The Best Pregnancy Pillows According to Real Moms
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Pregnancy is full of joys and positives, but one of the downsides, especially as we near and enter the third trimester, is finding a comfortable sleeping position. As a belly stomach myself, this was particularly difficult both times around, and I relied heavily on my pregnancy pillow for comfort.
We’ve compiled a list of the best pregnancy pillows to help you ease some of those aches and pains that come after a long day on your feet.
Related: The Best Pregnancy Gifts for Your Pregnant Partner
After working all day or chasing another kid or two around, these amazing cushions will help you relax by easing back pain and supporting your growing belly.
Benefits of a Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnant person’s body requires additional support, often in multiple places at once! Depending on how you carry your baby, your overall physical health, and what you do for a living, your body bears all kinds of wear and tear.
A pregnancy pillow is designed explicitly with the associated aches and pains in mind and provides relief where you need it most. Many pregnancy pillows are versatile and can be used in multiple positions.
Other pregnancy pillows come in different shapes and sizes to target specific soreness. Therefore we recommend you do your research on what type of pillow will provide the best support for you!
Unfortunately, pillows can’t do anything about multiple trips to the bathroom each night! But these fantastic options will ensure that while you are resting, you have ample neck support, cushion your growing belly, and let you get some sleep!
Our Top Pregnancy Pillow Picks
- Best Pillow All Around Pillow: Queen Rose U-Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow at Amazon
- Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: Cozy Bump Pregnancy Bed at Amazon
- Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow at Amazon
- Most Versatile Pillow: Yogibo Caterpillar Pillow at Amazon
- Best Wedge Pillow: hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge at Amazon
- Best Budget Pillow: INSEN Pregnancy Pillow at Amazon
- Best Pillow for Hip & Back Support: YANZHI H-Shaped Pillow at Amazon
What to Consider When Purchasing Pregnancy Pillows
Pregnancy Pillow Covers
Different fabrics have different textures and will feel different against your skin. Consider what type of fabric you find most soothing. Perhaps a soft and cozy jersey knit is your preference, or maybe you want certified organic cotton or something hypoallergenic.
Some pillow covers are texturized, like a fleece or velveteen style. Most pillow manufacturers sell additional covers, so you shouldn’t have an issue if you decide to change yours. I also recommend looking for a pillow with a machine-washable cover, which is particularly useful if you’ll use the pillow for breastfeeding once your baby arrives.
Pregnancy Pillow Shape & Size
Depending on what you plan to use the pillow for or how you sleep, you may prefer one shape over another. Some pillow shapes are more versatile than others meaning you can use them as support for sitting up or lying in various positions, while others are designed with a specific function.
Some of the popular pregnancy pillow options are a side sleeper pregnancy pillow. The most common are J-shaped, C-shaped, and U-shaped pregnancy pillows.
Pregnancy Pillow Material
What’s on the inside matters in some cases. Foam, cotton pillow stuffing, memory foam, etc., will make a difference in how it feels when supporting you. You may prefer a firmer pillow over a super soft one as well. Again, consider what you’ll use the pillow for and where you need the most support.
If It’s Machine Washable
Is the pillow washable, or does it at least have a zippered removable cover that is machine washable? You have enough on your plate and your tired feet to have to worry about complicated washing instructions. Some pillows can go into the washer themselves (if your washer is big enough!)
Cost of Your Pregnancy Pillow
Like most things, cost should always be considered. The range of prices for pregnancy pillows can go anywhere from $20 to over $100, so you’ll have to consider how much you are willing to spend carefully and if a higher price tag is worth it. I think spending a little more on the perfect pillow is well worth it!
How Our Moms Choose The Best Pregnancy Pillows
We researched the various types of pregnancy pillows available and focused on what pregnant moms had to say about each pillow’s comfort, durability, and versatility.
We also looked at what the manufacturers had to say about why their pillow was the best and read to see if the reviews matched up.
Comfort was a significant factor in deciding which pillows made the cut because if they aren’t comfortable and helping mom sleep - then what’s the point?
After putting together the data from written reviews and conversations with actual moms, both currently and formerly pregnant, we have the definitive list of pregnancy pillows to help you ease into a night of restful sleep.
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Stomach & Side Sleepers
Queen Rose U-Shaped Pregnancy Body Pillow
U-shaped pillows are a favorite among pregnant people because they provide equal support for the body. They can be bent and twisted into various shapes to provide extra support where needed, like reducing hip pain!
Warn your partner that you will be taking up a lot of bed space with this one, but it is worth it! This ultra-comfy U-shape pillow is the ultimate full-body pregnancy pillow providing simultaneous back and belly support.
I had a U-shaped pillow, and years later, we used it to lie on the floor next to my son’s toddler bed as he transitioned in case he fell out while sleeping!
Cozy Bump Pregnancy Bed
My OB-GYN told me I could sleep on my stomach as long as it was comfortable, but eventually, it became impossible. A cut-out hole is a creative approach compared to regular pillows on the pregnancy market.
Because it is extra long, some women mention placing it on their regular mattress and using it at night, while others prefer to lie down and relax during the day.
While this pillow may not replace sleeping in your bed at night, it can relieve pressure on the back, hips, and pelvis and provide a comfy spot for belly sleepers to nap to accommodate that ever-growing baby bump.
