Research has revealed that poor-quality sleep can adversely affect a woman and her growing baby bump. But, with the help of pregnancy body pillows, there is a solution for easing this discomfort.

Side sleeping is one of the healthiest sleeping positions you can adopt, with studies showing that 60% of adults prefer sleeping on their side. 

This guide will provide you with all the hints, tips, and products needed to assist you in attaining a good night's sleep while pregnant. 

Best sleeping positions for pregnant women

Sleeping on your side is the best position for a pregnant belly, as it helps to promote healthy blood circulation for the mother and child. During early pregnancy, women don't require as much extra help to sleep well - but as their baby bump grows, so does their increased need for a good night's sleep.

Sleeping on your left side reduces the pressure on your veins and internal organs. This also helps to send additional blood and nutrients to the placenta.

Sleeping on your back after your second and third trimester isn’t advised. While on your back, you put pressure on the vena cava, which decreases the blood and oxygen flow to the baby.

Sleeping on your back can increase sleep-related disorders in pregnant mothers and lead to pre-eclampsia. Overall, studies have found sleeping on either side is much better for you than sleeping on your back when pregnant.  

What to consider when choosing the best pregnancy pillow as a side sleeper

Shape

Maternity pillows range in size and shape. A wedge pillow is the size of standard pillows, whereas a U-shaped pregnancy pillow is bigger and hugs your entire frame.  

Material

It’s best to buy a pregnancy pillow that is made from light and breathable fabric. The incorrect material will hinder your level of comfort and affect your body temperature. 

Filling type

Maternity pillows can be filled with micro-beads, hollowfibre, wool, or memory foam.

Even though hollowfibre is the preferred choice of filling for pregnancy pillows, memory foam has proven to be breathable and firm. Bear in mind that pregnancy pillows filled with organic materials will usually need to be hand-washed.

Size

Many of the best pregnancy pillows for side sleeping take up a lot of space on the bed. This can make pregnancy pillows difficult to store. Expecting mums should opt for smaller pregnancy pillows if storage poses an issue. Remember that choosing a bigger body pillow means you need to take into consideration the size of your bed.

Ease of cleaning

Many of the side sleeper pillows available are machine washable, making it easy to clean your maternity pillow. 

Multi-purpose

U-shaped and C-shaped pillows can be used by anybody to help to get a good quality night's street. Pregnancy pillows can also be used by people who have just had major surgery as it decreases pressure on the spine, neck, and shoulders. Some pregnancy pillows can be transformed into a nursing pillow once the baby arrives.

Best pregnancy pillows for side sleepers

Slumberdown Body Support Pillow

If you’re experiencing irritability when sleeping, the Slumberdown Body Support Pillow is a great option for getting a restful nights sleep. All your aches and pains will be comforted, allowing you to gain healthy sleeping patterns. 

This pillow is particularly great for side sleepers, who can spoon or hug the pillow while not straining too much of themselves. You’ll receive back, leg and neck support - great for post-surgery or pregnancy aches.

The hypoallergenic hollowfibre pillow perfectly moulds to your body so that you can get yourself nice and snug in smooth fashion. With removeable 100% cotton pillowcases that are breathable and machine washable, the Slumberdown Body Support Pillow is a fantastic and simple option!

Key factors:

  • Firmness: Medium
  • Cover material: 100% cotton
  • Filling material: 100% hollowfibre
  • Machine washable: 40°
  • Offering full-body support

Snuggledown V Shape Firm Support Pillow 

For those of you who tend to sit upright in bed, opting for a Snuggledown V Shape Support Pillow might be something beneficial for you. This V shaped pillow offers fantastic back and spine support with orthopaedic approval. Its firm hollowfibre material helps accommodate your body shape, allowing you to comfortable nurse your baby, relax your pregnant stomach or simply assist with any ailments. 

Key factors:

  • Firmness: Firm
  • Cover material: 50% polyester, 50% cotton
  • Filling material: 100% hollow fibre
  • Machine washable: 40°
  • Back support

Slumberdown V Shaped Medium Support Back Sleeper Pillow

Despite what the name suggests, the Slumberdown V Shaped Back Pillow is a another great option for side sleepers, as well as back sleepers! Not only will you reap the benefits of full back, neck and spine support, but you can also use the pillow to comfortably sleep on your side. For pregnant women, this pillow can help alleviate aches and allow you to sleep with ease. 

Key factors:

  • Firmness: Medium
  • Cover material: 50% polyester, 50% cotton
  • Filling material: 100% hollowfibre
  • Machine washable: 40°

Benefits of using a pregnancy pillow if you sleep on your side

Improves sleep quality

Having the right pregnancy pillow can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Getting a good nights sleep is incredibly important, especially for those expecting to have a child. Your body needs to relax and recharge in order to face the day and a pregnancy pillow can definitely help improve the quality of your sleep. 

Provides comfort

Comfort is essential during sleep, especially when you’re pregnant. Pregnancy pillows provide the utmost comfort and care for mums-to-be. For greater comfort, you can wrap a pregnancy pillow around your back. Simply use one side as cushioning for your neck and place the other between your legs to provide support for your pelvic region. If you need more support around your belly and back, you can wrap the pregnancy pillow around your front.

Enhances circulation of the blood

Another benefit to using pregnancy pillows while you sleep on your side is improved blood circulation. Sleeping on your left or right side can enhance your kidney function. Pregnant mums can place a pillow either between their legs or under their stomachs to obtain the best support out of their pregnancy pillows.

Promotes safe sleeping positions

Doctors tell pregnant women to sleep on their left or right side. Sleeping in uncomfortable positions can potentially lead to a low birth weight, difficulties with delivery and high blood pressure concerns. Sitting upright with a good pregnancy pillow helps to tackle sciatica pains, carpal tunnel issues, and back pain and get rid of acid reflux and heartburn issues.

FAQs

Why does a pillow between the legs help during pregnancy?

Side sleepers and stomach sleepers alike will benefit greatly from placing a pillow between their legs. It makes sleeping more comfortable and lessens back pain by keeping your spine perfectly aligned.

How long can I lie on my back while pregnant?

Research has shown that the best and safest position to sleep on is either your right- or left-hand side. Research has suggested that sleeping on your side past 28 weeks approximately halves your chances of stillbirth. This is due to decreased blood flow to the baby and the extra pressure lying on your back puts on your ligaments, joints, and body.

Discover Sleepseeker’s pregnancy pillows for a better night's sleep

At Sleepseeker, we have a great range of pillows for you to choose from, including many that are perfect for pregnancy. We also have a range of bedding to help improve your sleep quality, including duvets, mattress protectors, and mattress toppers.

For more guidance on pregnancy pillows, read some of our other blogs: