Best 10 Pregnancy Pillows for Happy Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a beautiful experience that comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. I can confidently say based on what I had heard from experienced mother who has been through the joys and pains of pregnancy that investing in a pregnancy pillow is one of the best decisions you can make for your comfort and well being. These specially designed pillows are a game-changer when it comes to getting a good night’s rest and easing discomfort during pregnancy.

In this article, I’ll share some of the best ones available in the market to help you sleep more comfortably throughout your pregnancy. So, whether you’re a first-time mom-to-be or a seasoned pro, keep reading to learn more about how pregnancy body pillows can help you get the restful sleep you deserve.

Related: 10 Best Pregnancy Support Belts: Supporting Your Belly and Back

Best 10 Pregnancy Pillows

• Best Pregnancy Pillow: Leachco Snoogle Chic Supreme
• Best Lower-Size C-pillow: INSEN Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Oversized Pregnancy Pillow: Queen Rose Full-Body Maternity Pillow
• Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: PharMeDoc Full Body C-Shaped Pillow
• Most Versatile Pregnancy Pillow: Boppy Multi-Use Total Body Pillow
• Best Wedge Pregnancy Pillow: Boppy Pregnancy Wedge
• Best for Stomach Sleepers: Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge
• Best Full Body Pillow: MOON PINE Pregnancy Pillow, U Shaped Full Body Pillow
• Best Lightweight Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow: Meiz U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
• Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Chilling Home Pillow

Why Pregnancy Makes Sleep Difficult?

Pregnancy can make sleep difficult for several reasons:

Physical Discomfort

As the baby grows, the uterus expands and can put pressure on the bladder, making it difficult to sleep through the night without waking up to use the bathroom. Additionally, back pain, leg cramps, and heartburn are common discomforts that can disrupt sleep.

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, the body experiences an increase in the hormone progesterone, which can cause drowsiness during the day but also disrupt sleep at night. Progesterone can cause nasal congestion, snoring, and sleep apnea.

Anxiety and Stress

Pregnancy can be a time of high anxiety and stress, which can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Expectant mothers may worry about the health of their baby, the birth process, and parenting, among other concerns.

Movement of the Baby

As the baby grows and becomes more active, movements can be felt more strongly, making it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.

Sleep Disorders

Some pregnant women may develop sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome, insomnia, or sleep apnea, which can further disrupt sleep.

Related: Tips for Breast Milk Storage

Can I Sleep on my Sides During Pregnancy?

When you reach mid-pregnancy, sleeping on your side is the safest position for you and your baby. It’s also a good idea to use a maternity pillow to help you get comfortable in this position. Sleeping on your side can help with blood circulation and reduce swelling in your legs and joints.

Can I Sleep on my Front During Pregnancy?

As for sleeping on your front, it’s not dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy. However, as your bump grows, it can become uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe properly. In this case, it’s best to switch to a side sleeping position, again using a pillow to help support you if needed.

Can I Sleep on my Back During Pregnancy?

While sleeping on your back during pregnancy is generally not recommended, some pregnancy pillows are designed to support this sleeping position. These pillows are usually full-length or U-shaped and have a curved or elevated area in the middle to support the back and prevent rolling over.

However, it’s important to note that sleeping on your back during pregnancy can increase the risk of certain complications, such as low blood pressure, back pain, and reduced blood flow to the uterus and fetus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women sleep on their left side to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.

What are the Benefits of Pregnancy Body Pillows?

A pregnancy pillow is specifically designed to provide support to the changing body of a pregnant woman. Here are some of the benefits of using a pregnancy pillow:

Provides Support for Your Growing Belly

As your pregnancy progresses, the weight of your growing belly can cause strain on your back, hips, and pelvis. A pregnancy body pillow can provide support to your belly, reducing pressure and helping you sleep more comfortably.

Reduces Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint among pregnant women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. A pregnancy body pillow can help reduce back pain by providing support to your spine and hips.

Improves Circulation

During pregnancy, the increased weight and pressure on your body can affect your circulation. A pregnancy body pillow can help improve circulation by elevating your legs and reducing pressure on your veins.

