Do Pregnancy Pillows Really Work?

In my experience working with pregnant women, questions about the effectiveness of pregnancy pillows come up frequently. One patient humorously remarked that she felt like she needed to build a pillow fort to find comfort.

While constructing a fortress isn't necessary, selecting the right pregnancy pillow can be incredibly beneficial. But do they truly make a difference?

Yes, pregnancy pillows really work. They provide essential support and comfort, helping to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, hip pain, and pressure on joints, improving overall sleep quality. They also encourage side sleeping, which is highly beneficial for both the mother and baby.

What Are Pregnancy Pillows? 

Pregnancy pillows are specially designed pillows that provide support and comfort to pregnant women. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as full-body, C-shaped, and U-shaped.

We believe the wedge-shaped design of our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® works best for your needs during pregnancy. This shape provides targeted support for your bump and lower back, promoting proper alignment and relieving pressure points.

It helps you maintain a comfortable side-sleeping position, which is crucial for optimal blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.

How Do Pregnancy Pillows Work? 

Pregnancy pillows work by providing targeted support to the areas most affected by pregnancy, such as the back, belly, and hips.

This support helps alleviate discomfort and promotes better alignment of the spine and joints, making it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position. They help lift and cushion specific areas, reducing pressure on the body and maintaining proper posture during sleep.

By stabilising the body and preventing rolling onto the back, they ensure a safe and comfortable sleep position, which is important since back sleeping can compress the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the baby. 

If you're curious about why back sleeping is not recommended, check out our recent article on this topic.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow? 

Using a pregnancy pillow can significantly improve sleep quality by reducing pain and discomfort. It also has a range of health benefits for both mom and bub alike! 

Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow®, for example, is designed to provide optimal support and comfort, ensuring better rest. Additionally, pregnancy pillows promote side sleeping, which enhances blood flow to the placenta, providing better oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

• Alleviate Pressure: By cushioning the body and providing support, pregnancy pillows can reduce pressure on the back, hips, and knees, which are common areas of discomfort during pregnancy.
• Promote Proper Sleeping Position: Pregnancy pillows encourage side sleeping, which is the recommended position during pregnancy. Side sleeping enhances blood flow to the placenta, providing better oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and reduces the risk of stillbirth.
• Support the Belly: As the baby grows, the extra weight can pull on the belly and cause strain. A pregnancy pillow supports the belly, reducing discomfort and helping maintain a better sleeping posture.
• Improve Sleep Quality: By reducing discomfort and promoting proper alignment, pregnancy pillows help expectant mothers achieve deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for both maternal and foetal health.

Why is Sleep So Important During Pregnancy? 

Research highlights the importance of adequate sleep during pregnancy, showing that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to adverse outcomes, such as Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure. 

The Sleep Health Foundation stresses the importance of sleep during pregnancy, as it is essential for maintaining critical functions such as cognitive abilities, emotional stability, and memory retention. 

As pregnant women experience significant physical and emotional changes, quality sleep becomes a cornerstone of overall health. Insufficient sleep can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of complications.

Therefore, practising good sleep hygiene is vital for ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Are Pregnancy Pillows Worth It? 

Pregnancy pillows are worth the investment for many women. They offer benefits that regular pillows can't match, such as targeted support and improved comfort. However, their value ultimately depends on the individual and whether the cost justifies the benefits they experience.

From our experience, the majority of our users find them to be worth it. You can check out our shop and make that decision for yourself, but we are confident you will love our pillow. In fact, we are so confident that you can try it for 90-days risk free. 

How to Choose the Right Pregnancy Pillow for You? 

When choosing a pregnancy pillow, consider your body type, sleep preferences, and specific needs. 

The Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a wedge-shaped option that supports side sleeping, which is recommended during pregnancy. It's essential to find a pillow that aligns with your comfort and support needs. 

How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow Effectively? 

To use a pregnancy pillow effectively, position it to support your belly, back, and hips. For side sleeping, place the pillow under your belly to maintain alignment and reduce pressure. 

The Butterfly Maternity Pillow® can be used in various ways to maximise comfort. For more tips and tricks on sleeping during pregnancy, plus the best positions for your body, check out our guide on How to Sleep When You're Pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maternity Pillows

Can I Use A Pregnancy Pillow After Giving Birth?

Yes, many women find pregnancy pillows helpful for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. But once bub has arrived, you might want to try our Butterfly Baby Pod for their comfort too.

How Do I Clean And Maintain My Pregnancy Pillow? 

Most pregnancy pillows should come with removable, washable covers. Our naturally moisture-absorbent Tencel™ covers are removable and washable. Alternatively, you can always grab a new cover here. 

Can Pregnancy Pillows Help With Other Health Conditions? 

Yes, pregnancy pillows can provide support for people with back pain, sciatica, and other conditions requiring additional comfort.

Which Pregnancy Pillow Shape Is Best? 

We believe our wedge-shaped Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is best, as it helps maintain a comfortable side-sleeping position, promoting optimal support and alignment for your back, belly, and hips.

Can I Use A Regular Pillow Instead Of A Pregnancy Pillow? 

While you can use regular pillows, our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is specifically designed for optimal side sleeping, providing targeted support to alleviate pressure points and ensure a restful night's sleep.

How Does Sleeping On My Side Benefit My Baby? 

Sleeping on your side enhances circulation to the placenta, ensuring your baby receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients for healthy development.

How Can I Make Side Sleeping More Comfortable? 

Using a pregnancy pillow like the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® can provide support to your back and belly, making side sleeping more comfortable.

Can Sleeping With A Pillow Between My Legs Help? 

Yes, placing a pillow between your legs can help align your hips and reduce lower back pain.

Do All Pregnant Women Need A Pregnancy Pillow? 

Not all pregnant women may feel the need for a pregnancy pillow, but for those experiencing significant discomfort or sleep issues, a pregnancy pillow can be a game-changer. It's about finding what works best for your body and needs.

Closing Thoughts

So, do pregnancy pillows really work? The simple answer is, yes. They can ease those common aches, improve your sleep quality, and help align your spine and hips. If you’re tired of tossing and turning like a rotisserie chicken, a pregnancy pillow might be just what you need.

Give our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® a try and experience the difference for yourself. Check it out in our store and discover how it can make your nights more comfortable and restful!

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