your maternity pillow as you need it.
Pregnancy pillows can be the ultimate game changer, offering comfort and support for a great night sleep leaving you rejuvenated when you wake up.
As you prepare for this exciting time, you can also prepare ahead for your little one’s arrival so they can also get an amazing night’s sleep.
At Tasman Eco our cot mattress collection can provide quality and reliable furniture for your baby.
We love supporting new families with over 30 years of experience crafting the best for your baby’s nursery.
Check out our entire furniture collection today!
By Carla Cenatiempo
February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025
Carla is the Marketing Lead at Tasman Eco, she's been with the business for almost 3 years now and loves being able to work with Australian families every day. It’s really important for her to share both quality and valuable content on nursery furnitures, with families to ensure they have peace of mind when growing their family amongst all of the noise in the space. Highlighting the importance of selecting the right baby cot and bassinet as part of the nursery setup, she focuses on providing information that helps families make informed decisions for their comfort and safety.
