Why Your Pregnancy Pillow Isn’t Working—and How to Fix It
If your pregnancy pillow isn’t working, it’s usually because it’s the wrong shape or firmness, not positioned correctly, or it’s worn out. To fix it, adjust your pillow placement to fully support your belly, hips, and back, or upgrade to a high-quality maternity pillow designed for your body type. The right pillow can instantly improve comfort and sleep during pregnancy.
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When I first bought my pregnancy pillow, I thought it would be the magic solution for my sleepless nights. But just a week in, I was still tossing and turning. My hips ached, my back felt tense, and I wondered if I had wasted my money.
After some trial and error (and yes, a few Amazon returns), I realized the pillow wasn’t the problem—it was how I was using it and the type I had chosen. So, if you’re frustrated with your maternity pillow, here’s exactly what I learned to fix the problem and finally sleep better.
1. Your Pillow Might Be the Wrong Shape
Not all pregnancy pillows are the same. Some are C-shaped, others are U-shaped, and some are just wedge pillows. I started with a C-shape thinking it would be perfect, but it didn’t give my belly enough lift.
- My fix? I switched to a U-shaped pillow for full-body support and it instantly relieved the hip pressure.
- Try this U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon if you need support on both sides.
2. It Could Be Too Soft or Too Firm
I bought my first pillow thinking softer was better. Wrong. A pillow that’s too soft sinks too much, leaving gaps where you need support. Too firm, and it feels like sleeping on a pool noodle.
- My fix was finding a medium-firm pillow with adjustable stuffing.
- This Adjustable Firmness Maternity Pillow worked wonders for me.
3. You Might Be Positioning It Wrong
I was guilty of just hugging my pillow instead of tucking it under my belly, between my knees, and supporting my back. Once I learned to place it strategically, I noticed immediate relief.
- This Body Positioning Pillow makes correct placement much easier.
4. Your Pillow Could Be Worn Out
Pregnancy pillows lose their shape over time—especially if you’ve been using it daily or it’s made with low-quality fill. If your pillow feels flat, it’s time for a replacement.
- I recommend High-Density Fill Pregnancy Pillows that last longer.
5. You May Need an Extra Layer of Support
I learned that even the best pillow can’t fix a saggy mattress. Pairing my pillow with a Memory Foam Mattress Topper made a huge difference in comfort.
6. Keep It Clean and Fluffy
I didn’t realize my pillow’s shape was changing because I wasn’t fluffing it regularly or washing the cover. Fresh, clean fabric feels softer and prevents allergens from causing discomfort.
- This Machine-Washable Pregnancy Pillow is easy to care for.
Final Thoughts
If your pregnancy pillow isn’t working, don’t give up yet. The problem might be fixable with better positioning, a different shape, or a higher-quality pillow. Once I made these small changes, I finally started sleeping through the night without hip pain or tossing and turning.
Pro tip: Always choose a pillow that matches your body type, sleeping style, and firmness preference. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
7. Check If You’re Using the Right Side for Support
I made the mistake of flipping my pregnancy pillow in a way that didn’t align with my body. Some pillows have designated sides for belly and back support, and using the wrong one can reduce comfort.
- I now use this Reversible Pregnancy Pillow that works either way but has a clear belly side.
8. Add a Wedge Pillow for Targeted Relief
Sometimes the main pillow is great for overall comfort, but my belly still needed an extra lift. Adding a Pregnancy Wedge Pillow under my bump stopped the pulling sensation on my hips.
9. Don’t Forget Back Support
I used to only think about belly support, but the strain on my lower back was making my nights miserable. Sliding a Small Lumbar Support Pillow behind me gave instant relief.
10. Make Sure It Fits Your Height
If your pillow is too short or too long for your body, it won’t give balanced support. At 5’4”, my first pillow was way too long, making it awkward to move.
- This Petite-Sized Maternity Pillow fits perfectly for shorter moms-to-be.
11. Replace Flat Fill with Memory Foam
When my pillow started feeling lumpy, I thought it was time to toss it. But then I found Memory Foam Pregnancy Pillow Fill, which brought my pillow back to life in minutes.
12. Adjust It for Side-Sleeping Comfort
Doctors recommend side sleeping during pregnancy, but if your pillow isn’t holding your legs at the right angle, your hips will still hurt. I keep my Ergonomic Body Pillow tucked tightly between my knees to keep my spine aligned.
13. Avoid Overheating at Night
I didn’t realize my pillow’s fabric was trapping heat and making me sweaty. Switching to a Cooling Pregnancy Pillow helped me sleep without waking up hot.
14. Layer It with a Regular Pillow
Sometimes I stack a Standard Soft Pillow under my head with my pregnancy pillow wrapped around my body. This keeps my neck from bending awkwardly.
15. Keep the Pillow Close to Your Body
If there’s a gap between your body and the pillow, you won’t get the support you need. I pull my Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow in tight so it hugs my shape.
16. Watch for Pillow Overuse
Yes, there’s such a thing. Using your maternity pillow all day on the couch can flatten it faster. I now keep a separate Couch-Friendly Support Pillow for daytime lounging.
17. Match It with the Right Sleepwear
I learned that tight pajamas made my pillow feel restrictive. Loose Breathable Maternity Sleepwear allows me to move naturally with my pillow in place.
18. Upgrade If You’re Still Uncomfortable
Sometimes, no amount of adjustment will fix a low-quality pillow. If your nights are still uncomfortable, it’s time to invest in a premium High-Quality Pregnancy Pillow for better rest.