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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Big long pillows for sleeping - are they worth it?

21 replies

Prinpo · 17/02/2011 15:53

Hello, I'm only 18 weeks with DC3 but I've been getting increasingly uncomfortable at night. So far I've alternated between trying an extra pillow between my legs and using one of the V-shaped pillows. They both offer some relief but don't quite give me the wonderful night's sleep I'm after.

Has anyone used one of those super long pregnancy pillows that can support your whole body? I'm contemplating getting one but don't want to waste my money if they're rubbish.

Other sleeping tips welcome. I turn into shouty lady when I've not had a good night's sleep .

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fizzyliftinggas · 17/02/2011 15:55

I'm having the same problem, so am watching for replies!
Currently I have discovered if I put a pillow in front of me so I can bend my top leg up and put it on the pillow IYSWIM that is comfortable but it's hit and miss whether I get a good night sleep, not sure whether thats down to the pillow though!

EauRouge · 17/02/2011 16:05

YES. I used mine from around 20 weeks onwards, I ended up ditching it a couple of weeks ago though (am 40 weeks now). You could probably just sew 2 normal pillows together end-to-end if you're craftily inclined.

ilovebooks · 17/02/2011 16:08

I've been using a Dream Genii pillow and really have been sleeping MUCH better with it - I can't imagine not using it now (am 23 weeks).

It keeps you in a good position, supports your back and bump and gives you a nice long bit to tuck between your legs.

You can use it as a breast feeding support pillow later on too if that's useful.

It was about £40 including the cover and worth every penny to me...

ecuse · 17/02/2011 16:14

I bought the Theraline pillow (used to be called the "Big V") from John Lewis about £40 and it's an absolute godsend. I can't imagine how I could sleep without it now.

Ineedacleaneriamalazyslattern · 17/02/2011 16:17

Oh god yes they are brillirant.
Supported my bump and legs when I was pregnant.
I used if after DS2 was born curled behind me when was sitting up in bed feeding him and it was then used when he started sitting up by himself and was still tipping back sometimes.
Have def got my moneys worth out of mine but when I was feeling huge and uncomfortable in bed it was a godsend.

YogaMummy2B · 17/02/2011 16:25

Hell to the yes! (Apologies have been watching too much E entertainment on TV this afternoon!!)

I got one at 14 weeks and I am now 35 weeks, have barely had a bad night sleep and have been on my LHS every night since I got it. No sore hips etc.

I got this one.

My other tip is - try and drink 2 - 3 litres of water during the day before 7.30 pm and then limit fluid after this, perhaps a glass on the bed side table. I have found I don't need to get up to go to loo if I do this!

MrsDandBaby · 17/02/2011 16:27

I've been using one of those small soft microbead pillows to support my bump which stops me rolling over and twisting my hips - this has stopped me aching as much as last time.

Something like this;www.justalittlethought.co.uk/all-cushtie-softeeze-cushions/black-original-cushtie.html

but can't remember where i got if from now

I originally bought it to help with feeding as i found i was leaning down to DD once she got a bit heavier and hurting my back

dizzy77 · 17/02/2011 21:28

I got a big long curly one (summer?) shaped like a letter e, very early on as so many people recommended it. I have so far failed to work out how to get comfortably inside it. At 27wks, I am now usually sleeping either:

on my "back" - propped up on 3 pillows with a fourth under my knees so my back/tummy is not under strain, or
on my side, with two in front of me, cuddling one to prop up my bump and another between my knees.

I'll have another go with the big pillow as I'm bigger now but it seems very hard and inflexible. The long straight ones seem the closest equivalent to my side sleeping position.

perpetuallypregnant · 18/02/2011 00:07

Yes yes yes

I got a giant long one for about a tenner on eBay (new) in my last pregnancy and it was amazing.

Must dig it out again actually...

Kiwiinkits · 18/02/2011 07:29

yes yes absolutely yes. Worth every penny. I used my long pillow from about week 12 right the way through to the end. Couldn't sleep without it.

Laska · 18/02/2011 08:46

YES! I bought the Theraline Big V from John Lewis and it's a godsend - best buy of my pregnancy!

TotorosOcarina · 18/02/2011 08:50

Im having problems sleeping, how do they help where are you supposed to put them?

tea4tw0 · 18/02/2011 08:59

I agree - i was reluctant to pay £40+ for a pillow - but found a 5ft long one on ebay with a cover for about £12. Had it since i was about 14 weeks, brilliant sleep nights ever since. You can also fold it and make a V pillow out of it when your just sat up in bed reading. I believe it can also be used to support the baby during feeding. And after all of that is over, it can then simply be used as a bolster pillow for you and your partner. £12 well spent i think.

lilly13 · 18/02/2011 09:37

I have theraline V pillow from John Lewis. It is decent, but not soft (if you want something soft). I use mine between my legs.

FindingStuffToChuckOut · 18/02/2011 09:41

Yes it's worth it - I spent some Xmas money on one and estimate I'm sleeping at LEAST 25% better, if not more. (there was another thread on this very recently which may have some more links).

The one I have curls under neck, supports belly & then curls between legs too. Works much much better than individual pillows. And then I can tie the ends together in a big loop to form a BF support pillow once baby comes - YAY!

Beaurevage · 18/02/2011 10:47

Absolutely! Luckily didn't have to buy one as DH lived in Spain for many years and they're the norm as regular pillows. It was under the bed for a long time until I couldn't stand the discomfort of sleeping. Dusted it off at 30 weeks and now am so attached to it that I'd bring it to work with me if I could.

I wrap myself around it, bring the bottom half up between my legs and tuck it behind my lower back to help prevent me from rolling on my back.

BUnderTheBonnet · 18/02/2011 10:52

Ooh yes, I love mine. And I stuff another normal sized pillow behind my back as well. If I could squeeze more pillows into the bed without totally squashing out my DH I would.

I remember when I was pg with my DD I left it at my parents house when we stayed there for a week, and I had to send DH out to buy another one, I was so hysterical about not having it.

I went on holiday at 33 weeks this time and couldn't take it with me on the plane. I didn't sleep AT ALL for a week. They're magic.

Original poster

Prinpo · 18/02/2011 10:58

OK, I get the message!

After that resounding endorsement from you all, I've just ordered one. (Thanks for the ebay tip, perpetually - got it from there).

Mmm, sleep....

OP posts:

4pudding · 18/02/2011 11:22

Hell yes.

cowboylover · 18/02/2011 19:17

I just got one from Shaws the drapers as an old fashioned shop and remember my nan having it under her pillows called a bolster cushion and under a tenner!

Cant wait to try it out x

Calgary · 20/02/2011 19:03

I'm not using mine.

I've actually found it easier to use a regular pillow between my legs and another one hugged to my chest. I bought a cheaper one with a cover off of ebay but the length makes it too hard to roll over which I do many times during the night. Somehow, I manage to roll over with both pillows intact but that's just my take.

Will probably use the other one as a bolster later on but don't see me switching anytime soon.

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