Getting a good night’s sleep when pregnant might be difficult, but the best pregnancy pillow can help.
Not being able to obtain a decent night’s sleep while your baby grows is a frequent pregnancy concern, as if the endless toilet visits, hormones, and shooting leg aches weren’t enough to cope with. This can be exacerbated throughout your third trimester, when it can be difficult to feel relaxed at any time of day, let alone at night.
We’ve got a few recommendations to help you get some much-needed rest, plus a selection of the finest pregnant support pillows around, whether you’re battling with feeling too hot, finding a soothing posture, or being awakened up by those mum-to-be fears.
1. What exactly is a pregnant pillow?
Pregnancy pillows, sometimes referred to as maternity pillows or body pillows, are huge, comfy sleeping aids meant to support your pregnancy bulge, buttocks, and back. There are several styles to select from, which is fantastic news for mothers who like to sleep on their sides to alleviate aches and pains.
2. Things to consider when buying a pregnancy pillow
2.1 What size is it?
Some pregnant pillows, especially U-shaped or wrap-around pillows, might take up a lot of area in bed, leaving little room for your partner! They can also be difficult to store. If space is a concern, consider some of the more smaller ones on the market, which still provide a level of support without taking up as much room.
2.2 What kind of support does it provide?
You may like strong support for your bump and knees, or a softer, squidgy cushion to mold to your body. There are numerous options to choose from.
2.3 How simple is it to clean?
You’ll want to be able to wash the pillow if you’re planning to use it every night while pregnant! Most pregnant pillows feature detachable coverings that can be washed in the washing machine – some even come with replacements so you don’t have to rush through a quick wash and dry before night – and other pillows can also be machine washed.
2.4 Is it useful for anything else?
Many pregnant pillows may also be used as nursing pillows once your baby is born. These aid with positioning your infant for nursing, relieving pressure on your scar if you’ve had a c-section, and providing arm support during bottle feeding.
3. Top 12 pregnancy pillows for 2022
3.1 Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow
The Pharmedoc may be best suited to sleepers searching for a C-shaped cushion to ease hip discomfort.
To begin, I must mention that this cushion is quite comfy, even for those of us who aren’t pregnant. Its C-shaped form cradles the entire body and makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cushion.
However, the third trimester woman who tested this cushion stated it would be great for the later stages of pregnancy because it relieves hip and knee discomfort so well.
It is considered to be “overstuffed” with polyester fiber, which makes it supportive and unlikely to lose form. You may select between back and belly support, and the bottom section of the cushion can be held between your knees to reduce hip pressure and align the spine.
And, like the one we just saw, you can coil it up for under-the-feet support or tuck it under your knees to relieve lower back discomfort.
There are several ways to get comfy with this one! The fact that it comes with its own carrying bag for moms on the road was a big hit with my pregnant helpers.
3.2 Queen Rose
The Queen Rose pillow is covered in jersey cotton and densely packed with polyester fiber to provide a velvety but supportive sensation. While the cover fabric is also available in ordinary cotton, jersey cotton is typically a better choice for folks who run hot. But the major reason Queen Rose entered my list is because of its extremely adaptable U-shaped form.
If you’re still in the early stages of pregnancy and can sleep on your back comfortably, lie exactly in the center of this pillow and let the high sides cradle your body.
If you only sleep on your side, you won’t have to move this pillow since both sides will be there to support you no matter which direction you turn.
One feature that my pregnant assistants appreciated about this cushion is that it can be placed up against a wall or headboard to provide back support while watching TV or reading a book. While it is larger than some of the other pillows on our list, bear in mind that it is available in four sizes!
3.3 Gokindly Pregnancy Pillow
This is an excellent all-purpose pregnancy and maternity pillow. Priced at $65 and representing excellent value. This soft cushion is machine washable, making it simple to maintain cleanliness. Fits a regular U-shaped pillowcase and comes with free shipping.
We sell this pillow, therefore we’re prejudiced! However, we believe it is the greatest since it is comfy, supportive, produced in Australia, and the revenues benefit women facing homelessness.