Improves Sleep Quality

Sleeping with a body pillow can help you sleep better by reducing tossing and turning. This can help you stay in a comfortable position throughout the night, which can lead to a more restful sleep.

Reduces Snoring

Many pregnant women experience snoring due to the increased weight and pressure on their airways. Sleeping with a body pillow can help alleviate this issue by keeping your head and neck in a neutral position.

Eases Pregnancy-Related Discomfort

A body pillow can be used to alleviate various pregnancy-related discomforts, such as heartburn, leg cramps, and swelling.

What to Look for in a Pregnancy Pillow?

With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. When selecting a pregnancy pillow, there are a few key factors to consider.

Shape and Size

Pregnancy pillows come in a variety of shapes, including wedge, U-shaped, C-shaped, and full-body pillows. The shape and size of the pillow should support the body and ensure proper alignment of the spine, neck, and hips.

Filling Material

Pregnancy pillows can be filled with various materials, such as memory foam, polyester fiberfill, or microbeads. Each filling material has its own unique benefits, so choose one that provides the necessary support and comfort for your needs.

Cover Material

The cover should be soft, breathable, and easy to clean. Some covers are removable and machine washable, which can be beneficial during pregnancy when spills and accidents are more likely to occur.

Price and Durability

They can vary in price, and while it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, investing in a higher quality pillow can provide better support and last longer.

What are Different Types of Pregnancy Pillow?

Here are some of the most common types:

Full-Length Pregnancy Pillow

This type of pillow is designed to support the entire body, including the head, neck, shoulders, hips, and legs. It is usually around 5 to 6 feet in length and can be curved or straight. Full-length pregnancy pillows can be used in different positions, such as lying on the back, side, or stomach.

Wedge Pillow

This type of pillow is triangular in shape and is designed to support the belly and back during sleep. It is relatively small in size and can be used in different positions, such as under the belly, back, or between the legs.

U-shaped Pregnancy Pillow

This type of pillow is shaped like a U and is designed to support the head, neck, shoulders, back, belly, and legs. It is usually around 5 to 6 feet in length and can be used in different positions, such as lying on the back, side, or stomach.

C-shaped Pregnancy Pillow

This type of pillow is shaped like a C and is designed to support the head, neck, shoulders, back, belly, and legs. It is usually around 4 to 5 feet in length and can be used in different positions, such as lying on the side or stomach.

Bean-shaped Pregnancy Pillow

This type of pillow is shaped like a bean and is designed to support the belly, back, and legs. It is usually around 4 to 5 feet in length and can be used in different positions, such as lying on the side or stomach.

Inflatable Pregnancy Pillow

This type of pillow can be inflated or deflated to adjust to the desired level of support. It is usually smaller in size and can be used in different positions, such as under the belly, back, or between the legs.

How to Use Pregnancy Pillow?

So, you’re wondering how to use those pregnancy pillows you’ve been hearing about? Great! Let me explain.

Wedge Pillow

First up, we have the wedge pillow. This one is great for lying on your side and keeping your spine properly aligned. Just tuck it under your belly and you’re good to go! You can also use it under your head to help with heartburn and acid reflux, or for some extra comfort when sitting up in bed.

As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll want to adjust the incline size of the wedge pillow so that it stays effective. Basically, as your belly grows bigger, you’ll want to lower the height of the pillow so that you’re still getting the right level of support.

J-shaped Pillow

Next, we have the J-shaped pillow. This one is perfect if you find yourself rolling onto your back during the night and getting uncomfortable. Just wrap the longer side of the pillow around your back to keep yourself supported and prevent rolling over. You can also use it between your legs to help you sleep more comfortably.

Full Length Pillow

Finally, we have the full length pillow. This one is really versatile and you can pretty much use it wherever you need extra support. You can put it between your legs, under your belly, or even behind your back when sitting up in bed.

