Best Way To Sleep With A Pregnancy Pillow AND Get Better Sleep

What is the best way to sleep with a pregnancy pillow?

Pregnancy is such a beautiful journey. It ALSO brings a lot of aches, pains, and lack of a good night’s sleep! Sleeping without a pregnancy pillow is feeling like a fish out of water. You’re constantly tossing from side to side DESPERATE to find a comfortable sleep position. 

Sleep deprivation is a real thing. So do yourself a favor and get your hands on a great pregnancy pillow. Don’t make the same mistake I did and wait too long to pull the trigger. This pregnancy pillow has been such a blessing and is EXCELLENT for aches and pains. It ALSO feels like you could just melt right into it.

Now that we covered the best pregnancy pillow, let’s dig a little deeper and chat about the best way to sleep with a pregnancy pillow.

This post is all about the best way to sleep with a pregnancy pillow.

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Best Way To Sleep With Pregnancy Pillow

What is a pregnancy pillow?

Pregnancy pillows are pregnant women’s best friend. Why? Because they are designed to keep our growing and aching bodies comfy cozy while we rest, which leads to a good night’s sleep. I should really say better sleep than before!

How exactly do you use a pregnancy pillow?

How you use a pregnancy pillow will depend on the type of pillow you choose! Before jumping into the different options for you and your growing bump, it is worth mentioning that the American Pregnancy Association recommends laying on your left side during pregnancy. It helps maintain good circulation. Why? Because it makes it easier for your blood to run from your heart to the placenta. Better blood flow mama! Good circulation ALSO helps decrease swelling, varicose veins, as well as hemorrhoids.

This may be easier for side sleepers. For all the belly sleepers and back sleepers, this might be a challenge for you. I am sure your healthcare provider will speak to you about sleeping in the best position.

Now let’s address how to use each type of pregnancy pillow properly. This way you can decide which type is best for you! Don’t you love having options?

Types of Pregnancy Pillows

U-Shaped Pillows

These pillows look as they sound. The good news about a u-shaped pregnancy pillow is that it gives you full-body support. Remember that side sleeping is best. If you toss and turn at night, you don’t have to worry about moving the pillow. These genius pregnancy pillows will support your growing belly as well as your back. If you are looking for something with back support or lower back pain, this is a great option for you.

It is important to note that your partner may not particularly love this type of pregnancy pillow. I used this type of pillow with my first and my husband resented how much space it took up. Ha!

C-Shaped Pillows

C-shaped pregnancy pillows support your back while also supporting your head and pelvis. You can easily move the pillow to support your problem area.

When you place c-shaped pillows behind your back, lay your head on the smaller part that reaches around, and place the longer end between your knees, you can count on back support.

In addition, c-shaped pillows can also support your front. As you continue to go through physical changes, you may need front support one week and back support the next week. Manipulate the pillow to find the best sleeping position for you. Pregnancy pains have a way of hitting you hard at night.

J-Shaped Pillows

J-shaped pillows take up less space than U-shaped pillows. Like the other pillows, you can use it for extra support for your belly OR your back. What’s the most comfortable position for you?

Wedge Shaped Pillows

These pregnancy pillows are much smaller! Similar to a regular pillow, but better. They usually fit behind your back or beneath your belly. If you’re looking for a compact maternity pillow, this is an excellent option for you.

Full Body Pillows

These pillows are also known as I-pillows. Simply lay on the side you want to sleep on and hug it for maximum comfort. This is the greatest full-length body pillow out there. You won’t regret buying this one. I replaced my J-shaped pillow with this one and NEVER looked back.

Pregnancy Affects Sleep

You have probably already figured out that pregnancy has a direct impact on quality sleep. During the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. You will likely experience sleep issues as a new mama as well. Getting as much sleep as possible is so important during this time. Sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. So why exactly does pregnancy cause a lack of sleep?

First Trimester

The sleepy train hits HARD during the first trimester. This is due to an increase in your progesterone levels. Hormonal changes can also cause interrupted sleep. Nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, and an increased frequency of urinating also don’t make resting easy.

Second Trimester

The good news is that sleep will probably become easier during the honeymoon period of pregnancy. Hooray for better sleep! You’re probably still going to have interruptions throughout the night due to your growing baby. So break out that pregnancy pillow to ensure maximum comfort. I am convinced that this is the best pregnancy pillow!

Here are some other common reasons for sleep interruptions during the second trimester:

• Leg cramps
• Swollen feet
• Loosening ligaments
• Lower back pain
• Vivid dreams
• Congestion that can lead to snoring or sleep apnea

Third Trimester

Sleep becomes more challenging (again) during the third trimester. Finding a comfortable sleeping position is not easy thanks to the size of your growing belly.

Here are some other common issues during the third trimester that can lead to sleep disruptions:

• Backpain
• Heartburn/acid reflux
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Frequent urination
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Shortness of breath

Postpartum

Labor and delivery can also affect your sleep. You will wake up frequently throughout the night to tend to your beautiful new baby. Something that I had no idea about as a new mom is that you can actually experience contractions after birth. This is how your uterus shrinks back to its size. I always seemed to really notice this at night.

Aside from experiencing afterpains, you may also experience insomnia. As a new mama, I had trouble sleeping because I was worried about my baby. I felt compelled to keep checking on her. This kept me up, even when my daughter was asleep.

Between healing, constantly breastfeeding, and tending to my baby, my back pain was worse than ever. Back pain can also cause you to wake up. If this is the case for you, I recommend using your pregnancy pillow as you go through postpartum recovery. Don’t ditch your pregnancy pillow just yet. Whether you choose a full body pillow, u shape, etc., make having proper spinal alignment a priority. Otherwise, you will feel the aches and pains when you wake up the next day.

When is the best time to begin using a pregnancy pillow?

There is no perfect time. Go by how you feel. When you begin to feel less comfortable at night, that is a good sign that it is time to whip out your pregnancy pillow. If you find yourself aching, tossing, or turning that is a good indication that it is time.

It is recommended to begin using your pregnancy pillow during the second trimester. So possibly around 14 weeks of pregnancy or so. If this is not your first pregnancy, you may discover that you’re reaching for your pregnancy pillow sooner than you expected. Or sooner than you did with your first!

This post was all about the best way to sleep with pregnancy pillow.

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