Reducing pregnancy pains can be a welcome relief, especially as you enter your second and third trimesters. As the baby grows and you start to carry more weight, it puts a lot of pressure on your back and can make sleeping uncomfortable.

Pregnancy pillows are a great way to get the support you need as you sleep. However, one sleeping position you should avoid is being on your back. It isn’t healthy for pregnant women to sleep on their backs as it can limit blood supply to the growing baby.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best pregnancy pillows to stop you from rolling onto your back as you sleep, ensuring you get as much rest as possible!

Why is it important not to roll on your back during sleep while pregnant?

When you sleep or lie on your back, the baby can put pressure on important blood vessels. These blood vessels supply the uterus with blood flow and oxygen to the baby.

Without that supply, it can be dangerous for the baby, especially if it's restricted for a certain period of time. 

With that being said, it's important to do everything you can to stop yourself from rolling onto your back. When you're asleep though, this can be difficult as you're not always in control of your body.

Whether you try a full body pillow or a u-shaped pregnancy pillow, pregnancy support pillows are great for keeping you in the right position whilst you sleep.

How to choose a pregnancy pillow to keep you off your back

Navigating the pregnancy pillow market can be very challenging and overwhelming. With so many choices in shapes and sizes, how do you pick the right option for you - especially if you are trying to find a pillow to prevent you from rolling onto your back?

Here are a few things you should consider before purchasing a pregnancy pillow:

1. Size

Maternity pillows come in a range of sizes. The size you pick depends on what suits your body best. For some, a body support pillow is needed for support, but others may want a smaller option because there's limited wiggle room in bed.

Pillows can range from wedge pillows to c-shaped pillows that take up very little room. A full body pillow is ideal for those that need ultimate comfort and have plenty of room for it.

2. Shape

Some pillows are shaped to provide additional support to certain areas of the body. You may find you don't need much in the way of neck support, but you might prefer a pillow that supports your bump and back instead. A c-shaped pregnancy pillow may be a better option.

The way you sleep can also determine what shape you go for. Some people switch the side they sleep on during the night, which may mean you go for u-shaped pillows instead.

3. Material

Just like every individual is different in their sleep position, the same goes for the type of bedding materials they choose. There are different maternity pillow options, from breathable cotton covers to polyester and other insulating options to create more warmth.

Which is the best pregnancy pillow for back sleepers?

As you shouldn’t sleep on your back while pregnant, back sleepers might need some help adjusting to their new sleep position. There are a variety of different pregnancy pillow shapes to choose from, and everybody will have their own preference.

The full body pillow is one of the best options to stop you from rolling onto your back. These pillows provide support for your head, knees and belly all at once. The only negative is how much room body pillows can take up in bed!

Another option is to invest in pillows for side sleepers to make sure your head and spine are aligned as you sleep. This should make switching sleeping positions a little bit easier. 

For more, read our guides on the best body pillows for back support and the best pregnancy pillows for side sleepers.

How to use a pregnancy pillow to stop back sleeping during pregnancy

Finding the right way to use a pregnancy pillow can be tricky at first. Here are a few ways you can minimise the risk of rolling on your back:

Pillow between your legs

Having a pillow between your legs can help you stay on your side. Professionals recommend this position, particularly for laying on your left side. Hugging your pillow in this way will allow you to put all your pressure on to it. 

A U-shaped or full-length pillow is ideal for this position!

Place your pillow behind you

Place a pillow behind you as you lay on your side. If you attempt to roll over during the night, the pillow should stop you from doing so. 

Support your head and neck

Your head needs just as much support as your stomach and back during your pregnancy, so placing pillows to comfort those areas is advised. For the neck, try using a J-shaped, C-shaped or U-shaped pillow. Not only will this relieve strain from your neck, but this will help support your back and pelvis. You’ll also be less likely to reposition yourself while sleeping

For more support for your head in general, wedge pillows are a great option, particularly if you’re suffering from acid reflux. 

Other ways you can stop yourself from rolling on your back include:

1. Tying your hair in a low bun. This can help prevent you from wanting to roll over, though this may make you slightly uncomfortable. 
2. If you’re sleeping next to a partner, ask them for support.
3. Side-sleeping pregnancy pillows are great for added support for your back!

If you need any further advice on sleeping positions while pregnant, read our guide on how to use a pregnancy pillow. 

Are pregnancy pillows needed?

Whilst a pregnancy pillow isn't needed, it's an item that you'll certainly get a lot of use out of, especially as your baby bump gets bigger.

There are 3 main areas of support that come with a pregnancy pillow. These are underneath the belly, your back, and between your legs. If you find a pregnancy pillow that caters to all of this, you'll benefit greatly from extra support while you sleep.

A pregnancy pillow can help in a variety of ways, such as:

• Helping you to adjust to new sleeping positions
• Improving circulation in the body
• Keep the body aligned as you sleep 
• Reduce pressure on the hips and pubic bone
• Relieve common pregnancy side effects 
• Make sure you’re in a safe position as you sleep 

Discover pregnancy pillows from Sleepseeker

If you’re in need of a pregnancy pillow, take a look at our range of Slumberdown V-shaped support pillows and body pillows at Sleepseeker.

We also offer a great number of bedding options, including duvets, pillows and mattress toppers. You’ll be spoiled for choice!