Pregnancy Pillows — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison

Pregnancy can be tough on your body. Think of all the changes you’re going through in a relatively short space of time. Moms-to-be are all too often left feeling exhausted, simply because they’re unable to get the rest and sleep that they so desperately need. However, by helping you find comfort and support — pregnancy pillows can completely change your first, second or third trimester from exhaustion to relaxed and energized.

Milliard-U-Shaped-Total-Body-Support-Pillow-Toppick

For me, this is the best U shaped body pillow on my list. This memory foam pregnancy pillow offers complete support for your body. It also provides customizable support and height to your comfort level.

  • Memory foam filling.
  • Customizable levels of support and height.
  • Breathable, machine washable cover.
  • Multi-functional support pillow.

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Pregnancy Pillows Buying Guide

Pregnancy pillows are a versatile piece of kit — whether you’re carrying a child or nursing a newborn. Pregnancy is tough on your body and you’re expected to get on and deal with it. The aches, pains and general discomfort can be hard to endure — especially when it stops you from getting much-needed rest and sleep. 

This is where pregnancy pillows come into their own. 

These pillows are designed to offer total support and relief from the pressure of a growing belly, as well as the general aches and pains associated with pregnancy. But what are the advantages of this type of pillow? Let’s find out. 

Why Should I Use a Pregnancy Pillow?

If you’re wondering, are pregnancy pillows worth it? Here are a few of the body pillow benefits, to help you decide: 

Helps Alleviate Pain 

Back pain is a common complaint when pregnant, after all, you’re carrying around a mini person 24/7. Many pregnant women also suffer from hip pain, sciatica, belly pain and swelling in the legs and ankles. 

These ‘growing pains’ can be caused by:

  • Increasing weight.
  • Water retention.
  • Ligaments softening and stretching.
  • Position of your baby.

Pregnancy pillows help by allowing you to support your extra weight and therefore, take the strain off your joints and muscles. You can also prop the pillow under your feet to elevate them — reducing swelling. Even hip pain can be relieved by placing the pillow between your thighs — allowing your hips to be kept aligned and so reducing the pain and discomfort.

Creates a Comfortable Sleeping Position

It comes as no surprise that pregnant women need their sleep, but your body can also play a cruel joke on you — hormones, insomnia, combined with not being able to find that comfort sweet spot. 

As your pregnancy progresses, side sleeping becomes a really important thing to do,  as it helps your circulation. However, as you’re lacking the body support you need, it can be tricky to get comfortable lying on your side. 

By strategically positioning a pregnancy pillow, you can take the weight off your hips, knees, and bump — helping you achieve that ideal sleeping position.

Amazing Nursing Aid

Just because they’re called pregnancy pillows doesn’t mean they can’t be used once you give birth. In fact, these pillows can provide an ideal position to breastfeed while still supporting your body. They can also be a life-saver for nursing moms who are recovering from a c-section or difficult birth.

What Types of Pregnancy Pillows Are there?

One of the first things to think about is what shape will work for you. There are a variety of different pregnancy pillows available. These include:

Full-Body 

These pregnancy pillows run the entire length of your body and are shaped like an ‘I’ with a gentle curve, allowing you to hug it or place one end between your knees for support. 

They’re also available in a ‘U’ shape. These are designed to be straddled, with your head resting on the curve. However, they do take up a lot of room in your bed and tend to be a little more expensive.

C and J-Shaped

Pillows that come in a C-shape will support your bump, hips, and lower back as well as your head and neck. J-shaped pillows will support your bump, knees, and back.

Wedge 

These tend to be much smaller in size and therefore, cost less than those pillows mentioned above. The wedge pillow is designed to support one specific area, usually your bump or back. But, they can be used between your knees to align your hips or to support you while nursing after your baby is born.

What To Look For When Choosing A Pregnancy Pillow

Here are a few top tips to help you find the perfect pregnancy pillow for you and your bump.

