Best Pregnancy Pillows | How To Choose A ... - Emma's Diary

There are a number of different pregnancy pillows on the market, made from different materials and fabrics and in a range of size and shapes. These typically include full-body or long pregnancy pillows, which can either be straight or curved, or smaller pillows designed to target more specific areas.

Here is a breakdown of the different types available and the best way to use them…

Full body pillows

These pregnancy pillows will run the whole length of your body and can be straight, or gently curved. They can be pretty big – so will probably take up quite a lot of space in bed, which is something to bear in mind before you commit to buying one. When buying a full body pillow ensure it is long enough to properly support your shoulders down to your knees and everything in between.

How to use a full length pregnancy pillow

When using a long pregnancy pillow, simply hug onto the pillow with your arms so that your bump is resting against it and then arrange your legs around the bottom so that one leg is on the top with your knee slightly bent. The other leg will be underneath and a little straighter. Make some final adjustments, and voila, one ticket to Sleepsville.

C-shaped pregnancy pillows

C-shaped pregnancy pillows curve around your body from the back to the front, offering relief from hip and knee pain as well as supporting your head and neck. They promote a good sleeping position, encouraging you to sleep on your side and not roll onto your back. These pillows are also great for wrapping around your body to get comfortable in a sitting position, supporting the spine. C-shaped pillows can be useful when your baby is born as they can wrap around the body to create an ideal nursing platform, which can also help with breastfeeding positioning.

Other pillows you can buy include ‘6’ shaped pillows designed to support your bump, hips and lower back and ‘J’ shaped pillows to support your bump, back and knees.

How to use a C-shaped pregnancy pillow

Simply wrap it around your frame while you are lying on your side so that your back, head, neck, and pelvic area are well supported. Easy.

U-shaped pregnancy pillows

A U-shaped pregnancy pillow offers support at both the front (relieving pressure on your bump), and the back of your body, and can help you maintain a side-sleeping position. If you toss and turn at night, a U-shaped pillow is the perfect choice as you can simply roll over and assume the same position in reverse. These pillows are also ideal if you have back pain or suffer with sciatica. Just bear in mind, though, that these pillows can be pretty huge and can take up a lot of room in your bed, so your partner may have to get used to life on the edge for a while – or pull out the camp bed!

How to use a U-shaped pregnancy pillow

A U’ shaped pregnancy pillow is designed to support both sides of your body whilst you straddle one side, with your head resting on the curve. U-shaped pillows can also be used to prop you up comfortably in a sitting position.

Pregnancy wedge pillows

These triangular-shaped pregnancy pillows are smaller and less expensive than some of the other types and are designed to support one specific area; typically, your bump or back. In the latter stages of pregnancy, a pregnancy wedge pillow can be a godsend, helping to relieve any discomfort when lying on your side and making it easier to sleep. A wedge pillow is also handy as it is easily transportable, so can be taken with you and used when needed. Like many of the other larger pillows, a pregnancy wedge can be used as a support for feeding your baby.

How to use a wedge shaped pregnancy pillow

When lying on your side, wedge the pillow underneath your bump to help spinal alignment and ease any discomfort. A wedge can also be used to help combat heartburn or acid reflux by using it to prop yourself up underneath your regular pillow. If your hips are causing you discomfort, try popping it between your thighs.