If you’ve been shopping for a pregnancy pillow, you’ll know that they come in a wide range of odd-looking options from short wedge-style pieces to extra-long C-shaped or U-shaped designs. Moms are always asking us which style is best.
The truth is, they’re all great! But not every pregnancy pillow works for every woman. Some are designed to help relieve back pain, while others support a side sleeper’s belly bump. Some fit better for tall mamas, while others are best suited for shorter women.
We’ve studied the various pregnancy pillow styles to help you narrow down which style will be best for you. And we’ve sought out answers to all your questions about pregnancy pillows.
We’ve also rounded up the best pregnancy pillows and outlined the pros and cons of each, so you can finally take a huge step toward getting some much-needed sleep.
- Hypoallergenic
- 100-night sleep guarantee
- Machine washable
- Cooler than a full-size pillow
- Inexpensive
- Has different firmness on either side
- Very supportive
- Replacement covers are available
- Made of cotton
- Suitable for all body types
- Offers more support
- Designed for pregnancy
- Affordable
- Not too bulky
- Has a removable cover
- Small
- Inexpensive
- Has a zipper outer cover
- Versatile
- Made in the U.S.
- Machine washable
- Doesn't make noise when shifting
- It is extra long
- With a removable cover
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Machine washable removable cover
- Long-term usage
- Sleep on your stomach safely
- Doubles as a pool float
- Comes in several colors
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we understand the importance of finding the perfect pregnancy pillow for you. Our team of professionals conducts in-depth research, analysis, and hands-on evaluations of various pregnancy pillow options to provide you with the most accurate and reliable information. We compare key factors such as design, comfort, size, and materials, as well as the overall performance of the pillows. Our assessment takes into consideration the user experience, quantitative measurements, and evidence-backed findings to identify the best pregnancy pillows that stand apart from their competitors. We also discuss the design choices and their effects on users, ensuring that our suggestions are based on real-life experiences and practical criteria. Trust Mom Loves Best to help you make an informed decision on choosing the ideal pregnancy pillow, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
The Best Pregnancy Pillow of 2024
Here are the top ten pregnancy pillows on the market.
Coop Memory Foam Pregnancy Body Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Side Sleepers
You don’t want any more heat-trapping insulation than you already have when you’re pregnant. If you’re a seasoned side-sleeper, you probably won’t need the additional pillow support in the back to keep you from rolling over, so this straight pregnancy body pillow should do the trick.
At 54 inches long, it will fit most women from their head to their knees. Though it’s made with memory foam so it won’t go flat, it also has cooling technology to help you from overheating. And since it’s not exceptionally bulky, you may find you love it so much you continue to use it after pregnancy, too.
Unlike many memory foam products, this is fully machine washable. And though it comes with a removable cover for separate washing, since it’s a standard pillow shape, you can probably find additional covers that will fit it to match the decor in your bedroom.
The pillow is made with Certi-PUR foam, which means they limit harmful emissions during the production process and it lacks many harmful irritants. Plus, they are hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, making them an excellent choice for anyone with sensitivities or allergies.
What makes this pillow even better is that it comes with a 100-night sleep guarantee. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, you can return the pillow and get a full refund — no questions asked.
Pros
- It’s hypoallergenic.
- It will not cause you to overheat.
- It’s machine washable.
Cons
- Not designed specifically for pregnancy.
- Not as flexible as some other options.
- You cannot wrap it around your whole body
Our Ratings
User Experience
Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge
Best Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
A wedge is a fantastic pregnancy pillow option to get the support you need without all the bulk and heat-trapping insulation.
This pregnancy wedge pillow is two-sided and made of foam with different densities, meaning you can find the support that best fits your needs in this one product. This is different from other wedge pillows which are one-size-fits-all and don’t have differing levels of support.
The wedge shape also allows you to put it as far under your belly as you need, unlike most other pregnancy pillows which have a one-size-fits-all place to support your bump.
