Best Pregnancy Pillow for Tossing and Turning

Being pregnant often means tossing and turning all night, trying to find that elusive comfortable position. From my experience as a neonatal nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how restless nights can affect mums-to-be. The right pillow can make a world of difference, keeping you comfortably on your side and stopping all that movement. Let’s dive into what makes a pregnancy pillow best for stopping that endless tossing and turning.

The best pregnancy pillow for tossing and turning is a wedge-shaped pillow. Its design cradles your belly and back, keeping you securely in place all night. Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® works especially well because its wings provide support on both sides, reducing the need to constantly shift positions and helping you stay comfortably aligned.

Why Do Pregnant Women Experience Tossing and Turning?

Beautiful pregnant woman in bed laying on her side using a gray pregnancy pillow

Physical Discomfort 

As pregnancy progresses, discomfort increases, making it difficult to stay in one position for long. This often leads to restless nights filled with tossing and turning.

Pressure on Joints

Extra weight on your back, hips, and shoulders causes strain, making it harder to stay still without shifting to relieve the pressure.

Difficulty Staying on Your Side

Sleeping on your side is highly recommended during pregnancy, but it’s also tricky to maintain. Without support, you’re likely to roll onto your back, contributing to restlessness.

Can a Pregnancy Pillow Help Prevent Tossing and Turning?

Pregnant woman sleeping on her side on a bed with a pregnancy pillow

Yes, a pregnancy pillow works in prevent tossing and turning by offering firm, supportive alignment for your body. The wedge shape is especially helpful because it not only supports your bump but also cradles your body with its butterfly-like wings, keeping you securely on your side.

Best Types of Pregnancy Pillows for Tossing and Turning

Wedge/Butterfly-Shaped Pillows

Gray wedge butterfly maternity pillow

Wedge-shaped pillows are the top choice for preventing tossing and turning. The Butterfly Maternity Pillow®, for instance, features a wedge design that naturally cradles your belly and back. The “wings” of the pillow add an extra layer of support on both sides, helping to hold you securely in place and prevent you from rolling over during the night. This design ensures you stay comfortable and aligned throughout your sleep.

U-Shaped Pillows

 

U shaped pregnancy pillow sketch

U-shaped pillows offer full-body support, preventing side shifting and helping with alignment. However, they tend to be bulky and may not provide the same targeted support for keeping you on your side like a wedge design. 

C-Shaped Pillows

c shaped pillow sketch

C-shaped pillows offer some flexibility and provide support for the back and belly. Compared to U-shaped pillows and wedge-shaped pillows, though, they may not be as effective for those who need a pillow that holds them firmly in place to prevent tossing and turning.

Check out the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® here.

How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow to Stay in Place

Here’s how to best use a wedge-shaped pregnancy pillow to prevent tossing and turning:

  • Position the Pillow for Side Sleeping: Place the wedge pillow along your back and belly, allowing the “butterfly wings” to cradle your body on both sides. This support helps keep you on your side and reduces the need to roll over.
  • Add Extra Support: Placing another pillow between your knees will help align your hips and prevent back strain, which also helps reduce tossing and turning.
  • Adjust for Maximum Stability: The wedge shape is easy to adjust for personalized comfort. If you find yourself still restless, try repositioning the pillow for added stability.

Can Sleeping Sitting Up Help with Tossing and Turning?

Sleeping pregnant woman on the bed using a pregnancy pillow for comfortable sleep

Sleeping in a semi-reclined, sitting-up position can also help reduce tossing and turning, especially if you’re dealing with heartburn or breathing issues. Use pillows to support your back and maintain comfort while sleeping in an upright position.

Additional Tips to Reduce Tossing and Turning

  • Establish a bedtime routine: Having a calming routine can signal your body that it’s time to sleep.
  • Gentle stretching: Stretching before bed helps relieve muscle tension and makes it easier to relax.
  • Timing hydration: Be mindful of your fluid intake before bed to minimize disruptions from bathroom trips at night.
  • Limit late-night eating/snacking: Eating too close to bedtime can lead to heartburn or indigestion, making it harder to stay comfortable and fall asleep. Aim to finish your last meal or snack 2-3 hours before bed to improve your sleep quality.

FAQs 

What’s the Best Pillow Shape for Reducing Tossing and Turning?

A wedge-shaped pillow is the best option for preventing tossing and turning. Its shape cradles your belly and back, keeping you securely on your side.

Can Pregnancy Pillows Help with Back Pain Alongside Tossing and Turning?

Yes, pregnancy pillows, especially wedge-shaped ones, can help reduce both tossing and back pain by maintaining alignment and relieving pressure.

When Should I Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow to Prevent Restlessness?

Start using a pregnancy pillow as soon as you notice discomfort while sleeping, typically around the second trimester, to help reduce restlessness and improve sleep quality.

Does Tossing and Turning Affect the Baby?

Tossing and turning doesn’t harm your baby directly, but it can disrupt your sleep quality, which affects your overall well-being during pregnancy.

Closing Thoughts

Cute Butterfly Maternity Pillow with rainbow print cover sitting on a bed with regular pillows

Tossing and turning during pregnancy can significantly impact sleep quality and lead to fatigue if not managed properly, but the right support can make a big difference. Get yourself a wedge-shaped pregnancy pillows, like the Butterfly Maternity Pillow®, offer targeted alignment and comfort, to help you stay in a side-sleeping position. 

By investing in a supportive pillow and following a few simple sleep strategies, you can improve your rest, which is essential for both your health and your baby’s well-being.

*The shape of the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a registered trade mark of Weekly Sales Pty Ltd

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