Boppy Total Pregnancy Pillow
This total body pillow also helps relieve sciatic nerve pain often accompanying pregnancy. It is adjustable to provide excellent back and elevated leg support while lounging.
Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
Another amazing pillow from Boppy is the Boppy Side Sleeper pillow. This adorable little pillow is affordable and perfect for travel. It has a stretch panel in the middle that grows with you, so you can use it throughout pregnancy and postpartum!
It doesn’t matter if you sleep on your right or left side because the pillow is designed to support both ways. The cover is removable and washable, which is another plus!
Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow
The Frida Mom Adjustable pillow is a unique pregnancy pillow. Its ingenious design allows it to be formed into a U, C, I, or L shape, whatever your pregnant body needs!
Microfiber beading makes it breathable and soft. Plus, its compact design means it won’t take up the whole bed! The stretchy washable cover is a mixture of soft nylon, polyester, and spandex.
Pharmedoc U-Shaped Full Body Pillow
The Pharmedoc full-body pillow has a cooling cover that provides relief in later trimesters. The pillow is positionable in several ways providing maximum support no matter where you need it most.
The pillow's design promotes left-side sleeping, which OB-GYNS promote during pregnancy, especially during later trimesters. Left-side sleeping facilitates blood flow, ensuring vital organs and your baby receive nutrients and oxygen.
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Back Sleepers and Back Pain
Yogibo Caterpillar Pillow
This pillow is not a traditional pregnancy pillow, but pregnant women everywhere love it! It is excellent for back support and incredibly versatile. It can be bent and shaped in various ways for maximum comfort and support.
Once the baby is born, it is an excellent postpartum tool to add to the baby’s room or play area. Because this pillow is so flexible, it provides full-body support. This unique support pillow has a removable and washable cover, making it even more user-friendly!
Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge
This memory foam wedge pillow has received rave reviews from pregnant mommas on its ability to reduce pressure off the lower back and reduce back pain while sleeping.
This pregnancy pillow also increases blood flow to reduce swelling in your hands, back, and feet. Much less costly than the full-body maternity pillows on this list; its lower cost does not mean less support. The pillowcase is soft and washable and has a gentle, soft fluff to it.
Coldew Pregnancy Pillow
This small, adjustable pillow supports your hips and lower back, reducing pain and discomfort. Unlike giant pillows, this one creates space for your partner to snuggle and is adjustable for all stages of your pregnancy.
The compact size makes it great for travel or use in any room of the house.
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Hip Pain
INSEN Pregnancy Pillow
The INSEN pregnancy pillow provides a comfy C-shape for entire body support to help anyone snuggle up and get a good night's sleep.
The pillow conforms to your body, providing ultimate support to your back and belly and relieving pressure from your hips. Its velvety soft cover makes you feel like you are cuddling up with your favorite pair of sweats.
YANZHI H-Shaped Pillow
Pregnancy puts a strain on a woman’s hips and back. Increased weight and shifting muscles and a live human inside means we need some extra TLC in our lower back, hip, and pelvic region.
Breaking form from the typical U-shape design, this unique pillow is designed for a pregnant mom’s hips and back. Cotton filling and a soft cotton cover make this great pillow easy to wash and soft to snuggle. The smaller pillow is detachable, making this unique pillow even more versatile.
Leachco Snoogle
The Leachco Snoogle is an excellent pillow for those needing hip and back support. This supportive pillow has a horseshoe shape making it incredibly versatile and able to support people of all heights.
The pillow is not machine washable, but the cover can be tumbled dry too!
Best Pregnancy Pillow by Shape
White Noise U-Shaped Bellicent Fiber Medium Pillow
The Bellicent Fiber U-shaped pregnancy pillow provides all the support you need, no matter in which position you prefer to sleep! The pillow offers support for the back, belly, and hips. It also works as a nursing pillow once your baby is here!
Persaud Memory Foam U-Shaped Cooling Pillow
The Persaud Memory Foam cooling pillow uses cooling technology to keep you cool and comfy while you sleep. Memory foam provides the right amount of support wherever you need it most.
The cover is 100% antimicrobial cotton and is machine washable. It is one of the thickest and longest pregnancy pillows available.
Alwyn Home Eirlys C-Shaped Pillow
This comfy C-shaped pillow can be flipped in either direction providing support where mom needs it most. You can even fold it into a wedge to provide ultimate back support or elevate your feet.
It is available in several colors, and the soft cover is machine washable.
Choosing the Pregnancy Pillow That’s Right For You
The primary purpose of a pregnancy pillow is to provide support and comfort where you need it most. U-Shaped can be manipulated into many sleeping positions for all-over support but are often costly and take up a lot of space.
C and J-shaped pillows are a more compact alternative to U-shaped pregnancy pillows but may not give you the support you need most. There are also smaller pillows that target specific areas like your growing bump or lower back.
When looking at pillows, remember to read up on the material they're made of, the cost, and if they can be easily cleaned. You may even love yours so much, you use it long after having your baby!
For more great ways to take care of yourself during pregnancy, check out our To-Do List to Take Care of Yourself During Your First Trimester.