The foam has a ventilating layer to promote airflow, helping to keep you cool during the night. And the removable cover is made of a super-soft plush velboa fabric, making it incredibly comfortable.
The grade of the slope is not super steep, so it offers gentle support under your belly, behind your back, or between your knees. However, it may not be ideal for knee and hip support, so if this is your primary issue, you may want to consider another product designed specifically for that purpose.
Used under your belly, it can reduce pressure on your lower back and even help reduce swelling.
Because it is compact, it is convenient for traveling — in fact, it even comes with its own travel case. It also takes up less space in your bed, helping to ease some of your major discomforts without the bulk of a full-size body or pregnancy pillow.
Pros
- It is cooler than a full-size pillow.
- It is inexpensive.
- It has different levels of firmness on either side.
Cons
- It does not offer back support.
- It is not ideal for use between the knees.
- The foam does not appear to be machine washable.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Meiz Premium Pregnancy Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Pain
This deluxe pillow cradles your whole body so you can enjoy support exactly where you need it. Its U-shaped design supports your head, neck, belly, knees, hips, and all along your back.
While primarily intended for sleeping, this pillow is also versatile. It can be used to comfortably prop yourself up while reading in bed, recline while watching television, or elevate your baby while nursing.
You can even enjoy it when you’re not pregnant, but since it was designed specifically with your baby bump in mind, it includes belly support.
It is made of natural materials, with cotton filling and a removable, washable cotton cover. Cotton tends to be more breathable than materials like foam, so it may be less likely to make you overheat than other pillows.
To wash the pillow itself, you will likely need a large-capacity washer, due to its size. Even though it is a unique size and shape, replacement covers are available for purchase.
The pillow comes with additional tips on maximizing the pillow’s support and includes a money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can request a refund within the first 30 days.
Pros
- It is very supportive.
- Replacement covers are available.
- It is made of cotton.
Cons
- It is very large.
- It may not be machine washable.
- It may compress over time.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pregnancy Pillow
Best Plus-Size Pregnancy Pillow
This uniquely-shaped pillow combines the flexibility of a C-shaped pregnancy pillow with the customization of a flexible pregnancy pillow.
You can use the top to either cradle your head or incline your torso if used underneath a traditional pillow. The bottom curve lets you prop your knees up and keep your hips in alignment.
The long edge can run along your back and offer extra support, or you can use it to prop up your belly and snuggle up against it. Because it is open-ended on one side, it will accommodate many different body types.
It has a removable, washable cover made of a jersey knit material for extra softness. It is filled with regular, fluffy pillow filler that makes it very comfy but may compress over time. But it is also machine washable,, like a regular pillow, for occasional deep cleaning.
Pros
- It is suitable for all body types.
- It offers more support than a regular body pillow.
- It is designed for pregnancy.
Cons
- It may add extra heat.
- It may compress over time.
- It is bulky.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
ComfySure Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
Best Budget Pregnancy Pillow
Is it possible to get quality and affordability? With this pregnancy pillow, you don’t have to compromise.
The “C” shape offers you the same custom support as some of the more expensive pillows on the market. You don’t even have to worry about sensitivities since it is crafted with hypoallergenic materials. The materials are 100% polyester.
This pillow is completely machine washable if you have a large enough washing machine. If you don’t, there is a removable cover that you can wash instead.
The pillow is 56 inches in length, so it will work for women of any stature. And since it’s just over two feet wide, it won’t take up the whole bed — leaving plenty of room for your partner.
It is versatile, meaning you can use it to position yourself for more than just nighttime sleeping, and you may even find it helpful during the postpartum period. Down the road, you may want to get it out of storage if you start to develop hip or back pain. Your husband just might steal it from you if he suffers from the same afflictions.
Unfortunately, you cannot purchase additional covers you can purchaseize your pillow’s look.
Pros
- It’s affordable.
- It’s not too bulky.
- It has a removable cover.
Cons
- It’s made of polyester — not natural materials.