This pregnant cushion is important since it may be used to prop you up, support your body, and help you sleep.
In addition, if you need full body support, the GoKindly Body Pillow is a terrific option.
3.4 Leachco Snoogle
The Leachco Snoogle, shaped like the letter C, was created to support the natural curves of your body from head to toe.
If you want full-body pressure relief but don’t have enough room for a U-shaped cushion, this could be the ideal option for you. It includes a curved top to support your head and neck, an extra-long center to support your back or tummy, and a somewhat straighter end to tuck between your legs to relieve hip discomfort.
It’s also lined with a comfortable, breathable fabric and filled with polyester fiber for a firm, supporting sensation. This cushion coils up easily into a ball that you can lay behind your knees or feet, which both my pregnant assistants discovered to promote improved blood flow.
In fact, one parent informed me that she used this cushion throughout her first pregnancy and enjoyed it every minute of it.
3.5 Today’s Mom Cozy Comfort
Last but not least is the Today’s Mom Cozy Comfort cushion, which is the largest on our list!
It is 56 inches long by 30 inches broad and is filled with polyester fibres. If you want to be entirely immersed in velvety luxury, this is most likely the best option for you.
It also has a U-shaped design that allows you to sleep comfortably on your back or roll from side to side. Moms looking for full-body support should certainly give this one a shot.
But what my pregnant assistants discovered to be particularly unique about this sleep gear is that it might also be beneficial after birth. If you turn it upside down and sit in the middle, it makes an excellent breastfeeding cushion!
The area where your head would ordinarily be has a level, even loft in which you may cradle your infant, while the legs can be piled behind you for added back support.
Some buyers have one little criticism about this pillow: the cotton cover fabric is incredibly crisp and may feel a touch too abrasive for individuals with sensitive skin. To compensate, we placed a thin, silky sheet over the cushion as a buffer.
3.6 Boppy Side Sleeper
Following that is the Boppy Side Sleeper, a double-bean shaped cushion that is ideal for budget-conscious mothers.
The Boppy Side Sleeper is a one-of-a-kind design in which two oval-shaped pillows are connected by a stretchable piece of cloth.
As previously said, this design is a twist on the standard bean pillow and is great for people who are transitioning to side sleeping. Essentially, you lay in the center of the beans, allowing each to support your back and tummy.
The central panel of fabric on this cushion is elastic enough to grow with your tummy as it becomes larger. So, despite being at various stages of pregnancy, both of my pregnant workers were able to comfortably squeeze between these two beans.
They claim that the polyester fiber that fills each bean is velvety and very supportive, and that this design is ideal for side sleeping. It’s also quite affordable, costing around $25.
3.7 Hiccapop Wedge
The Hiccapop Wedge is great for pregnant travelers because to its small shape that can simply be packed away in a luggage. But don’t be fooled by its modest size; this little sleep item packs a lot of support.
It may be tucked behind your bump to reduce tummy pressure and back pain, or it can be put behind your back to keep you from turning over while sleeping. Some purchasers chose to use it for lower lumbar support while standing, while third trimester mamas preferred to use it beneath their bump while sleeping.
So, whether you’re lazing in bed or traveling, this multipurpose wedge cushion was designed to support you. However, keep in mind that it is the firmest choice on our list. This pillow’s molded memory foam filling is not soft or fluffy, making it ideal for individuals seeking solid, firm support.
3.8 Bamboo Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
The Bamboo full body cushion from Pregnancy Pillows is a long, narrow pillow that may be used behind or in front of your body while sleeping.
It is well-liked and well-priced at $99.95, and it is constructed of memory foam. It’s worth noting that it’s rather hefty, weighing in at roughly 2kg.
Pillow cases for this size pillow are similarly hard to come by, however it does come with a cover. Because of its weight and form, it would make an excellent nursing cushion, since it would sit comfortably on your lap and would not move.
3.9 The Boyfriend Pillow
A cushion that wraps around your entire body. It wraps around the body, providing support from all sides. Additional coverings are available for purchase. Although promoted as a pregnancy pillow, it may be used for feeding if positioned around the body and costs $119.95.
