How to Put Pillow Under Hips to Get Pregnant – Does It Work?

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 hips to get pregnant’ 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 (1). But does it actually help, and if yes, how long should you keep the pillow under your hips?

In this article, we have provided you with the information on the ‘pillow under the hips’ to get pregnant. 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 (2). 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 (3). 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 (4).

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.

How to Place a Pillow Under Your Hips to Get Pregnant?

In this section, we will explore how to put a pillow under the hips to get pregnant. Let’s begin!

1. Lie down on your back for 15-20 minutes after sex to allow the sperm to swim toward the cervix and into the uterus.
2. Before getting up, place a thick comfortable pillow under your hips to elevate your pelvis.
3. Lie on the pillow for the next 15-20 minutes. Do not move around too much so that the sperm stays inside the vagina for long.
4. After 15-20 minutes, you can get up normally and go about your day as usual.

Points to Remember While Trying This Technique

Using a pillow to get pregnant can be proven to be an effective method, but there are some tips that you can follow to increase your chances of conceiving.

1. Time Your Sex Properly

To increase your chances of getting pregnant, have sex during your most fertile days, i.e. around the time of ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovary (5).

2. Use the Right Pillow

Make sure the pillow is firm enough to elevate your pelvis but not so thick that it causes discomfort. A wedge or a firm pillow can work well for this purpose.

3. Be Patient

Getting pregnant is a big thing, and conceiving can take time. Be patient and keep trying.

Alternative Positions to Get Pregnant

If you’re not comfortable placing a pillow under your hips after intercourse, there are a few other body positions you can try. While there’s no scientific evidence that these positions increase your chances of conception, many people use them for comfort or based on personal preference. Here are some commonly discussed positions that couples often consider when trying to conceive.

1. Lie Flat on Your Back

Remaining on your back for 10–15 minutes after intercourse is a common recommendation. Although research hasn’t proven it boosts pregnancy rates, it may help you relax and gives any semen near the cervix time before gravity comes into play.

2. Elevate Your Pelvis With a Folded Blanket

Instead of using a pillow, you can place a folded blanket or towel beneath your hips for gentle support. This provides a slight elevation and may be more comfortable for some people, though there’s no evidence it improves conception.

3. Rest With Your Legs Slightly Bent

Lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed can be a comfortable resting position after sex. It reduces strain on your lower back while allowing you to remain relaxed for several minutes.

Science/Studies Behind Using Pillow Under Hips

Although placing a pillow under your hips after sex is a popular fertility tip, there is no strong scientific evidence proving that it increases your chances of getting pregnant. The practice is mainly based on biological theories about how sperm travel through the female reproductive tract. Here are the most common explanations behind this method.

1. One theory suggests that raising the hips slightly creates a gentle pelvic tilt, which may help semen stay closer to the cervix instead of leaking out immediately. Since sperm begin moving toward the cervix within seconds of ejaculation and can reach the fallopian tubes within minutes, some believe this position may support their journey, although this hasn’t been scientifically confirmed.

2. The vagina naturally has an acidic pH, while sperm survive better in a more alkaline environment. Supporters of the pillow method believe that keeping semen closer to the cervix may reduce the time sperm spend in the acidic vaginal canal, potentially helping more sperm remain viable. However, research has not shown this to improve pregnancy rates.

3. Another reason the method remains popular is that it may help reduce discomfort or lower the risk of bacteria moving toward the urinary tract.

When to Consult a Doctor?

While it can take several months to conceive naturally, certain situations warrant medical advice (6).

• If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
• If you’re 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months without becoming pregnant.
• If you have irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual periods.
• If you have a history of conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• If you or your partner have known fertility concerns or a history of reproductive health issues.
• If you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages or recurrent pregnancy loss.

FAQs

1. Does putting your legs up against the wall improve pregnancy chances?

There is no evidence that raising your legs against a wall or keeping them elevated improves fertility. Healthy sperm are capable of reaching the cervix without the need for special positioning.

2. Is there a wrong way to use a pillow under the hips?

Avoid raising your hips too high or using multiple thick pillows, as this can be uncomfortable. A slight elevation is all that’s needed if you decide to try the method.

3. Can using a pillow under the hips increase the chances of having twins?

No. There is no evidence that elevating your hips or using a pillow after sex influences the likelihood of conceiving twins.

4. Should I use a large pillow or a small pillow under my hips?

If you choose to try this method, a small pillow or folded towel is usually enough to provide gentle support. Excessive elevation is unnecessary and has not been shown to offer additional benefits.

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.

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?

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Sources References

1. Tommy’s – What sexual positions are best for getting pregnant?

2. Home Health UK – Vaginal pH Explained: How to Treat & Balance

3. Cleveland Clinic – Cervical Mucus

4. Narayana Health – Cervical Mucus: Chart, Stages, Tracking & Fertility

5. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Trying to Get Pregnant? Here’s When to Have Sex

6. Cleveland Clinic – Not Pregnant Yet? When to Seek Help