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How to Use Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep

  • January 29, 2025

Sleep can become increasingly elusive as pregnancy progresses. Factors like a growing belly, back pain, and constant repositioning can make the idea of a restful night feel far away. But incorporating a pregnancy pillow for better sleep into your nightly routine can transform the way you rest.

In this guide, we explore the benefits of pregnancy pillows, how to choose the right one, practical sleep tips, and what essentials to pack for sleep support at home or in hospital.

Why Sleep Gets Harder During Pregnancy

Pregnancy changes everything—including your sleep. Common disruptions include:

  • Back and hip discomfort

  • Frequent urination

  • Shortness of breath or congestion

  • Heartburn and reflux

  • Leg cramps and restless legs

Side-sleeping is widely recommended in the third trimester for both safety and comfort. According to Raising Children Network, sleeping on your side improves blood flow to the uterus and kidneys, and can reduce the risk of stillbirth after 28 weeks.

How a Pregnancy Pillow Supports Better Sleep

A well-designed pregnancy pillow isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a vital tool for side-sleeping support and body alignment.

Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep:

  • Supports your belly and lower back to reduce strain and pain

  • Encourages consistent side-sleeping

  • Relieves pressure on hips and pelvis

  • Helps prevent rolling onto your back

  • Creates a cocoon-like effect that eases anxiety and helps you relax

The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow is uniquely adjustable and breathable—making it ideal for all stages of pregnancy and even postpartum recovery.

Need more on why sleep posture matters? WebMD offers a clear breakdown of how pregnancy pillows support spinal alignment and reduce discomfort.

What to Look For in a Pregnancy Pillow

Choosing the right pregnancy pillow depends on your sleep style and body’s needs. Here’s what to consider:

  • Adjustability – Look for pillows that adapt as your bump grows

  • Supportive fill – It should be firm enough to hold your position but soft enough to feel cozy

  • Shape – U-shaped for full-body support, wedges for specific areas, or a modular design like Sleepybelly’s

  • Breathable fabric – To prevent overheating and night sweats

  • Compact size – Especially important if you’re sharing your bed

Practical Tips for Planning Better Sleep

Even with the best pillow, good sleep takes a little planning. Here are some ways to set yourself up for success:

1. Set a Sleep Routine

Create a gentle wind-down ritual: dim the lights, avoid screens, and try a warm shower before bed.

2. Stay Hydrated (But Time It Right)

Drink plenty of water during the day, but reduce intake 1–2 hours before bed to minimise bathroom visits.

3. Soothe Cramps Naturally

Magnesium can help relax muscles and ease cramping. Try our Magnesium Body Cream as part of your evening wind-down routine.

4. Keep a Bedside Comfort Kit

Include lip balm, a water bottle, a calming essential oil roller, and an eye mask for a peaceful environment.

For more evidence-backed strategies to improve sleep during pregnancy, Healthline provides an excellent resource on sleep positions and support tools.

What to Pack for Sleep Support

Whether you're building a bedtime routine at home or preparing for a hospital stay, include these in your sleep toolkit:

  • Pregnancy pillow

  • Three-Piece Maternity Pyjamas – Soft, breathable and designed for comfort

  • Magnesium Body Cream for tension relief

  • Eye mask and earplugs for an undisturbed environment

  • Nightlight and soothing playlist or white noise

  • Refillable water bottle for hydration

When to Speak With a Healthcare Professional

Always consult your GP, midwife or obstetrician if:

  • You frequently wake in pain

  • You experience shortness of breath when lying down

  • You feel dizzy or light-headed in certain positions

  • Sleep disruption affects your mood or daily function

These may be signs that your sleep setup or position needs adjustment, or that an underlying condition needs addressing.

Final Thoughts

Using a pregnancy pillow for better sleep isn’t just about adding comfort—it's about protecting your body, improving rest, and giving yourself the recovery time you need each night. You deserve to wake feeling a little more like yourself, even as your body does the incredible work of growing new life.

Want to make every night more restful?
 Explore the Sleepybelly blog and join thousands of mums who’ve made the switch to side-sleeping with full support—and full relief.

Read More

Queueing While Pregnant

Queueing While Pregnant

Standing in long queues can be tough during pregnancy due to increased weight, swelling, and fatigue. Prioritising comfort and rest is essential for your wellbeing and your baby’s health. Polite, respectful phrases can help you confidently ask for a seat, making those waits less stressful. Most people are understanding when approached kindly.

Carrying small essentials like a portable folding seat, compression socks, supportive footwear, and a pregnancy support belt or pillow can significantly ease discomfort while waiting. Planning outings to avoid peak times, using priority services, bringing a support person, and practicing deep breathing are effective ways to manage queueing stress.

Sleepybelly’s maternity products, including their award-winning pregnancy pillow and soft pyjama set, provide practical comfort designed to support your changing body throughout the day and night.

Tiny-Space Pregnancy Comfort

Tiny-Space Pregnancy Comfort

Living in a one-bedroom or studio apartment during pregnancy can be challenging, but thoughtful layout tweaks can create a comfortable, supportive space. Prioritizing ease of movement and reducing strain helps both your wellbeing and your baby’s health.

Creating a dedicated relaxation nook with supportive cushions and multi-functional furniture maximizes comfort without crowding your space. Using items like the Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow offers adjustable support for your bump, back, and hips.

Sleepybelly’s maternity products are designed for compact living, providing practical comfort that fits perfectly in tiny spaces. With these simple changes, you can enjoy a cozy, strain-free pregnancy environment no matter the size of your home.

pregnancy swimwear

The Maternity Swimwear Fit Guide

Finding the right maternity swimwear is crucial for comfort and confidence during pregnancy, as your body changes around the bust and belly. Swimwear with adjustable straps that can be customized as you grow, along with wide or supportive cross-back designs, helps reduce shoulder strain and keeps you secure. Built-in shelf bras or soft underwire alternatives, combined with removable padding, provide gentle yet effective bust support tailored to your changing shape.

Choosing breathable, stretchy fabrics like nylon-spandex blends or bamboo-infused textiles ensures you stay cool and dry while allowing freedom of movement, with added durability against chlorine and UV damage. Styles such as tankinis and ruched designs accommodate your growing bump and offer convenience, while UPF protection helps shield your skin from the sun. Complementing swimwear with comfortable, breathable maternity pyjamas, like those from Sleepybelly, supports relaxation and recovery after time in the water. Overall, focusing on fit, support, and quality fabrics allows you to enjoy your pregnancy with ease and style.

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