Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes; most notably, the fact that a baby is now growing inside your body! While this miraculous development is occurring, expectant mothers tend to find that other changes are less-than-magical, including their ability (or rather, lack thereof) to get a good night’s sleep, especially as they progress into the second and third trimesters. Pregnancy pillows are a great way to improve comfort during resting hours, eliminating the need for elaborate set-ups with normal pillows and helping women find a sleeping position that’s not only cozy but actually very healthy for the body.

Doctors recommend sleeping on the left side to reduce pressure on a major vein that runs through the back on the right side, but this isn’t always a natural position. Between learning to sleep on the left side, finding ample cradling for their growing baby bumps, alleviating some of the pressure in the hips, and giving the lower back some much-needed relief, getting restful sleep can feel like a tall order for pregnant women. That’s where the best pregnancy pillows come in: These pillows are designed to comfort the body during pregnancy, allowing for an easier and deeper sleep.

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Best Pregnancy Pillows – Our Top Picks

• Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow – Leachco Snoogle
• Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow – Queen Rose U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Full Body Pregnancy Pillow – Meiz Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Pregnancy Wedge Pillow – Hiccapop Wedge Pillow
• Best Organic Pregnancy Pillow – Newton Baby Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Rectangular Pregnancy Pillow – Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow
• Best Pregnancy Pillow for Side Sleepers – Boppy Side Sleeper
• Best Value Pregnancy Pillow – PharMeDoc CeeCee

Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow – Leachco Snoogle

• Customer Rating: 4.4/5
• Dimensions: 60″ x 24.75″ x 7.25″
• Firmness: Firm
• Fill Material: Polyester
• Case Material: Cotton and polyester

A C-shaped pregnancy pillow provides pregnant women with an easy way to keep their bodies in a comfortable position all night without requiring the use of multiple pillows. We especially love the Leachco Snoogle because it’s firm enough to provide optimal support for the back, stomach, head, and between the legs, ensuring the hips and back remain comfortable and supported all night and helping sleepers rest in proper position. Despite the firmer fill, the Snoogle is soft and cushioning enough to relieve tension in pressure points, gently coaxing the body into the side sleeping position.

Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow – Queen Rose U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

• Customer Rating: 4.4/5
• Dimensions: 55″ x 31″ x 7″
• Firmness: Medium-soft
• Fill Material: Poly-fiber
• Case Material: Cotton or microfiber

Whether you prefer to sleep on your left or right side (or need to sleep on your back if you’re recovering from a surgery or procedure), the Queen Rose U-Shaped Pillow is squishy, symmetrical, and super comfortable. This pregnancy pillow comes in a few different cover materials, from organic cotton sateen to cooling microfiber, and the removable cover allows for easy cleaning. This medium-soft pillow offers more contouring and cushioning than other, firmer pillows, but may not offer as much support as others, which is worth considering before you purchase. The pillow arrived vacuum-sealed, and will need at least a day to fully expand into its proper shape.

Best Full Body Pregnancy Pillow – Meiz Full Body Pregnancy Pillow

• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Dimensions: 65″ x 31″ x 7.78″
• Firmness: Medium-soft
• Fill Material: Polyester
• Case Material: Cotton and spandex

For full-body comfort and support, the Meiz Full Body Pregnancy Pillow is an unbeatable option. The unique shape contours to the head, shoulders, and hips, and the symmetrical design allows users to sleep on either side of the pillow or on their backs. The long arms can be arranged in a few different configurations, and this versatility is what makes it so popular with pregnant women and even those who just struggle to find a comfortable position to sleep at night!

The spandex and cotton cover is removable and washable, with a zipper for easy removal, and comes in either cooling microfiber or cotton. The Meiz Full Body Pregnancy Pillow is available in three different sizes: 55 inches, 60 inches, or 65 inches. Some users report that the largest size can take up quite a bit of the bed, so this one isn’t recommended for couples sharing a queen size bed.

Best Pregnancy Wedge Pillow – Hiccapop Wedge Pillow

• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Dimensions: 13.25″ x 15″ x 4.5″
• Firmness: Soft and firm
• Fill Material: Memory foam
• Case Material: Plush velboa material

A wedge pillow can give your growing belly some much-needed support throughout all three trimesters of your pregnancy, and the Hiccapop Wedge Pillow was designed especially for pregnant women to help ease some of the discomfort. One side uses softer memory foam for a more cushioning feel, while the other is constructed with firmer foam for more support.

