sleeping - v-shaped/wedge pillows

[Twiga]

Am 4 months pg, not really much of a bump (more bloated at nights) and am waking with sore lower back around/between the hip area. Normally sleep on one side although not finding this entirely comfy and keep ending up sleeping on my back. This not only makes me snore but seems to be adding to the back problem I'm getting - back is fine once I'm up and moved about a bit.

Also, (although not sure where I picked this up) am sure sleeping on your back isn't good when pg?!

Would one of those shaped pillow thingys help? Are they any good or would I be wasting my money? What am I best to buy?


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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you've landed here while on the hunt for pregnancy pillow recommendations, our guide to the best pregnancy pillows has been recently updated. It includes a wide range of options and has been compiled based on the advice of Mumsnetters and maternity healthcare experts. We hope it's helpful!

[hotmama]

Hi Twiga,

Apparently, it is best to sleep on the left side as sleeping on your back (and I assume your right side to a lesser extent) reduces the blood flow to the uterus etc. However, I must admit I used to swap sides during the night as I started to get numb!

I found that putting a pillow between my knees and a wedged shaped pillow under my bump helped immensely - especially in the latter stages - I got my pillows from Mothercare - but I think you can get them from most suppliers of maternity stuff.

[beansprout]

I got a long "v-cushion" from John Lewis. It's about 5 feet long and provides support in all the right places. It's also great for breastfeeding later on. It cost about £40 and I was dubious about buying it but it really was the best thing I bought while pregnant as it really helped me sleep and that was priceless.

[Blackduck]

Sleeping on your back isn't good - partic as you get bigger (too much weight on your back...) Sleeping on left is recommended - was told its better for you and the baby, helps the baby get into the right position for birth and all that - I found it was more comfortable...Pillows do help....snoring btw may well get worse as the pg progresses (everything is getting squashed up don't forget...)......

[misdee]

twiga, i was given a wedge from another mumsnetter. you can have it if you want. CAT me.

[Twiga]

Thanks for your replies - I guess that's a thumbs up on the pillow front and a thumbs down on the lying on back front!

Misdee that's really kind of you, I've just sent a CAT in your direction .

[eidsvold]

used a wedge shaped pillow with dd1 - was great but with dd2 -who was much bigger than dd1 and so I had a huge belly.... I had a v shaped pillow qhich supported my bump and then I could put it between my knees which also helped take the strain from my back.

[LittleB]

I bought a wedge-shaped pillow from Argos, its described as a back support pillow, rather than a maternity pillow and only cost £6.99. Its great, it's long enough to put between my legs, to keep my back straight, under my bump and then I rest my top arm on it too. Also great for back support when sitting on the sofa. I'm planning to use it for breastfeeding too but I'm 31 weeks pregnant so don't have experience of that yet!

[eidsvold]

the v shaped pillow is now used for support when breastfeeding dd2. WIth dd1 I had a curved pillow we bought from the baby section of John Lewis - can;t remember what they are called. IT was brilliant as it gave support when breastfeeding and then to help prop dd1 when she started sitting up.

[pixiefish]

I had a wedge shaped cushion and it was super duper. Kept bump from hanging uncomfertably. Gave it away on MN a few months ago

[beachyhead]

I've lost my wedge shaped cushion (shaped like a slice of cheese and quite small). I've only seen the V shaped big ones around. Any ideas on where to buy one?

[teabelly]

beachyhead try here

[KoalaBear]

try this link - the "Comfy Sleeper"

www.bellavalore.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=63_70&products_id=61

or

www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk/product.aspx?CategoryID=Essentials&ProductID=7683&language=en-GB

[PrettyCandles]

Can you see a physio or osteopath? It's a bit early in pregnancy to be troulbed by back problems.

Try making yourslef a nest: one pillow under your head, tucked into your neck so that your head and spine are straight and one pillow lengthways between your legs. If needed, another pillow at your back (or dh/dp's back to lean on ), and when your bump starts to get bigger a very thin pillow in front of you under the bump to support it. I got very practiced at turning over with the pillow between my legs and keeping the pillows on either side of me still so that one supported front and one supported back.

My parents gave me a large firm wedge 'cushion' (John Bell & Croydon, about £40-£50) and I found it invaluable for feeds in bed or on the floor, but not especially helpful for sleeping. I'm not sure I'll ever get rid of it, because the children love playing on it, and one day I'll get to have breakfast in bed again (aaah, dreams).

[PrettyCandles]

Sleeping on your back is only a problem later in pregnancy, when the uterus is big enough to press on the large blood vessels. If you want to lie on your back put a stack of pillows under your knees (or use the wedge) to lift your legs and bend your knees, so reducing the strain on your lower back.

[ThomCat]

i loved my v shaped pillow and have loaned it out to loads of people since having my DD.

[beachyhead]

Thanks Teabelly - ordered mine yesterday......

[misdee]

twiga, can you email me your address again please. i delted it by mistake.