Pregnancy pillow, anyone use one that actually works?

[Bumperlicious]

Am so uncomfortable at night, I'm getting pains down both legs if I lay on my side, laying on my back is ok, until I get up and I realise my back is killing me. I have carpal tunnel in my wrists so am wearing splints at night, I haven't had a full nights sleep since I got pg for one reason or another.

I have a pillow between my legs and a rolled up pillow case under my bump (am only 24 weeks, anything bigger makes me feel a bit sick). I also had a neck problem a few months ago and since becoming pg I have spent a small fortune on 2 new pillows and a down mattress topper, with although are very comfy don't actually help much. I am taking co-codamol and have taken sleeping tablets, rescue remedy night, various night balms, none of which help.

Has anyone tried a pregnancy pillow that actually works? I know they cost a fortune but I don't care if it gives me a good nights sleep. I've seen those dream genii ones, or long bolster pillow, anyone actually got one that makes them sleep better?

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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you’ve come across it while searching for advice or information on pregnancy pillows, our guide to the best pregnancy pillow has been recently updated to reflect current availability and new releases. It includes a wide range of options from U-shaped to J-shaped, wedges and whole-body pillows designed to support, comfort and cushion. The page has been compiled using the advice of maternity healthcare experts as well as Mumsnet user recommendations. We hope it’s helpful!

As I have said here a number of times (I'm worried people will just think I'm here to promote it!) and recommended to a number of friends, I have never slept as well since I got the Dream-Genii pillow. It was definitely worth it.

As an aside, my back pain has also got much better since I bought a gym ball from Argos. I sit on it all the time.

I second the dream genii, marvellous though expesive inventing. Bit about optimal fetal positioning and shorter less painful labour is bullshit though IMHO!

I also vouch for the dream genii! I've slept so well since I got mine. I'm 36 weeks now and still sleeping really well, 10 straight hours the other night. Although I do have to change it to the other side when I turn over but since I can't roll over in my sleep anymore and wake up anyway it doesn't make much of a difference. I think it is worth investing in one and you can use it as a feeding pillow after the baby is born.

Dream Genii all the way for sure. My sleep has improved so much since I invested in it. Can warmly recommend.

dream genii!! i have started using mine already and haven't even had my 1st scan but used it with ds and it was great and for after too! hope you get some sleep!

oh i've been wondering this - 25 weeks and similar symptoms to bumperlicious (although none as bad as yours sound - you poor lady)

thanks!

i made my own support pillow from a no longer used sleeping bag and it's working a treat for about the cost of a length of thread.

just remove the zip, roll it up, tack stitch (nothing fancy) and cut to right length. Mine had a cotton outer, but if it's made of something else then wrap a bit of old sheet around and stitch.

you can see if that helps before spending loads of money on a brand name, or just keep it if it works. You could always roll it up less, if as you say anything bigger makes you feel sick

if you're feeling adventurous use the amount you cut off as the back support part of the pillow. Shove it into a pillowcase and attach to main body of tube

here's hoping you get some sleep!

I am 34 weeks and just go the dream genni on Tuesday because I couldn't handle the lack of sleep and backpain anymore. I can't believe I can actually say the thing seems to work. I don't understand how because I've tried similar things using regular pillows to prop back/bump/between legs and that didn't work even remotely as good as the dream genii.

I used the Big V and found it absolutely fab. Have used it in two pregnancies and also took it to hospital with me as found it really useful to help me and the baby cuddle up in those hospital beds.

I have big v one from john lewis - full body length, like a bean bag in texture. fab and useful now for feeding or even to prop baby up after a feed.

I also have used the Big V and love it!

Apart from my DH getting jealous of it when I cuddle up to it at night(!) it's been brilliant. It's also good for sitting up in bed while reading etc. It's really squishy and comfy and you can take some of the bead filling out if you wanted to, to make it more squishy. I can see that I will use it a lot when the baby comes too as it will be a good support for bfeeding edc.

Thanks for the replies. Apologies, I seem to have started two thread!

Some people seem to really regard the dream genii as a miracle. I'm willing to try anything at this stage. Am bidding on one on ebay so will see how that goes.

Oh DH also used to get jealous and called it 'my boyfriend'.

Just wondering if anyone has used these for behind their back when feeding lying down with baby?

Yes me in the hospital. It worked brilliantly and one of the nurses said she wished they had enough of them for everyone.

I got a dream genii on ebay for £25 incl P&P. Will report back on whether it works or not.

Great price Bumperlicious!

Sorry to hijack, but just wondering if it gets in baby's way as it wraps under to both your front and back Dastardlyand Smugly?

Okay, this is a really dumb question, I'm sorry - but those big 'V' pillows... how do you use them?? behind you, around you? Which way up, and what bit do they support?

The only thing I could think of was using them in a game of Giant Soft Boomerang.

Behind, between your legs, any way you want really.

I got the mothercare sleep body pillow and it's pretty good. 2nd trimester I had real lower back pain and this really helped me sleep.At £30, it's £20 cheaper than dream genii and i've been pretty pleased with it over last 14 weeks or so...

Now I'm 29 weeks and I have a terrible habit of sleeping on my back despite all advice to the contrary so I've had to build myself a fortress of pillows all around me to stop that happening! Just using regular pillows combined with the mothercare one tho. Hope you find something that works for you!

Got the dream genii yesterday! I wasn't convinced as it's quite thin and not as long as I thought it was going to be, but I am completely pain free this morning!! (and that's even with a toddler's head in the back of my neck all night!)

Wow, I've been considering buying a genii, but wondered if it was worth the money. Well you have sold it to me and I will be on line later ordering one as I can no longer cope with the lack of sleep. Thanks for all the reviews.

My dream genii came today so tonight will be the test. Dogwalker, try ebay.

Btw I wouldn't worry too much about sleeping on you back. I think it is best just to sleep any way you can sleep! Your body will make you move if it is bad for you. Problem for me is that sleeping on my back feels most comfortable at the time but for some reason I pay for it when I get up!

get a dreamgenii they work and helped the spd

Just wanted to ask if anyone who had used the Dream Genii was particularly tall? I've read some reviews on Amazon from taller ladies who seemed to think the pillow was too small for them. Would like to get the mumsnet opinion before I spend £50! Am about 5'10" if that helps. Thanks all!