When did you start using a pregnant body pillow – and was it worth it?

[jessicastephen]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently six weeks pregnant, and I’ve been struggling a bit with getting comfortable at night. I keep hearing great things about using a pregnant body pillow, but I’m not sure when’s the right time to start using one, or even which type is best!

Some people swear by the U-shaped pillows, others love the C-shaped ones – and then there are the wedge types too. It’s a bit overwhelming with so many options. I’m mainly dealing with lower back pain and hip pressure while trying to sleep, so I’d really appreciate any advice.

When did you start using a pregnant body pillow? Did it actually help with sleep and support? And if you have a favorite brand or style, I’d love to hear your recommendations.

I had the genie pillow and loved it.

if you’re not up for getting a pillow just yet- sleep on your left with a pillow behind your back and with one between your knees. That’s similar to what the pillow positions will be

I find the earlier you start with one, you will be use to it by the time you really need it, I never suffered with sleep with my first. I'm 16 weeks with my 2nd and my Husband got mine out the loft at probably 6 weeks 😂I love mine!

I LOVED my body pillow! It really helped. Cant remember when I got it, but I think the earlier the better!

@jessicastephen it sounds like you have pregnancy insomnia (I had it too) so I don’t think the pillows will necessarily help you at this stage. They’re designed for when you have a big tummy and need to lie on your side.
When the time comes I’d see if you can get one second hand. They’re quite expensive and you might not find it helpful. I used mine when pregnant with DC1 but it was quite cumbersome and I still slept terribly. Couldn’t be bothered when pregnant with DC2- just used extra normal pillows like PP said.

I’m 23 weeks and got a u shaped one last week and it’s an absolute game changer- so comfy!

I got one about two weeks ago, so about 19 weeks pregnant. It's just one of the line shaped ones (my husband refused a U-shape because of bed space 🙄) and I'm finding it helps. I was waking up constantly with agonising hip pain before that. I'm finding the pillow has led to an improvement, there's still pain but it's not as constant!

Honestly, I’ve tried a bunch (both U and wedge types) and none of them worked for me! I have to switch from side to side a lot through the night due to numbness and hip pain and I personally found the pillows made those movements 10x harder and got in my way (particularly with PGP). So, I don’t sleep with any and I’m currently 34 weeks. It’s very individual. See how you get on. ☺️

@jessicastephen I'm 31 weeks and got this f shaped one at about 14 weeks. I move around a lot in my sleep. I don't always have it between my legs, but the kidney bean bit stops me from rolling onto my back when I sleep when I'm facing away from it. (I was a back sleeper so adjusting to this has taken ages! Pillow makes it looooads easier to sleep on my side.)

I like this one because I can use my own head pillows with it, and it doesn't take up tons of space in the bed.

https://www.very.co.uk/momcozy-f-shaped-pillow-velvet/1601134299.prd?cm_mmc=google--PLA+-+Generic---_-__%5BAdID%5D&utm_campaign=Generic_Home+-+All+-+PMAX+-+Medium&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&campaigntype=shopping&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20395529429&gbraid=0AAAAAD2k1i2rO4C_rpXBeF0gLs96Q8PTy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynphBsOFUFJoJYqy1InV4dGN5E3tAUx5L5N2wYppVpB1f0XWUs8pmM8aAoqYEALw_wcB#sku=sku28757345

I still have mine.

u shaped.

my DD is 24

I bought one at about 20 weeks, and then another different one a few weeks later. One was in the bin before I'd given birth, and the cat has taken over the other one. I never managed to get comfortable with either of them, a single normal pillow supporting my knee was the most comfortable, and easiest to move around as I tossed and turned.

I'm 24 weeks and have the bbhugme pillow which is one of the more pricey ones but for me, so so worth it. I have back pain anyway though, so I knew I'd need something supportive.

It's basically just a long sausage and you can rest one leg/ arm and your bump on it. It's cool and flexible and just moulds to the shape of my body. The price is probably due to the special microbead filling. It took a while to get used to but I love it now. You can get them second hand on eBay, Vinted etc.

I started using it at about 16/17 weeks I think. You can apparently also use it for nursing but I'm not sure about that, it seems like it might be a bit longer than ideal. I'm certain I'll keep it for a long time after the baby is born though, even if just for myself.

Having said all that I would think at 6 weeks, struggling to sleep probably isn't something that is resolvable with a pillow as your body shape won't have changed much and you won't need the bump support? - Not sure though, it could be worth a shot!

I never ended up using one during my pregnancy. Whether you need one will depend on a number of factors though (how comfy the bed is, how you're carrying the baby, whether you usually side sleeo etc) so you could wait to see how you're feeling later in pregnancy before buying one.

I started using one around 10 weeks. It's not just about weight/bump, but your ligaments get looser which explains back/hip pain so early. Just buy it. I had a long C shape one.

My friend who is 12 weeks along thought she didn't need one. I gave her mine to force her to try it and she texted the next day to say it was life changing 😂

Your DH will probably end up sleeping in the spare bed.

Used it throught pregnancies many years ago and afterwards to feed DC. I still use my 30yo u-shaped pillow as I have a dodgy hip and sleep with it between my legs for support. DC used to use it to prop themselves up in bed better to read. It's been well loved for 3 decades!

I started using at 20 weeks didn't really need it at that point but was comfy. However I kept getting irritated unravelling myself from it every time I need a wee. I put it away at 23 weeks, I'm now 28 and still don't need it (barely have a bump, hips ok etc) and plan to get it back out again around 33 weeks

I've just been using normal pillows I'm not gonna buy one. I'm 39 weeks and aching but normal pillows work

I had a big U shaped one from about halfway through each of my pregnancies. It made sleeping so much more comfortable.

Used in all pregnancies from about 16 weeks. It help with pelvic pain and then later on it just helps with general comfort because your bumps is massive and needs some cushioning. Worth the money for me.

I had the dreamgenii one, loved it. It's a slightly curved bolster shape, with a wedge that sits behind your back. Being able to lie on my side with something supporting my upper leg, without having to work to avoid tipping backwards was amazing. I was able to actually relax, it was wonderful.

I got a special pillow first pregnancy but to be honest it didn't help much and took up too much of the bed. 2nd pregnancy I just got a normal spare pillow and popped it between my legs to support my bump

Bought one at 12 weeks with DC1 - 25 yrs ago. Have changed the cover several times over the years but still use it now when reading in bed, or between my knees if my hip hurts!

Haha same. Mine started life as a feeding support cushion and I use it now to rest my phone and cup of tea on. DD is 15.