The Hiccapop Wedge Pillow uses CertiPUR-US Certified foams to ensure top quality and durability, and the plush velboa material cover adds a bit of soft comfort (if this material is too hot for you, reviewers mention you can replace it with a normal pillowcase, too). An included travel case allows for easy transportation if you want to take the pillow with you to improve your sleep on trips or overnight stays.

Best Organic Pregnancy Pillow – Newton Baby Pregnancy Pillow

• Customer Rating: 5/5
• Dimensions: 55″ x 31″
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Fill Material: Shredded memory foam and fiber clusters
• Case Material: Organic cotton

If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious and aligned with your eco-friendly preferences, the Newton Baby Pregnancy Pillow is a contouring pillow designed to relieve tension while supporting areas that need it most. The shredded memory foam and fiber fill maintain its shape, so it won’t need to be regularly fluffed and molded. The pillow is u-shaped with a removable arm, so users can adjust it to be c-shaped or j-shaped if that feels more comfortable. The organic cover is removable and washable for easy care and maintenance, too. This pillow is a bit larger than other options, so it’s not very suitable for travel, but the large size ensures it stays in place while you use it to prop up your legs, hips, or shoulders.

Best Rectangular Pregnancy Pillow – Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow

• Customer Rating: 4.9/5
• Dimensions: 54″ x 20″ x 7″
• Firmness: Soft
• Fill Material: Shredded memory foam and microfiber
• Case Material: Lulltra™ (60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon)

Coop Home Goods pillows are the embodiment of cushy comfort, and their Body Pillow is no exception. Stuffed with shredded crosscut memory foam and microfiber, this pillow is fluffy and squishy in all the right ways, guaranteeing plenty of plush comfort while you rest. This pillow is fairly soft and lofty, but it’s also adjustable, so you can remove or add filling to your liking. Their signature Lulltra™ fabric cover uses bamboo in its construction, keeping it temperature neutral even if you hug it tightly all night. A 100-night sleep trial and five-year warranty indicate that Coop Home Goods stands behind their products: They’ll refund you if you return it before the trial is up, and any manufacturing defects will be taken care of.

Best Pregnancy Pillow for Side Sleepers – Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow

• Customer Rating: 4.1/5
• Dimensions: ‎24″ x 14″ x 7″
• Firmness: Firm
• Fill Material: Polyester
• Case Material: Jersey cotton

If you want a pillow to help train your body to sleep on its side at night, but don’t want an enormous full-body pillow, the Boppy Side Sleeper Pillow is a compact and uniquely shaped option that promotes side sleeping and is able to adapt with you throughout your pregnancy. The stretchy fabric connecting the two pillows is able to accommodate bellies and bodies of various sizes, helping to provide support whether you’re in your first trimester or your third. Both the cover and the pillow itself are washable, allowing for easy cleaning. A lot of users report that the pillow serves really well as a back or belly support when lounging in a reclined position.

Best Value Pregnancy Pillow – PharMeDoc CeeCee Pillow

• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Dimensions: 57″ x 30″ x 7″
• Firmness: Medium
• Fill Material: High-grade 7D PP cotton
• Case Material: Organic Jersey cotton

The larger pregnancy pillows can cost quite a bit, especially those with unique shapes designed to offer full-body comfort and support. The PharMeDoc CeeCee Pillow is a c-shaped pillow with a soft jersey-knit cotton cover that rings in at a super affordable price point, so even mothers-to-be on a tight budget can find comfort during their pregnancy. The pillow’s cover is removable for easy cleaning, and zippered access to the inside of the pillow allows users to adjust the stuffing as they please, making it firmer or softer. A lot of users report that though this pillow is rather large, it offers superb support during and even after pregnancy, functioning as a breastfeeding pillow for nursing moms.

What Makes a Good Pregnancy Pillow?

