Pregnancy is challenging. In fact, it's probably the most challenging physical life event a woman will ever go through.

And, as if it isn't hard enough to navigate growing a brand new human inside your tummy, there's also the hassle of trying to get a good night's sleep - something that doesn't always come easy.

Many women are plagued with troublesome aches and pains throughout the 9 months which can be very debilitating. Struggling to sleep whilst pregnant can make you incredibly miserable. 

Thankfully, there is something that can help alleviate some of those struggles. Pregnancy pillows have, in recent years, been hailed as miracle workers when it comes to stopping aches and pains in their tracks.

In this guide, we'll discuss the very best pregnancy pillows for body pain. This includes back pain, hip pain, neck pain and much more.

So, without further ado, let's delve into the amazing world of these ingenious and highly popular pillows.

Pregnancy pillows explained

A pregnancy pillow or a  maternity pillow is specially designed to support a woman's changing body. Some focus on one or two areas of the body, while others provide complete support.

Sleeping well can be challenging at the best of times, but it can be even more difficult when pregnant. That's why these pillows have been specially designed to make falling asleep in a comfortable position easier.

After all, let's not forget how important sleep is during pregnancy. In the third trimester, a woman should be aiming to get at least 10 hours of sleep each night.

Missing out on those precious hours of slumber can have knock-on effects on your mental and physical wellbeing. It's important to implement anything that will help you catch some Z's - and that's exactly where a pregnancy pillow comes in handy.

The benefits of using a pregnancy pillow

While the main benefit of using a pregnancy pillow is to provide comfort and support, there are yet more perks to using a pillow of this type.

Pregnancy pillows alleviate body aches and pains. As the body continues to gain weight at a rapid speed, it will inevitably put a lot of additional pressure on your joints, including the hips, legs, and back. Expectant mums need to get enough rest, and when in pain, it can be extremely difficult, if not almost totally impossible, at times.

A pregnancy pillow provides the perfect support and comfort for the growing body, removing much-needed pressure from any debilitating body pains.

Other benefits of pregnancy pillows include that they increase blood circulation, and allow you to relax and destress. 

It can be used after the baby has arrived too! Once your little bundle of joy arrives, you might be thinking you'd no longer have any need for a body pillow, but the pillow continues to have other uses. They are excellent when it comes to feeding time and can be used as a nursing pillow. You can prop them up to help you put your little one in the correct position so that they can properly latch on.

Also, these pillows make great company in bed, even when not pregnant. Many women find that they continue to sleep with them long after their baby has arrived. They may become a permanent addition to your sleep bedding.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, women on average will gain almost two stones, and that's quite a bit of additional weight to have to manage suddenly. As the spine supports this weight, it can often lead to lower back pain. Then there's the baby, who will happily wiggle around, adding more pressure to your back and pelvis.

If you suffered from back pain before pregnancy or are on the curvier side, you are unfortunately much more likely to develop back pain when expecting.

Plus, the release of additional hormones during pregnancy can lead to the ligaments becoming loose and softening the joints. This can negatively affect the back and cause pain.

Standing or sitting for long periods, tossing and turning when sleeping, or getting into the wrong sleeping position can also wreak havoc with your back.

Thankfully, there is an easy solution - a maternity pillow. Let's now look at the types of pain relief pregnancy pillows can provide, so you can have the very best pregnancy while waiting for your new arrival, free from pain and discomfort at night.

Types of pain relief a pregnancy pillow can provide

Different types of pregnancy pillows are designed for different areas of the body, so where you are suffering pain could influence the design of the pregnancy pillow you choose.

We'll talk you through them.

Pregnancy pillows for back pain

A U-shaped pregnancy pillow is great for back pain as it supports all of the body; in fact, it is one of the best pregnancy pillows for those suffering from pain all over.

U-shaped pregnancy pillows work by keeping the entire body in place during the night, so it's a lifesaver for those women who would normally toss and turn in their sleep and possibly get themselves into less than ideal positions where they will wake up feeling more uncomfortable.

Pregnancy pillows for pelvic pain

A C-shaped pillow can be used to relieve a lot of the pressure placed on the pelvic area throughout pregnancy. These pillows can be used in a number of ways. For pelvic pain, it is recommended that you place the curved part at the back while the opposite side is placed under the tummy, which will help eradicate a lot of the pain coming from the pelvic area.