  • Consider how you like to sleep — this will dictate what the best type of pillow is for you. If you’re a back sleeper (although this isn’t recommended when you’re pregnant — due to the extra weight being placed on your organs), certain pillows can help to support you better than one designed to support a stomach sleeper for example.
  • This is super important, make sure that you choose a pregnancy pillow with an easy to remove, machine washable cover. Pregnancy and babies can be a messy business.
  • Pregnancy pillows are made from a variety of materials. I’d suggest looking for one that is made out of durable, hypoallergenic material. These are great for sensitive skin and allergies.
  • If unlike me, you’re graced with long legs, the length of the pillow is one point to think about — particularly with full-body styles. Ensure it’s going to be long enough for you.
  • If you like a soft pillow to lay your head on, this doesn’t mean that you should buy a soft pregnancy pillow. These are designed to offer support, and if you go for a firmer one, the chances are that it will keep its shape for longer, making it far more durable.
  • Chat with friends or family who have used a pregnancy pillow in the past — or better still, who owns one you could ‘test run’. It may give you an idea of the shape that would work best for you.
  • Are you a warm sleeper? If you get hot under the covers at night, then you may want to think about a material that breathes, like cotton or bamboo.
  • If after using your chosen pregnancy pillow you’re waking up with aches, try to pay attention to where the ache is coming from, and the next time you use your pillow try to give that area some extra support.

How To Use A Pregnancy Pillow

There are many different ways in which you can use a pregnancy pillow and it also depends on the shape that you decide is right for you. 

If you want to learn how to sleep with a body pillow when pregnant — this video will give you some great ideas on how to get the full benefits from your pregnancy pillow.

Our Picks of the Best Pregnancy Pillows

So that you can squeeze in as much relaxation time as possible, I’ve put together my favorite pregnancy pillows for you — covering the shapes mentioned above.

C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows

INSEN Pregnancy Body Pillow

The INSEN pregnancy body pillow comes in a C-shape style and offers full-body support — head, neck, spine, belly, back, hips, and legs. This pillow eliminates the need for several pillows to support your growing body. 

One of the best features of this pillow is that it is relatively lightweight. This means that it can be easily moved from room-to-room, allowing you to be comfortable no matter where you decide to use it.

The pregnancy pillow is made from high-density soft cotton and has a jersey knit cover. Both the inner and outer lining include independent zippers, allowing them to be removed and washed without fuss.

And, with a choice of six neutral color designs, you should be able to find a shade to match your decor. 

INSEN-Pregnancy-Body-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Functionality: 85%
Design: 90%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Ideal for side-sleepers.
  • Offers super support.
  • One of the best pregnancy pillows for multi-room use.

CONS

  • Durability could be better.
  • More pillow filling would be an improvement.

Victostar Pregnancy Pillow

The Victostar pregnancy pillow is another C-shaped pillow that comes with a jersey cover and is packed with 7D PP cotton. It uses high-quality filling so that the pillow doesn’t lose its shape or level of support over time.

If you have allergies or sensitive skin, this pillow offers a hypoallergenic cover. It will also be ideal for creating a safe environment in which to feed your baby while still protecting their delicate skin.

Pillow is too dense, no worries, just remove some of the filling until it’s the perfect firmness for you. It also comes with a fully machine washable cover that can be removed quickly with the use of the zipper. 

The Victostar is a multi-functional pillow that can be used for reading, watching TV, sleeping, or just relaxing and it offers great support for all these activities. The pillow is just under 6 pounds in weight, so it’s no hassle to move around the house wherever you need that extra support.

Victostar-Pregnancy-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Functionality: 95%
Design: 90%
Price 90%

PROS

  • Super soft and comfortable.
  • One of the best pregnancy pillows for allergy sufferers.
  • Machine washable cover.
  • Hypoallergenic material.

CONS

  • May not be firm enough for some moms.

PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow

The PharMeDoc is a C-shaped design, permitting full-body support for not only pregnant women, but it would also be suitable for anyone recovering from surgery.

Stuffed with a polyfill blend, this pregnancy pillow is designed to provide increased support — the inner material becomes more dense the more weight you apply to it.

It’s also covered in a soft jersey material that’s not only soft, but durable too. To add to this durability, the seams of the pillow are double-stitched and the cover can be completely zipped off to allow for it to be machine washed. 