- The filler may compress over time.
- You cannot purchase decorative covers.
Our Ratings
User Experience
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Hip Pain
If hip pain is your primary complaint, you may not need a full-size pillow to add extra bulk and heat to your bed. A single pillow between your knees to keep your hips parallel may do the trick.
This ergonomic pillow will do just that, keeping your knees, hips, and spine in proper alignment. It also helps improve leg circulation.
It is made of firm, high-density memory foam, so it won’t flatten over time and will offer long-term support while sleeping.
The zippered outer cover makes cleaning a breeze, and its small design makes it easy to take along if you’re traveling.
One drawback is that the pillow itself is not machine washable, only the cover. And since it’s ergonomically designed for use between the knees, it’s not practical to use as a support pillow on other parts of your body.
Pros
- The smaller size makes it easy to store and transport.
- It is inexpensive.
- Removable outer cover is washable.
Cons
- It does not offer full-body support.
- It is a single-use item.
- The foam isn’t machine washable.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Moonlight Slumber Total Body Support Pregnancy Pillow
Best Pregnancy Body Pillow
This versatile pillow provides total customizable support for anybody — pregnant or not. It wraps completely around your body and is moldable enough to help you form it into the proper shape and position to keep you comfortable.
It keeps your neck, shoulders, spine, and pelvis in alignment to minimize neck, back, and hip pain.
The filling is made of synthetic down, which means it is also hypoallergenic and odorless. It is completely machine washable, though it may be difficult to wash it at home depending on the size of your washing machine. For more frequent washing, you can remove the zippered outer cover and wash it instead.
The filling maximizes airflow to help keep you from overheating and will hold its shape over time, not clumping like some other pillow fillers.
The pillow weighs a whopping 10 pounds, which is a testament to both its heft and functionality. But that also means it may be difficult for you to move it from room to room, and it might be too bulky for use post-baby if you want to continue sleeping in the same bed as your partner.
This pillow was made in the U.S., and the fabric and materials were also domestically sourced.
Pros
- Versatile design can be used for several purposes.
- Made in the U.S.
- It’s machine washable.
Cons
- Heavy pillow may be hard to cart around.
- More expensive than a lot of other options.
- It is bulky.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Queen Rose Pregnancy Body Pillow
Best for Tall Women
This pillow is great for both pregnant and non-pregnant use. That means it doesn’t have specific cutouts to accommodate your belly, but since it is both large and flexible, you can adjust it to provide the support exactly where you need it.
This pillow is extra long — over five feet in length on either side — so it’s ideal for a tall woman or someone with a long torso.
The filling is a high-density Bionic Polyethylene which offers the support of traditional pillow filler. It is hypoallergenic and does not emit a scent. Because it is a soft filler, it is silent when you shift at night and will not disturb you.
While the pillow itself is not washable, it comes with a machine-washable cover.
The pillow weighs about seven pounds, and its bulk and weight contribute to its ability to support your growing body in just the right places. However, because of its size, it will be challenging to take with you if you travel during your pregnancy.
Pros
- It does not make noise when shifting.
- It is extra long.
- It has a removable cover.
Cons
- Pillow is pretty flat upon unboxing but can be fluffed with some effort.
- The fabric can feel hot on warmer nights.
- It may compress over time.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Restorology C-Shaped Maternity Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Petite Women
Though this pillow was initially designed for use during pregnancy, it can offer support and comfort to anyone. This extends the life of the product, making it even more worth the expense.
It helps relieve common pregnancy discomforts such as sciatica, heartburn, lower back pain, and hip discomfort.
Because it is a “C” shape and flexible, you can bend it to fit your body. And because it’s not exceptionally long, it won’t overwhelm your body if you’re shorter.
The pillow’s design eliminates the need for additional pillows that can take up room in your bed, including a head pillow, a pillow between your knees, and other supportive pillows. It is not as big and bulky as some other options, so your partner will still have enough space in your bed.