Pregnancy pillows for neck pain

A C-shaped pillow is also great for giving full support to the neck and therefore minimising the risk of neck pain throughout the night. The middle of the 'C' shape can be placed under the neck with the arms wrapped around you, which makes a great sleeping position if you like to sleep on your back. It's also great for neutral joint positioning too.

Pregnancy pillows for shoulder pain

A J-shaped pillow is the best pregnancy pillow for shoulder pain, but it also makes a great support pillow if you are suffering from back pain. It helps promote spinal alignment, keeping your body straight and pain-free during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy pillows for hip pain

Hip pain is an all-too-common complaint when pregnant, with it sometimes being so bad that it can begin to restrict a woman's mobility. Not to mention, hip pain can make it extremely difficult to fall asleep.

A U or C-shaped pillow can be used with the opening placed at the feet and the head resting on the centre of the 'U' or 'C' shape. This position will take a lot of the strain and pressure off the hips.

Pregnancy pillows for tailbone pain

Those pregnant women with tailbone pain should consider a full body support pillow and lie on their side with their legs and arms wrapped into the pillow. This will take a lot of the aches and pains away from the tailbone area and hopefully improve your quality of sleep by quite a bit.

Pregnancy pillows for SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)

A wedge-shaped pillow placed under the knees can go a long way in minimising the painful symptoms of SPD, a condition that can affect as many as one in 50 women going through pregnancy. Simply place the pillow under the knees before you go to sleep, and you should begin to feel relief almost instantly.

What to consider when choosing a pregnancy pillow

Here are a few things to bear in mind before purchasing a pregnancy pillow:

Material

Many women find they overheat when pregnant, especially in the second and third trimesters. Look for a body pillow that is made from breathable fabric and has a removable cover. This means that if you do heat up in the night and become a bit sweaty (which happens to the best of us), you can quickly pop it in the washing.

Some memory foam pillows are required to be washed by hand, so if you do choose memory foam, bear this in mind. Check out this article on how to clean a memory foam pillow for more information. 

When it comes to firmness, would you rather have a soft pillow or something like a memory foam which makes a really good pregnancy pillow for many expectant mothers? There are a lot of choices out there, so it is best to choose wisely.

How you usually sleep

Think about how you would usually sleep and consider factoring your sleep positions into the type of pillow you may want to purchase. 

Bed size

If you have a small bed or sleep with a partner, you might want to consider a smaller pillow if possible.

For instance, a 'U'-shaped pillow is on the larger side, so either you might want to think about investing in a bigger bed, encouraging your partner into the spare room, or purchase other support pillows that are slightly smaller.

FAQs

When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?

There is no fixed time when you should start using a pregnancy pillow; the choice is completely yours. However, by around week 20, many women start experiencing pain and discomfort. When that happens, it's time to start thinking about the best pregnancy pillows for you.

What pillow will provide me with full-body support?

Our recommendation for the best pregnancy pillow for full-body support is a U-shaped pillow. These are great if you have a lot of discomforts all over and not just in one particular area of the body. You can also use them to help prop yourself up, and they can even be used after birth to help you get into a comfy position to feed your new arrival.

Can I sleep on my tummy when pregnant?

Sleeping on your stomach while pregnant is generally not recommended by healthcare professionals without the help of a pregnancy pillow. The best pregnancy pillows, and indeed the only ones that should be used for this position, are those with a cut-out hole for your bump to sit snuggly in.

Can I use normal pillows when pregnant?

You can use regular pillows when you are pregnant but be warned; they do not provide the amount of back support that expectant mothers require. Pregnancy pillows can help alleviate all manner of discomfort like sciatic nerve pain and provide support while complementing the body's natural curves.

Discover our range of pregnancy pillows 

Pregnancy is a daunting yet hugely exciting time, and you don't want body pressure and pain to spoil the magic of growing a new baby inside you. Thankfully, help is out there for pregnant women in the form of pregnancy pillows.

Check out Sleepseeker’s range of pregnancy pillows that will help alleviate body pain and create a more relaxing 9 months for you and your body. 

For more guides on pregnancy pillows, check out the pages below:

The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping With a Pregnancy Pillow
How To Use A Pregnancy Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Queen Beds
Pregnancy Pillow Benefits: Do I Need a Pregnancy Pillow?
What Size Are Pregnancy Pillows: The Ultimate Guide
4 Sleeping Positions To Try During Pregnancy And After Your Baby Is Born
Guide To The Best Pillows For Pain During Pregnancy
How To Choose a Pregnancy Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Side Sleepers