The PharMeDoc Pregnancy pillow also comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, is made in California, and has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

PharMeDoc-Pregnancy-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Functionality: 88%
Design: 88%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Super comfortable, like sleeping on a cloud.
  • One of the best pregnancy pillows for durability.
  • Machine washable.
  • Provides great support.

CONS

  • Might be a challenge to wrestle the cover back on after washing.
  • Not one of the best pregnancy pillows for hot sleepers.

MALOUF Z Total Body C-Shape Pregnancy Wrap

If you’re on the lookout for a body pillow for back pain, the MALOUF Z may appeal. Not only does it provide full-body support, but it can also be customized to suit the position that you sleep in — whether this is on your side or your back. The pillow follows the natural curves of your body to help support your back and growing belly.

It’s made from hypoallergenic microfiber filling that doesn’t move or clump up. The outside has a down feel to it and is allergen-free. These great features are ideal for those who are of a sensitive nature or are looking for products with less chemical content.

The removable cover is made of Tencel, which has amazing moisture management properties. This ensures that you’re at the optimal temperature for a restful night’s sleep — which for moms-to-be who experience hot flashes might appreciate.

MALOUF-Z-Total-Body-C-Shape-Pregnancy-Wrap

Product Rating: 4.6/5

Functionality: 89%
Design: 84%
Price 90%

PROS

  • Shape-retaining.
  • Equivalent to six regular pillows.
  • Supportive and firm.
  • Breathable outer cover — prevents overheating.

CONS

  • May take up a lot of space in the bed.
  • Not one of the best pregnancy pillows price-wise.

Full-Body or U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillows

Meiz U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

In my opinion, the Meiz is suitable whether you’re a back, side or stomach sleeper. This U-shaped pillow offers great support to both the back and belly — helping to align your spine in a neutral position. It’s also supposed to help relieve sciatica pain, leg swelling, and back pain — all of which are common pregnancy complaints.

This pregnancy pillow completely replaces the need for extra pillows. It’s great for not only sleeping, but allows you to get into a comfortable position to read, watch TV, or simply cuddle up and relax.

The Meiz pregnancy pillow is stuffed with a premium polyester filling that retains its fluffiness — increasing its durability. It features double zippers, ensuring that covers can be removed and machine washed with ease. And, the cover is made from 100 percent breathable, super-soft cotton — perfect for temperature regulation.

Meiz-U-Shaped-Pregnancy-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Functionality: 93%
Design: 89%
Price 80%

PROS

  • Machine washable.
  • Breathable cover.
  • Zippers for easy removal of covers.
  • Offers full-body support, without the need for additional pillows.

CONS

  • Quite firm.
  • Some might experience difficulties putting the cover back on.

AngQI Pregnancy Pillow

The AngQI pregnancy pillow offers full-body support helping you get a better night’s sleep. Although it’s geared for pregnancy, this would also be perfect for anyone needing a little more support, recovering from surgery, or just tired of having to use multiple pillows to get comfortable.

The pillow is multi-purpose and can be used to support your growing bump while you sleep, to watch TV, read a book, work on your laptop, and can even be used after birth as a nursing pillow.

The AngQI pillow is filled with premium PP cotton and is extra filled to 6.6 pounds — offering additional support. This body pillow allows users to customize the firmness by taking out the filling through the zippers on the inner case. It’s also designed to follow the natural curves of your body, making it perfect for pregnant women.

As for the outside, the cover is made from a super soft cooling jersey material — just right for cozying up without overheating. Plus, it comes with double zippers, so the outer cover can easily be removed for machine washing.

AngQI-Pregnancy-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.6/5

Functionality: 94%
Design: 90%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Extra filled for extra support.
  • Soft jersey outer cover.
  • Tailor the filling to your requirements.
  • Full-body support.

CONS

  • Not one of the best pregnancy pillows for tall people.
  • Disappointing in the durability department.

PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow U-Shape

If you’re a mom-to-be that’s always on the move, then the PharMeDoc pillow might be of interest. It comes with a unique bag, which enables you to take it anywhere you go with convenience and style. What’s more, it also makes storing away super stress-free.

