A pregnancy pillow is usually useful from the second trimester, so from about the 13th to 16th week of pregnancy. Many expectant mothers opt for the pillow around the 15th week of pregnancy, as their belly then visibly grows and their usual sleeping position slowly becomes uncomfortable. By the 20th week of pregnancy at the latest, when you should no longer lie on your back, good support becomes important for most women. However, there is no fixed deadline: some buy their pillow at the beginning of pregnancy, others only towards the end. Your personal sleep comfort is decisive.
In this article
- From which week of pregnancy is a pregnancy pillow useful?
- Why is the side position recommended during pregnancy?
- What complaints does a pregnancy pillow help with?
- How do you use a pregnancy pillow correctly at night?
- How long can you use a pregnancy pillow?
- Frequently asked questions
From which week of pregnancy is a pregnancy pillow useful?
For most expectant mothers, the noticeable change begins in the second trimester. From about the 13th to 16th week of pregnancy, the belly starts to grow, and the usual back position feels increasingly uncomfortable. Around the 15th week of pregnancy, many women therefore decide to use a pillow. A second, often mentioned time is the 20th week of pregnancy: from this point on, the growing belly needs additional support so you can lie comfortably on your side.
Important to know: There is no single right answer. If you experience back pain or restlessness at night early on, there is nothing wrong with reaching for a pillow sooner. The earlier you get your body used to the side position, the easier it will be later on.
Why is the side position recommended during pregnancy?
From the second trimester, the side position is considered the recommended sleeping position at night. The reason: the side position provides relief and promotes blood circulation, which is better for both you and your baby in the womb. Lying on your back, however, becomes uncomfortable as your belly grows, because the weight presses on your back and large blood vessels.
The problem during sleep: you turn unconsciously. This is exactly where a well-designed pregnancy pillow comes in. It supports your belly, back, and hips simultaneously and helps you maintain the side position throughout the night, instead of unintentionally rolling back onto your back.
Supports belly, back, and hips simultaneously and helps you stay securely in the side position. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
What complaints does a pregnancy pillow help with?
A pregnancy pillow gently conforms to your body and specifically supports areas that would otherwise be overloaded during sleep. This can prevent typical pregnancy complaints and make your sleep noticeably more restful. Frequently mentioned benefits include:
- Back pain: The support for the back and hips relieves the spine in the side position.
- Leg cramps and calf cramps: A pillow between the legs brings the hips and knees into a relaxed alignment.
- Nighttime restlessness: Less turning and searching for the right position means more peaceful sleep.
- Uncomfortable back position: The pillow helps you gently stay in the recommended side position.
How do you use a pregnancy pillow correctly at night?
Proper use determines how much relief you truly experience. Here's how to proceed:
- Lie on your side: Preferably on your left side, this additionally supports blood circulation.
- Support your belly: Place the front part of the pillow in front of your belly so that it rests gently.
- Tuck between your legs: A part of the pillow belongs between your knees to relieve your hips and pelvis.
- Secure your back: With a 3-piece pillow, you simultaneously support your back and prevent unwanted rolling back into the supine position.
Give your body a few nights to get used to the new sleeping environment. Many women find a more restful position faster after a short adjustment period.
How long can you use a pregnancy pillow?
A good pregnancy pillow will accompany you well beyond childbirth. The Snugbelly pillow, for example, becomes a nursing pillow after birth and can therefore be used for many months. Instead of a single-purpose product, you have a companion for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
So that you can see the differences between a simple solution and a well-designed pillow at a glance:
Support: only one area, usually the head
Maintain side position: barely, you roll back easily
After birth: no further function
Support: belly, back, and hips simultaneously
Maintain side position: yes, prevents rolling back onto the back
After birth: becomes a nursing pillow
Made in Germany, recommended by German midwives, and usable as a nursing pillow after birth.
If you're still unsure which pillow shape suits you best, our comparison of U-shape, C-shape, and 3-piece pillows will help you decide.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start using a pregnancy pillow?
It usually becomes useful from the second trimester, so from about the 13th to 16th week of pregnancy. Many women start around the 15th week, at the latest by the 20th week, when the belly grows significantly. There is no fixed deadline; your sleep comfort is decisive.
Can you use a pregnancy pillow earlier?
Yes. If you experience back pain or sleep problems early on, there is nothing wrong with using a pillow already in the first trimester. Some women buy it as soon as they know they are pregnant.
How do you sleep best with a pregnancy pillow?
Lie on your side, preferably the left, support your belly with the front part of the pillow, and tuck a part between your knees. A 3-piece pillow also secures your back.
Is a pregnancy pillow still needed after birth?
For many models, yes. The Snugbelly pillow becomes a nursing pillow after birth and can therefore be used long after pregnancy.
Why should you sleep on your side during pregnancy?
The side position provides relief and promotes blood circulation, which is better for you and your baby than lying on your back. A pregnancy pillow helps you maintain this position throughout the night.
Finally sleeping through the night again
The original 3-piece pregnancy pillow from Germany that accompanies you through pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Discover the Snugbelly pillow →OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and recommended by German midwives.
