Do Pregnancy Pillows Stop You From Rolling On Your Back?

As a neonatal nurse, I've had countless conversations with expectant mothers, and one topic that always comes up is sleep. I remember one particularly exhausted mom-to-be who compared her nightly pillow arrangement to a failed game of Tetris.

Despite her best efforts, she’d still wake up on her back, worried about the implications. This got me thinking—can pregnancy pillows really prevent you from rolling onto your back? Let's dive into the effectiveness of these pillows and find out.

Yes, pregnancy pillows, especially wedge-shaped ones, can help prevent you from rolling onto your back during sleep. By providing support and maintaining a comfortable side-sleeping position, they help keep you in place throughout the night.

Why Is It Important to Avoid Rolling on Your Back During Pregnancy? 

Not rolling onto your back during pregnancy is crucial for several important reasons. Sleeping on your back, particularly in the later stages, can compress the inferior vena cava—a major blood vessel that carries blood from your lower body to your heart. 

This compression can reduce blood flow to your baby, leading to dizziness, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of stillbirth. Conversely, side-sleeping, especially on your left side, enhances blood circulation and alleviates pressure on your organs. 

This position helps ensure a better flow of nutrients and oxygen to your baby, thereby reducing the risk of complications. Prioritising a side-sleeping position is essential for both your comfort and your baby’s health.

How Do Pregnancy Pillows Work?

Many women wonder if pregnancy pillows really work. The answer, for most, is a resounding yes. These pillows are designed to provide crucial support for your growing belly, back, and hips, helping to keep your spine aligned and reduce discomfort. 

Available in various shapes like wedge, U-shaped, and C-shaped, they cater to different sleeping needs and preferences. By encouraging a side-sleeping position, pregnancy pillows help prevent you from rolling onto your back, which is important for avoiding potential risks during pregnancy.

Can Pregnancy Pillows Prevent You from Rolling on Your Back?

Pregnancy pillows, particularly wedge-shaped ones like our Butterfly Maternity Pillow®, are designed to keep you in place. The wedge shape provides targeted support under your belly or behind your back, making it difficult to roll over during sleep.

Many expectant mothers find these pillows highly effective in maintaining a side-sleeping position. By cradling your body, these pillows help distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points, which can further discourage movement during sleep.

Best Types of Pregnancy Pillows for Preventing Rolling

Wedge pillows are particularly effective for preventing rolling onto your back. Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow® offers customizable support to suit your needs, providing the right amount of stability to keep you comfortably on your side.

Additionally, there are different shapes of pregnancy pillows, such as U-shaped and C-shaped pillows, which provide varied support for different needs. However, many expectant mothers find the wedge to be the best specifically for preventing rolling, as it provides focused, targeted support that helps maintain a stable side-sleeping position throughout the night.

Tips for Using Pregnancy Pillows to Stay on Your Side

Proper Positioning

Position your pregnancy pillow to cradle your body effectively. For example, place a wedge pillow under your belly to provide lift and support, behind your back to prevent rolling over, and between your knees to align your spine.

This combination helps maintain a side-sleeping position and reduces discomfort. Experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for you.

Establishing a Sleep Routine

Creating a consistent sleep routine can promote better sleep hygiene and comfort. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

This routine helps regulate your body’s internal clock and makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Optimising Your Sleep Environment

Controlling factors like temperature, light, and noise in your sleep environment can help you fall and stay asleep more easily. A deeper, uninterrupted sleep reduces tossing and turning, helping you stay in a side-sleeping position with the help of your pregnancy pillow.

Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet, and consider using blackout curtains and white noise machines if necessary.

Elevating Your Upper Body

Elevating your upper body slightly can also help you maintain a side-sleeping position. Use a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed to raise your upper body.

This position can provide additional comfort and reduce the likelihood of rolling onto your back while you sleep.

FAQs About Pregnancy Pillows and Sleep Positions

Can pregnancy pillows prevent back sleeping?

Yes, pregnancy pillows can help keep you in a side-sleeping position by providing support and comfort, making it difficult to roll onto your back during sleep.

Which type of pregnancy pillow is best for preventing back sleeping?

Wedge pillows are particularly effective for preventing back sleeping as they provide targeted support that keeps you securely in a side-sleeping position.

How should I position my pregnancy pillow to stay on my side?

Place the pillow behind your back and under your belly for optimal support. This arrangement helps maintain your side-sleeping position throughout the night.

Can I use regular pillows instead of pregnancy pillows to prevent rolling?

Regular pillows can provide some support, but pregnancy pillows are designed specifically for this purpose and offer better results in preventing rolling and ensuring proper alignment.

Closing Thoughts 

Navigating sleep during pregnancy can be challenging, but understanding how to use pregnancy pillows can make a significant difference. By providing the necessary support, these pillows help you maintain a side-sleeping position and improve your overall comfort.  

At Butterfly Maternity, we’ve crafted the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® to support you through every trimester, offering tailored comfort to help you sleep soundly. With our range of maternity products, you can find the perfect solution to enhance your rest. Check out our collection and give yourself the gift of peaceful nights and refreshed mornings.

*The shape of the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a registered trade mark of Weekly Sales Pty Ltd