This U-shape pillow equates to five standard pillows — offering support for your head, neck, spine, belly, back, hips and legs. It also features a detachable extension that can be used as its own full body pillow, or attached to the main body pillow for additional back or belly support, making this ideal for pregnant women and just about anyone else!

The pillow is filled with a polyfill blend designed to provide comfort and support. This filling increases its density as you add more weight to it. 

In terms of durability and after-care — all seams are double-stitched. And, thanks to the zipper, you can remove the machine washable, cotton outer cover without a hitch.

PharMeDoc-Pregnancy-Pillow-U-Shape

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Functionality: 96%
Design: 95%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Multi-purpose usage.
  • Detachable pillow extension.
  • Machine washable outer cover.
  • Storage/travel bag included.

CONS

  • Could be a little longer.
  • Volume has a tendency to decrease over time.

Milliard U Shaped Total Body Support Pillow

As the title suggests, the Milliard Total Body Support Pillow offers just that. However, it does go a step further — in that, it offers customizable comfort. Being filled with cushioned memory foam, you can add or remove to find the precise level of firmness and support for you.

This pillow can be used for multiple purposes — from watching TV, reading, nursing, or even just relaxing. It relieves belly pressure, back pain, and other aches and pains associated with pregnancy. 

Both the inner and outer cover are easily accessed by a zipper, and the latter can also be machine washed — permitting a hassle-free laundry time.

Milliard-U-Shaped-Total-Body-Support-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Functionality: 95%
Design: 94%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Breathable outer cover.
  • Machine washable.
  • Retains its shape.
  • Customizable levels of firmness and support.

CONS

  • Some could find it on the heavy side.
  • Tends to lose volume.

QUEEN ROSE Pregnancy Pillow

As the title suggests, the Milliard Total Body Support Pillow offers just that. However, it does go a step further — in that, it offers customizable comfort. Being filled with cushioned memory foam, you can add or remove to find the precise level of firmness and support for you.

This pillow can be used for multiple purposes — from watching TV, reading, nursing, or even just relaxing. It relieves belly pressure, back pain, and other aches and pains associated with pregnancy. 

Both the inner and outer cover are easily accessed by a zipper, and the latter can also be machine washed — permitting a hassle-free laundry time.

QUEEN-ROSE-Pregnancy-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Functionality: 95%
Design: 94%
Price 85%

PROS

  • Sweat absorbing layer.
  • Detachable cushion for use at work or travel. 
  • Bamboo outer layer to help regulate your temperature.

CONS

  • Some could find it on the heavy side.
  • Loses bulk over time.

Other Pillow Shapes

Back Support Systems Better Body Pillow

In my view, this J-shaped pillow is one of the best pregnancy pillows for hip pain as it specifically targets and supports this area of the body and shoulders — helping to keep your spine correctly aligned.

It’s packed with a blended memory foam that molds to your shape and offers a soft, supportive feeling. The outer cover is made from bamboo, which is both hypoallergenic and antimicrobial — helping to keep your pillow free from germs and also preventing dust from accumulating.

It’s suitable for all sleep positions — whether you’re a back, stomach or side sleeper, this pillow can help to support you. It also offers an orthopedically sound option to get better night’s sleep and reduce the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

Back-Support-Systems-Better-Body-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.1/5

Functionality: 90%
Design: 85%
Price 80%

PROS

  • Machine washable.
  • Retains its shape.
  • Plush firmness rating.
  • Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial outer cover.

CONS

  • Feels quite firm.
  • May be too short and narrow for some.

FitPlus Bed Wedge Pillow Memory Foam

As the title suggests, the Milliard Total Body Support Pillow offers just that. However, it does go a step further — in that, it offers customizable comfort. Being filled with cushioned memory foam, you can add or remove to find the precise level of firmness and support for you.

This pillow can be used for multiple purposes — from watching TV, reading, nursing, or even just relaxing. It relieves belly pressure, back pain, and other aches and pains associated with pregnancy. 

Both the inner and outer cover are easily accessed by a zipper, and the latter can also be machine washed — permitting a hassle-free laundry time.

FitPlus-Bed-Wedge

Product Rating: 4.0/5

Functionality: 80%
Design: 79%
Price 95%

PROS

  • Ergonomic design.
  • Memory foam topper.
  • Fully removable cover for easy cleaning.
  • Can be used to help with multiple health issues.