One important thing to keep in mind when using pregnancy pillows is to make sure you’re using them correctly. For example, with the J-shaped pillow, you want to make sure you’re placing the longer side under your top leg, not between both legs, as this can put too much pressure on your bottom leg and cause fluid retention.

Pro Tip:

And when you’re shopping for a pregnancy pillow, be sure to check if it’s washable. Many maternity pillows are machine washable without losing their shape, but some may not be. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to get a few extra pillowcases so you can keep it clean and fresh.

When to Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow?

While there is no specific time when you should start using a pregnancy pillow, most women find them helpful starting in the second trimester (around 13-14 weeks) when the belly begins to grow and sleeping positions become uncomfortable.

However, some women may start using a pregnancy pillow earlier if they experience discomfort or difficulty sleeping due to back pain, hip pain, or other pregnancy-related symptoms.

Related: Top 10 Baby Carriers to Buy – Detailed Review

Best 5 Pregnancy Pillows

Leachco Snoogle Chic Supreme

This pillow is designed to give you support all over your body, unlike most other pillows that only support one side. It’s like a big, cozy hug that you can snuggle up with at night.

The best thing about this pillow is that it will fit your body perfectly, from your belly to your back. There’s even a space in the middle that’s shaped like a woman’s body, so your hips and shoulders will have plenty of room. And the pillow will adjust to your movements as you sleep, so you’ll always be comfortable.

And here’s the best part: you can keep using this pillow even after your baby is born! It’s really versatile and can be used for nursing or just as a regular body pillow.

Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5

Love love love my snoogle! Not sure how I was surviving without it to be honest. Highly recommend, and the fabric on the chic supreme is just as soft as my sheets.
– Amazon Customer

Love it! This has SAVED ME AT NIGHT !!! I am 8 months pregnant and this pillow feels so so good. I sleep with it every night
– Ashley Burton

INSEN Pregnancy Pillow

If you’re looking for a C-shaped pregnancy pillow, we highly recommend the INSEN Pillow. The pillow is thickly padded, which conforms to your body while still providing firm support. The jersey cover of the pillow keeps moms cool by wicking moisture and not retaining heat. It is also foldable and stackable, which makes it great for sitting upright. The pillow is long enough to run to the toe on a side-sleeping 5’7″ tester. Depending on where you need support, you can use it with the ends of the C in the front or behind, which makes it versatile.

However, this pillow doesn’t offer much back support for all users. If you use it with the pillow ends in the front, it can provide back support but sacrifices belly assistance. It may not be the one for you depending on your needs. But overall, it’s a tester favorite, and some users even switch back to it mid-sleep when testing the competition. The pillow is comfortable, stays relatively cool, and has a soft, washable cover with a thinner zipper that has an end cover to prevent accidental face rubbing.

Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5

For some background, I’m 12 weeks pregnant and have been having the worst time getting comfortable, sleeping, and then staying asleep. But I just pulled this thing out of the packaging, and I’m already ready to take 30 naps. Fluffed quick, soft cover, not too stiff, and has made me much more comfortable than my 3 separate pillows I was using before. One of the cheaper brands on the market but definitely on the better side of quality! Pregnant or not you gotta have one of these I promise you it’s worth it
– Audrey

I like the C shape of this pillow. It’s very comfortable for lounging and sleeping. I like to snuggle up to the long side of it while I sleep. My husband even wants one for himself now!
– JackPippinBasil

Queen Rose Full-Body Maternity Pillow

People love it and have left tons of great reviews.

The pillow is made from soft, fluffy material that feels like a combination of down feathers and unicorn fur (okay, not really unicorn fur, but it’s still super cozy).

The best part is that this pillow wraps around your whole body, providing support for your belly, legs, and hips. And the head support is great too! You won’t need to rearrange a bunch of different pillows every time you want to roll over.