The best pillows for expecting mothers are those that help them get a good night’s sleep. While using normal pillows is a viable option, more likely than not you’ll find that creating (and recreating) the elaborate pillow structure in order to get the right support in the right areas becomes increasingly difficult and tedious, which is where a pregnancy pillow comes in. You may find that your entire body could use a bit of extra support, between your widening hips, sore back, swollen belly, tired legs, and stiff neck, finding a pillow to accommodate all of these aches may seem impossible, but trust us: They exist. A good pregnancy pillow will help promote ensure women are in the correct sleeping position, receiving ample blood flow and support, while improving their overall comfort while they sleep or relax. These come in all shapes and sizes, as displayed by the myriad options above.

Are Pregnancy Pillows Worth It?

Many pregnant women struggle with finding something to give a little extra support for their back, stomachs, and legs, especially as their body grows and changes from a small baby bump into the third trimester. Regular pillows can be difficult to adjust (especially if you need several to get the right level of support!) and may not stay in place throughout the night, which is what is so handy about pregnancy pillows. They come in various shapes designed to simultaneously support all parts of your body that need it, whether you need extra cushioning in your lower back, between your legs, under your belly, or in your shoulders.

Investing in a pillow designed to provide optimal comfort during pregnancy, particularly during the nighttime hours, is well worth it. Not only can a good maternity pillow help train you to sleep on your side, as most doctors recommend during pregnancy, but they can also help alleviate a lot of soreness, aches, and pains that are associated with the changing body. Keeping your body in the proper position throughout pregnancy allows for deeper, more restful and comfortable sleep.

Things to Consider When Buying a Pregnancy Pillow

All bodies are different, particularly during pregnancy when the body undergoes lots of new changes that can seem difficult to keep up with What feels comfortable during the first trimester might not work for the second trimester as your child continues to grow and develop, so finding a pillow that works for you and can meet your changing needs is important to ensure you’re comfortable and as well-rested as possible throughout your pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows come in a variety of shapes, fills, firmnesses, and uses, and we’ve outlined some of the different options below to give moms-to-be an understanding of what might work best for them.

Your Pregnancy Sleep Needs: Your needs during pregnancy might be different than others’; you might find that your hips are incredibly painful, while others complain of a sore back. The key to alleviating these pains is to find a pillow that supports your body properly and promotes a position that’s comfortable and keeps you feeling relaxed.

Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Pain: If your back is bothering you during your pregnancy, we suggest a pillow that offers ample support for the lower back and the belly, to reduce tension and pressure that could build up due to incorrect positioning while sitting, lying down, and sleeping. Wedge pillows or those that offer plenty of lumbar support and cushioning can help reduce this soreness.

Best Pregnancy Pillow for Hip Pain: Sore hips can be difficult to sleep with, but many people find that a pillow with a longer shape (such as a u-shaped, c-shaped, or full body rectangular pillow) that’s big enough to give enough space for the leg to drape over the edge, is perfect for hip pain relief. Keeping support between the legs while side sleeping can prevent tightness from developing in the hips, so a pillow that’s large enough for that is a good pick.

Best Pregnancy Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: As many women quickly realize, stomach sleeping stops being a viable option during pregnancy as the growing bump quickly becomes an obstacle. Doctors recommend that women sleep on their sides, but doing so can be difficult to maintain if you aren’t used to it. A c-shaped pillow or u-shaped pillow can help women adjust to sleeping on their sides, eliminating the option to roll over onto their backs or their stomachs. These pillows are also useful for supporting the back, belly, and legs, making it easier to find a comfortable position during sleep. The same goes for back sleepers who need to adjust into lying on their left sides while they rest.

Best Cooling Pregnancy Pillow: If you find yourself overheating at night, the thought of snuggling up with a big pillow might not be all that appealing, especially if you’re struggling to get comfortable as it is. Pillows with cooling covers, such as those made with bamboo-derived materials that tend to promote a more neutral body temperature, can help keep sleepers cool and reduce overheating.

Performance Factors: Different types of pregnancy pillows offer different benefits based on their performance factors, which we’ve outlined below. If you’re looking for something specific in your pregnancy pillow, we recommend paying careful attention to the different factors.