A whole body pillow might be handy since it can be adjusted to fit the various phases of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that your sleeping habits and patterns alter throughout pregnancy.
3.10 Mammaway
Priced at $159.95, this cushion is well rated. It includes extra covers that you can buy, which is a plus if you find yourself needing to change and wash them with a little baby. Well-reviewed for both sleep assistance and baby feeding.
3.11 BellyBean
Fits comfortably beneath the belly on both sides, making sleeping easier in the later stages of pregnancy. This is beneficial for an expanding stomach. Is unsuitable for feeding or breastfeeding. A fantastic sleep aid with a machine washable cover. At $72, it is reasonably priced and available in a range of colors.
3.12 Butterfly Pregnancy Pillow
The Butterfly Maternity Pillow is greater in size than the BellyBean. In the later stages of pregnancy, it supports women on both sides while sleeping. The price is $97, and more coverings may be ordered. Feeding/nursing is not permitted.
4. Pregnancy pillows for all sleeping positions
Depending on your sleeping position, there are four basic varieties of pregnant pillows.
- Side sleeper
If you sleep on your side, the body pillow is likely the ideal pregnant cushion for you. This choice aligns with you, supporting the whole length of your body as well as your belly.
- Back sleeper
The most essential thing to remember if you sleep on your back is that evidence indicates that sleeping on your side is safer for your baby starting in the third trimester. This covers both nighttime sleep and any naps taken throughout the day (if you have that luxury). Tommys is a fantastic source to get additional information about pregnant sleep postures.
A U-shaped pregnancy cushion will wrap around your body if you’re in your first or second trimester and looking for a pregnancy pillow for that period of your pregnancy. It will also provide you with the necessary comfort to roll around in bed or change positions on the sofa.
- Belly sleeper
If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll need an inflatable pregnant cushion with a hole in the center for your baby.
A wedge cushion, which is generally considerably smaller and tailored to provide comfort to a specific section of your body, is also available; this is known as a multi-purpose pillow. Many of these cushion varieties may also be used as pregnancy or nursing pillows, giving you even more bang for your buck.
Many of these cushion designs also function as nursing pillows, providing additional support and comfort when breastfeeding.
5. Are pregnancy pillows essential for pregnants?
“Make sure you get enough of sleep now!” is something you’ll hear a lot from other people when you’re pregnant, but getting a good night’s sleep after your belly starts to develop isn’t always that simple.
Pregnancy pillows are particularly intended to assist you in finding the most comfortable – and safe – resting posture, allowing you to get plenty of rest.
When laying on your side, the weight of your bump and the strain it places on your hips will become rather unpleasant as your body transforms. A pregnancy cushion may be put beneath your belly and between your knees to assist relieve this weight and discomfort, as well as to help avoid back pain and sciatica as your pregnancy advances and your bump expands.
You may, of course, put a regular cushion between your knees and behind your back, but a pregnant pillow was the finest investment I made when I was expecting my first child — and I still miss it!
6. Frequently asked questions
- How do you sleep while pregnant with a body pillow?
Some mothers may choose to sleep with a conventional body pillow rather than a U or C-shaped pregnancy cushion. Those in their third trimester, on the other hand, may discover that a regular body pillow does not give adequate tailored support for their increasing bulge.
Those seeking relief from lower back or hip discomfort, on the other hand, can lay a body pillow between their knees or behind their back for more support.
- When is the best time to start using a pregnant pillow?
Around 20 weeks, your womb begins to grow, your tummy expands, and you’ll probably want to use a pregnant cushion to reduce strain.
That being stated, you are allowed to begin utilizing a pregnant cushion whenever you choose! In fact, first-trimester mothers may wish to utilize the first 12 weeks to get accustomed to their new maternity cushion.
- When you’re pregnant, why do you place a cushion between your legs?
Women are urged to sleep on their sides entirely in the later stages of pregnancy. When sleeping on your side, place a cushion between your legs and/or behind your bump to reduce strain on your hips and lower back while also aligning your spine.
