Best Pregnancy Pillow Alternatives You Already Have at Home
When I was pregnant, I remember desperately wanting a pregnancy pillow but not wanting to spend the money just yet. That’s when I got creative and found that I could get the same comfort using things I already had at home.
If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—you can still sleep comfortably without buying a special pillow. In this post, I’ll share the best pregnancy pillow alternatives that worked for me and other moms, and how you can use them to stay supported all night.
Table of Contents
Why Pregnancy Pillow Alternatives Can Work
Pregnancy pillows are great, but they aren’t the only option. Regular pillows and household items can still help you:
- Support your belly as it grows
- Relieve pressure on your hips and lower back
- Keep you sleeping comfortably on your side
- Prevent rolling onto your back
The trick is knowing where to place the support.
Best Pregnancy Pillow Alternatives
1. Regular Bed Pillows
One of the easiest alternatives is to use regular pillows. I used one under my belly, one between my knees, and another behind my back. It might take a little trial and error, but you can create the same full-body support a pregnancy pillow provides.
2. Throw Pillows or Couch Cushions
Smaller throw pillows are perfect for filling gaps. I tucked one right under my bump and another behind my lower back. Couch cushions are firm and wide, which makes them great for propping up your upper body if you need extra elevation.
3. A Folded Blanket
I once used a folded blanket under my belly when I didn’t have enough pillows. It worked surprisingly well and felt supportive without being too bulky. You can also use it to elevate your legs if you’re dealing with swelling.
4. A Rolled-Up Towel
A rolled-up towel is a great stand-in for a wedge pillow. I used one under my belly or behind my back to keep me from rolling over. It’s firm enough to give you good support and easy to adjust.
5. A Body Pillow (If You Already Have One)
If you already own a body pillow, it can work just as well as a pregnancy pillow. Wrap it around you or place it in front of your body to support your belly and legs.
Tips for Using Pregnancy Pillow Alternatives
I learned a few tricks while experimenting with household items:
- Don’t be afraid to combine multiple pillows and blankets for the best support.
- Place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.
- Use a smaller pillow or rolled towel behind your back to prevent rolling.
- If you need elevation, stack firm pillows or cushions under your upper body.
My Final Thoughts
Pregnancy pillows are amazing, but they aren’t the only way to get comfortable. You can use items you already have to create the same full-body support.
Personally, I liked using regular pillows and a rolled-up towel the most. But whatever combination you try, the goal is to keep your belly, hips, and back supported so you can finally sleep better.
➡️ If you decide to invest in a real pregnancy pillow later, check out my favorite options on Amazon here they’re worth every penny once your bump really starts to grow.
When I first tried using regular pillows as a pregnancy pillow alternative, I wasn’t sure it would work. But after a few nights of adjusting and experimenting, I realized I could actually create the same kind of full-body support with what I already had at home.
One thing that really helped me was using different pillow sizes for different parts of my body. I used firmer, standard pillows for behind my back and softer throw pillows for under my belly so I didn’t feel too much pressure.
I also noticed that placing a pillow lengthwise between my knees and ankles made a big difference in how my hips felt in the morning. It kept my legs aligned and prevented the soreness I used to wake up with.
If you’re using couch cushions, try stacking two or three together to elevate your upper body slightly. This can help if you’re dealing with heartburn or acid reflux at night, which was a big issue for me in my third trimester.
I discovered that a rolled-up towel behind my back worked better than I expected. It kept me from accidentally rolling onto my back while I was asleep, and it didn’t take up much space in bed.
Another great trick is to use a folded blanket under your hips or belly if you feel pressure when lying on your side. This small lift helped reduce the strain on my lower back, especially later in pregnancy.
I also tried sleeping with a body pillow I already owned from before pregnancy. Wrapping it around me gave me that secure, hugged feeling that a pregnancy pillow provides.
If you’re short on pillows, even a firm decorative pillow can work between your knees. I did this once while traveling, and it made a huge difference in how well I slept.
I also started placing a pillow or cushion under my feet when my ankles were swollen. Elevating my legs even a few inches helped with circulation and made me feel so much better in the morning.
One thing I learned is that you may need to readjust the pillows during the night, and that’s okay. It took me a few tries to find the perfect setup, but once I did, I felt fully supported.
Another benefit of using items at home is that you can switch out your setup anytime. As your bump grows, you might need more support in some areas and less in others, and regular pillows make that easy to do.
Finally, don’t underestimate the comfort of layering pillows for extra softness. I placed one pillow on top of another under my belly for maximum support, and it was a game-changer for relieving pressure.