Shape: The shape of the pregnancy pillow impacts what sort of benefits and support it provides. C-shaped and u-shaped pillows are great for full-body support, while wedge pillows are effective for supporting certain areas of the body. The unique shapes of some specific pillows are good for those who want something small and effective. Certain shapes may also work well as a postpartum nursing pillow to accommodate those who are breastfeeding, which is worth keeping in mind as you browse.

Size: Before you get a pillow, it’s useful to take into account the size of your bed and the size of the pillow you’re interested in. If you sleep in a smaller bed, a large, total body pillow might take up too much space, especially if you share the bed with a partner who wants to cuddle. Smaller pillows are easier to travel with, but might not offer the same level of support as larger pillows.

Firmness: There’s no such thing as “the right firmness,” especially where pillows and pregnant people are concerned. The best firmness is whichever appeals most to you, whether that’s an exceptionally soft and cushy pillow that really hugs your body, or a firmer and more supportive pillow that gently guides you into the right position during sleep. It’s useful to know your preferences before getting a pillow, though most pillows offer a sleep trial or have a good return policy so you can always exchange it if it’s not the right fit. For the most part, pregnancy pillows tend to be on the firmer side in order to provide a higher level of support for those areas of your body that need it most.

Fill: Most of the pillows are filled with shredded memory foam, a fluffy polyester blend, or cotton. Depending on your preferred firmness, different fills will be better. Those who want something firmer would do best with a foam pillow, whereas the polyester and cotton-filled pillows are fluffier and softer.

Washability: Pillows with a washable cover provide an easy way to keep things clean, and fortunately all of the pillows on this list have removable and washable covers, and some of the pillows themselves are even washable for extra deep cleaning.

Durability: While you’ll want your pillow to withstand your entire pregnancy, you may also want it to last well beyond that, whether it’s for another pregnancy or just for a little extra support at night when recovering from an injury or looking for some additional comfort. Pillows crafted with more durable materials (such as cotton, bamboo-derived fabric, latex, or memory foam) tend to have a longer lifespan.

Price: More luxurious pillows, such as those with organic materials or more durable builds, cost more than those that are made with budget materials. If you aren’t sure whether or not a pricier pillow is worth the extra cash, we suggest opting for one of the more affordable, budget-friendly options.

FAQ About the Best Pregnancy Pillows

When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?

You may find that a pregnancy pillow isn’t necessary during your first trimester, but difficulty sleeping usually starts to occur around the second trimester, as the belly starts growing, the hips begin widening, and the discomfort becomes more pronounced. There’s no perfect time to start using a pregnancy pillow, as soon as you feel that you could use some extra support or something that aids in sleeping on your side is a good time to begin using one.

Can I sleep on my back while pregnant?

Sleeping on your back is fine during the initial stages of pregnancy, but at a certain point side-sleeping becomes the healthiest option for your body. Sleeping on your back can become dangerous, too, as the uterus expands to adjust to and accommodate your baby. Much of the baby’s weight will rest on a major artery in your backbone that serves to move blood from your legs to your heart. Sleeping on your back could result in heart palpitations, breathlessness, or cold sweats.

Is it okay to sleep on my side while pregnant?

Side sleeping is not only okay, but encouraged when you’re pregnant! Doctors recommend sleeping on your left side during pregnancy because it allows for optimal blood flow from your IVC (inferior vena cava), which is a large vein that runs up your right side, carrying blood to your heart (and to your baby). Side sleeping on your left also significantly reduces the pressure on your kidneys and liver, which can help with swelling.

What type of pillow is best for pregnancy?

The best type of pillow for pregnancy is one that helps alleviate pressure and tension in painful areas and helps expectant mothers sleep better at night. Whether that’s a u-shaped, c-shaped, full body, or wedge pillow is completely up to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best Pregnancy Pillows

• Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow – Leachco Snoogle
• Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow – Queen Rose U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Full Body Pregnancy Pillow – Meiz Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Pregnancy Wedge Pillow – Hiccapop Wedge Pillow
• Best Organic Pregnancy Pillow – Newton Baby Pregnancy Pillow
• Best Rectangular Pregnancy Pillow – Coop Home Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow
• Best Pregnancy Pillow for Side Sleepers – Boppy Side Sleeper
• Best Value Pregnancy Pillow – PharMeDoc CeeCee