CONS

  • Sleeping/seating positions are limited.
  • Doesn’t offer full-body support.

Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow

Due to its unique and innovative design, this pillow is suited to stomach sleepers. It comes with an adjustable belly ring that the manufacturer says fits all sizes. This  feature allows you to continue sleeping on your stomach throughout your pregnancy. 

At first glance, you could be forgiven for calling it a pool float. It features a headrest, two cut outs, one for your chest and one for your bump, plus it tapers down at the leg end. And, as it’s 6-foot (72-inch) in length, it should accommodate taller moms-to-be.  

The concept behind it — by laying on your stomach you literally take the load off your back — allowing muscles to relax, hence, relieving any tension build-up and pain. This patented pillow also claims to reduce c-sections and painful labor by  helping babies get into the optimal birthing position.

As it’s fitted with an extra large valve, the Cozy Bump can be easily inflated and vice versa. This ensures that you aren’t spending long periods of time setting the pillow up for use. However, you may want to invest in some form of pump.

Cozy-Bump-Pregnancy-Pillow

Product Rating: 4.0/5

Functionality: 80%
Design: 85%
Price 80%

PROS

  • Unique and innovative design.
  • Can help to reduce c-section and painful labor.
  • Best for stomach sleepers.
  • Lightweight.

CONS

  • Only offers a stomach sleeping position.
  • Not one of the best pregnancy pillows for watching TV.

Conclusion

Pregnancy can be a difficult and stressful time, especially on our bodies. But finding the right pillow can significantly reduce the discomfort and strain — by providing support for your body where it’s needed most. 

They can also help you to find that comfortable sleeping position so that you can get the rest that you need to continue a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows are also great to use once your baby is born as they provide the perfect support while you’re nursing, by supporting both you and your baby.

Before choosing one of the many pregnancy pillows, make sure that you do your homework — decide on your shape, consider your sleeping style and look for removable, washable covers — and, ensure that it’s the right one for you. 

Pregnancy Pillows FAQs

When Should You Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow?

There really isn’t any set time when you should or shouldn’t be using a pregnancy pillow. Start using one whenever you feel that you need the extra support or are struggling to change positions while you’re sleeping. For the vast majority of pregnant women, this is usually around 20 weeks, once your stomach begins to grow.

What Is the Best Pillow for Pregnancy?

The answer to this isn’t straightforward. It depends on a number of factors, such as how you sleep, the shape and whether you have a specific complaint, for example, hip or back pain. However, you can take a look at my favorites and find the best pillow for you. 

Do Pregnancy Pillows Really Help?

From a personal point of view, my pregnancy pillow was an absolute miracle maker. I’ve suffered from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or SPD in the last three of my pregnancies and as a result, my mobility and ability to get comfortable were really put to the test. 

A pregnancy pillow allowed me to catch some much-needed rest by enabling me to get comfortable and support my increasing belly, hips and pelvis.

It may take a touch of trial and error to find the right pregnancy pillow for you, but once you do, they will offer the support, comfort, and functionality that your changing body needs.

Is C shape or U Shape Pregnancy Pillow Better?

Both these pillows are great, but they do offer different levels of support. 

A U-shape pillow offers comfort to both your back and your growing belly. The downside is that they can take up a lot of room in your bed. A C-Shape pillow will take up less space, but it doesn’t offer the same back support as the U-shape style.

Why Do You Need a Body Pillow When Pregnant?

A body pillow is just another term used for a pregnancy pillow. The reason that they are rated by so many pregnant women is that they offer support to various parts of your body — from your back to your knees and belly. Using one can help you get more comfortable at night and also prevent aches and pains.

Do Pregnancy Pillows Help With Hip Pain During Pregnancy?

The quick answer is yes, they certainly do. Pregnancy pillows offer that all-around support for your body. Placing a pillow between your thighs or between your knees and ankles ensures that they’re all aligned. This will help with hip pain and also allows you to get into a more comfortable sleeping position.

What Are Maternity Pillows?

A maternity pillow is another term used to describe a pregnancy pillow or body pillow — offering support to your body in different areas.