Customer Reviews: 4.4 out of 5

I have arthritis in my back and try not to sleep on my stomach. It was impossible to do until I got this pillow. It is so comfortable and soft. I feel like I am being snuggled. It’s also keeping me from rolling onto my stomach. I’m hoping if I continue to sleep with it it will help me relieve much of my back pain. It definitely helped on the first night. Highly recommend.
– Roberta L Richter

I was not sold based on reviews but I needed something for my back and shoulder due to scoliosis and a dislocated shoulder. I got the white one with green and blue stitching shaped like a “C”, this pillow has been a life changer. I have decreased daily spinal pain by at least 80% and shoulder and neck pain is definitely about 70% better. I love that one of the sides detaches so I can adjust it to my position of sitting, back sleeping or side sleeping. I also want to say that I opened the package around 2pm when I received it and slept with it that night and while it helped I noticed a HUGE difference the following night when it fluffed up all of the way. (Which the packaging flyer already stated)
– Chelsey

PharMeDoc Full Body C-Shaped Pillow

It’s a bestseller on Amazon. It’s seriously popular.

This pillow is designed to support your whole body – from your head to your feet. It’s especially great for relieving knee and hip pain, which can be a big problem for pregnant women.

The material is super soft and cozy, and the best part is that it’s machine washable. Plus, it even comes with a travel and storage bag so you can take it with you wherever you go.

This pillow is great for plus size women too, and the best part is that you can keep using it even after your pregnancy is over. It’s perfect for breastfeeding too, since you can use it while you’re sitting down.

Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5

I bought this pillow for my first pregnancy in 2020 and absolutely loved it! It was light weight, full and came in portable bag. This go round it is NOT full- very limp pillow and very heavy! Did not come in the round carrying case. Also stinks really bad. HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! I was a repeat customer but will not recommend this pillow to anyone in the future.
– Karli Hancock

This pillow has been a relief for my hips!!!! Getting into my second trimester I started waking up with bad hip pain which made me start searching for a pregnancy pillow. I first got another pillow from this brand and was alarmed with the warning message I got about the foam material that was inside. I believe this pillow is filled entirely with cotton and came with no warning message. First night sleeping with it and I woke up the next morning with no hip pain. I personally do not sleep with it with the bottom section in between my legs. I prop both my legs on top of it which takes the pressure of my hips while still supporting my growing belly. I am 35 weeks pregnant now and still love it. I even vacuumed sealed it, shoved it in my suitecase and air traveled with it. I was not about to spend a few nights without it!
– Sev D

Boppy Multi-Use Total Body Pillow

It’s actually one of the best pregnancy pillows out there for sleeping, but it’s also great for supporting you while you’re sitting or lounging around. The pillow has a unique shape that helps support your neck, back, belly, and hips when you wrap yourself around it to rest or sleep.

Some parents have even mentioned that the shape of the pillow seems to cradle their bellies. However, if you’re experiencing back pain during pregnancy, this might not be the best pillow for you. Instead, you should look for a U-shaped pillow, which will provide better back support.

The slipcover of the Boppy pillow is removable and machine-washable, and it’s made of soft cotton. The filling is made of virgin polyester fiber, so you can trust that it’s high-quality and safe for you and your baby.

Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5

I love this pregnancy pillow. I’ve had it for 6 years now, and just recently purchased it again, because my last one ripped. I love that it’s machine washable and the cover comes on and off really easily. I’m tall, so the picture on this display of how to use the pillow was NOT accurate for me. However, the bottom half works perfectly for my legs and the upper half I use for my pregnant belly and wrap my arms around the pillow. There’s no way my head would fit in how short the pillow is. (for me that is) However, I love this pillow and how it maintains it’s shape and comfort for SO long.
– Tamra

The pillow is really comfortable and gives you needed support. I also really like that you can remove and wash the pillow cover. I didn’t see that as an option when I was searching for a maternity pillow.
– Melissa Harper

Conclusion

I bet you’re excited to try out your new pregnancy pillow! You might be amazed at how much extra support it can provide and wonder how you ever slept without it. If your growing belly and other pregnancy symptoms are making it hard for you to sleep, a comfortable pregnancy pillow can make a big difference. You can take a cue from other experienced mothers and choose one of the best pregnancy pillows or wedges on our list.

Related: Which Type of Bottle is Best for a Baby?