How to Use a Maternity Pillow

Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation as your body changes and you enjoy having that little life growing inside you. As your belly grows, you might find yourself having more aches, pains, shortness of breath and insomnia. All of these things can make it hard to find a comfortable position and get a restful night's sleep. Using a maternity pillow at night can help.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lie on your left side, since your liver is to the right of your abdomen. When you lie on the left side, it prevents your uterus from putting pressure on the liver, notes KidsHealth. This sleep position also allows more nutrients and blood to reach your baby and the placenta while you're sleeping, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Additionally, sleeping on your side helps take some pressure off your back, which can make your body more relaxed.

    • 2

      Bend your legs slightly, pulling your knees up comfortably toward your belly. This makes it easier for your heart to do its job, carrying blood back from your legs and feet, since this position minimizes the pressures on the inferior vena cava, according to KidsHealth.

    • 3

      Place the bottom of your maternity pillow between your knees and the middle of the pillow under your abdomen to help minimize or ease back pain. Rest your head on the top of the pillow to support your neck and keep your spine straight.

    • 4

      Place another pillow behind your back, or, if your maternity pillow wraps around to your back, support your back with this part of the pillow. It can help you avoid rolling over onto your back in your sleep, as this can lead to backache, low blood pressure and hemorrhoids -- and it can decrease the circulation to your baby and your heart. If you do happen to roll over onto your back in your sleep, don't panic, as shifting during your sleep is natural and out of your control. If you do turn to this position while sleeping, it'll likely be uncomfortable, causing you to wake up, notes KidsHealth. Then, you can simply roll back over onto your left side.

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