Pillow Under Hips to Conceive: Does It Work?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Sabiha Anjum (Gynecologist/Obstetrician)
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In this Article
Many women find it hard to get pregnant even after multiple attempts. With so many myths about the ideal methods to conceive available out there, it may be hard to ascertain what to believe. However, if you have been trying to get pregnant, you may try the ‘pillow under your hip’ method during or immediately after intercourse. A few studies have indicated that keeping a pillow under the hips could increase your chances of conceiving. You may give it a try as it wouldn’t cause any harm. Read on to know more.
Can Keeping a Pillow Under the Hips Help Women Conceive?
As mentioned earlier, some studies have indicated that keeping a pillow under the hips and raising your legs against a wall can help women conceive. Here’s some information on how it could work.
1. The Vaginal pH
Your vagina has an acidic environment which is not ideal for the survival of the sperm. Sperm prefer an alkaline environment, and hence need to move away from the acidity of the vagina as soon as they can. The cervical mucus helps prevent damage that may be caused by the vaginal acidity until the sperm reach the egg, and fertilise it in the fallopian tube. Placing a pillow under your hips and raising them immediately after intercourse could speed up this process and prevent the sperm from getting affected by the acidity in the vagina.
2. Sperm Quality
Raising the legs up and placing a pillow under your hips could help increase your chances of getting pregnant if the sperm quality is not up to the mark.
3. Cervical Mucus Is Hostile
Cervical mucus is meant to protect the sperm from the acidity of the vagina. If the mucus in the cervix is hostile or you have less cervical fluid, this position could help the sperm reach the fallopian tube directly, without coming in contact with the vagina.
How Long Do You Need to Stay in This Position?
Since this method could help the sperm reach the fallopian tube faster, it could fertilise the egg in case you are already done ovulating. The sperm could also stay alive for 3 to 5 days in the reproductive tract. If you ovulate around this time, you could have a chance of getting pregnant. Try and stay in this position for as long as you can or at least for 30 minutes.
Your chances of conception are dependent on many factors. There are only a few cases wherein studies have proved that this method works. Therefore, avoid letting its failure affect you. Either way, it is best to consult a gynaecologist to discuss your options for treatment.
References and Resources:
Also Read:
How to Confirm Pregnancy Without Taking a Test?
Follicular Study – Know When You Are Ovulating
Can You Get Pregnant Right After Stopping The Pill?
