How to Transition From Regular Pillows to a Pregnancy Pillow
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I tried to make do with regular pillows for as long as possible. I stacked them behind my back, under my belly, and between my knees, but they would slip out of place every single night. Finally, I decided to try a pregnancy pillow, and I wish I had switched sooner.
If you’re struggling to sleep with your regular pillow setup, here’s exactly how to transition to a pregnancy pillow without it feeling awkward or overwhelming.
Table of Contents
Why Switch to a Pregnancy Pillow?
Regular pillows can work for a while, but pregnancy pillows are designed to support your belly, back, hips, and knees all at once. They help keep you comfortable as your body changes, which makes it easier to stay asleep.
➡️ My favorite all-around option: PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon – it supports your whole body in one go.
Step 1: Pick the Right Pregnancy Pillow Shape
Pregnancy pillows come in different shapes:
- U-shaped: Full-body support, ideal if you toss and turn.
- C-shaped: Hugs your back and belly, perfect for smaller beds.
- J-shaped: Slimmer option if you don’t want too much bulk.
- Wedge: Compact pillow for targeted belly or back support.
➡️ The Leachco Snoogle C-Shaped Pillow is a great choice if you’re sharing your bed with a partner.
Step 2: Start With One Area of Support
When I first switched, I felt a little smothered by the size of the pillow. To make it easier, I started using it just for belly support at first. Once I got used to it, I began placing it between my knees and behind my back for full-body comfort.
Step 3: Learn the Best Sleeping Position
Side sleeping (especially on your left side) is recommended during pregnancy because it improves circulation. Pregnancy pillows help you stay in that position by supporting your body from multiple angles.
➡️ If you’re not a natural side sleeper, a U-shaped pillow like the QUEEN ROSE U-Shaped Pillow makes it easier to adjust.
Step 4: Adjust Your Regular Pillows
You may not need all your regular pillows anymore. I kept one for my head but removed the extras I was stacking under my belly and between my knees. This freed up space and made the pregnancy pillow easier to use.
Step 5: Give Yourself a Few Nights to Adjust
It can take a couple of nights to get used to the feel of a pregnancy pillow, especially if you’ve been using regular pillows for months. Stick with it, and you’ll quickly notice how much better you sleep.
➡️ Click here to shop my favorite pregnancy pillows on Amazon
My Final Thoughts
Switching from regular pillows to a pregnancy pillow can completely change your sleep.
Personally, I loved the PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pillow because it kept me comfortable from every angle. But if you want something less bulky, the Hiccapop Wedge Pillow is a great way to start.
➡️ Shop all pregnancy pillow options on Amazon here
Trust me, once you make the transition, you’ll never go back to stacking a bunch of regular pillows again.
When I first brought home my pregnancy pillow, I honestly didn’t know what to do with it. It felt massive compared to my regular pillows, and I wasn’t sure how to fit it into my bed setup. What helped was taking time during the day—while relaxing or watching TV—to get used to how it felt around my body.
One mistake I made was trying to use it exactly like my old pillow pile. But pregnancy pillows are meant to replace those extra pillows, not pile on top of them. Once I removed the extra clutter, my sleep space felt much more organized and restful.
If your bed is on the smaller side, start with a C-shaped or wedge pillow instead of jumping straight to a U-shaped one. I found it easier to transition in a compact space with something that didn’t dominate the bed.
I also discovered that using the pillow for daytime support helped me get used to it faster. I’d wrap it around my back while sitting or prop it under my legs while watching Netflix. It became a cozy part of my routine, not just a nighttime item.
If you’re used to sleeping in multiple positions, switching to side sleeping can take time. The pregnancy pillow makes it easier, but it still helps to practice during naps or short rests so it feels more natural at night.
Another tip is to experiment with placement. Everyone’s body is different, and you might need to adjust how high or low the pillow sits under your belly, knees, or back. Don’t be afraid to tweak your setup until it feels right.
I also recommend looking for a pregnancy pillow with a removable, washable cover. I learned the hard way that you’ll want to keep it clean—and the easier it is to maintain, the more often you’ll actually use it.
If the pillow feels too warm, try switching to one with a bamboo or breathable cotton cover. I made that change and noticed right away that I wasn’t waking up sweaty anymore.
Another thing I realized is that even if a pillow seems awkward at first, it’s worth sticking with for a few nights. After about three nights, my body adjusted and I couldn’t believe how much more rested I felt each morning.
Don’t forget to read reviews before choosing your pillow. Some are firmer, some are softer, and knowing what other moms say about their transition experience helped me avoid options that wouldn’t work for my needs.
I also shared my pillow with my partner so they understood how it worked and why it was necessary. Once they saw how much better I was sleeping (and that I stopped tossing around), they were totally on board—even if it took up a little more space.
Lastly, transitioning doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can still use one regular pillow for your head and slowly swap out others as your body adjusts to the new setup. The goal is comfort, not perfection.
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