This pillow also comes with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy, contact the company for a full refund within the first 30 days.
Pros
- It comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
- Great for sciatica, heartburn, back and hip pain.
- You can use it long-term when you’re not pregnant.
Cons
- It’s hard to get the pillowcase in place.
- It is not ideal for taller women.
- It does not offer support to both front and back simultaneously.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Holo Inflatable Maternity Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
This inflatable air mattress comes in three fun colors and has an ingenious hole in the middle to accommodate your growing belly.
Not only can it help you sleep, but it’s also easily portable, weighing under three pounds, so you can take it with you anywhere. If you’re headed out of town, getting a prenatal massage, or planning a trip to the pool, this maternity pillow can travel with you. It’s even engineered for water use so you can get in on all the sunbathing action.
This unique pillow can help alleviate some of the common pregnancy discomforts, including round ligament pain, heartburn, rib discomfort, and lower back pain. It may even help your baby get into the proper birthing position.
Because this product is inflatable and does not come with a pump, you will need to supply one on your own. It should not be used on top of your regular mattress and does not provide the same level of support as a foam mattress provides. It can also be prone to leaks if damaged.
Because it is made out of a waterproof material, much like a regular pool float, your skin may stick to it, so using additional bedding is advised.
Pros
- It can help you sleep on your stomach safely.
- It doubles as a pool float.
- It comes in several colors.
Cons
- It must be inflated.
- It may not work for tall women.
- You still need a separate pillow and bedding.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Why Do You Need a Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow is a large, specially-engineered pillow designed to cradle your pregnant body to facilitate better sleep and comfort. It offers you support in places to prevent muscle strain and helps to reduce pressure points.
As amazing as it is, growing a baby puts an incredible amount of stress on your body. Even in your most relaxed position, you can still feel extreme discomfort, making sleep difficult.
When you’re pregnant, you are limited in the number of sleep positions you can enjoy. You can no longer sleep on your stomach due to your bulging belly. And you can’t sleep on your back, as your uterus will put pressure on the vena cava, a major blood vessel (1). Even side sleepers are afflicted with limited sleep positions while pregnant since doctors encourage you to sleep on your left side to maximize blood flow to your baby.
That’s where the pregnancy body pillow comes in handy. Pregnancy pillows provide support to your back, knees, or belly — and some to all of the above.
Types of Pregnancy Pillows
There are several different types of pregnancy pillows to choose from.
Wedge
A wedge pillow is a tapered piece of foam most frequently used under your belly to offer support, allowing you to sleep on your side more comfortably.
You can also use a wedge pillow when lying on your back to prevent you from rolling over if you’re prone to back sleeping, or under your head pillow to elevate your upper body. Even after your pregnancy, you might find yourself propping your wedge pillow under your upper body when you have a cold.
It’s usually made of much firmer material than traditional pillows because it is designed to be a supportive piece rather than a standalone pillow.
Pros
- It is inexpensive.
- It takes up less room in your bed.
- It is portable for travel.
Cons
- It does not provide full-body support.
- You may need additional pillows.
- The severity of the wedge varies by brand and is not adjustable.
To use a pregnancy wedge pillow, simply place it under your belly to offer support while you’re sleeping. You may also use it under your pillow to elevate your torso if you have trouble with heartburn or shortness of breath.
Body Pillow
Body pillows have gained popularity with the general population, not just during pregnancy, because of how they help increase your comfort. These look like extra-long regular pillows and offer support from your head to your knees.
Pros
- It does not take up a lot of space.
- It is an inexpensive option.
- It is versatile for use post-pregnancy.
Cons
- It does not offer back support.
- It is not flexible.
- It does not offer under-belly support.
To use a straight pillow, place it along your side and snuggle up against it — much like you would if you were snuggling with your partner. Most women find it comfortable to place their top knee over the pillow to keep their hips parallel.
Flexible Pillow
A flexible pillow functions much like a straight body pillow, except it’s more adjustable for your comfort.
Because of this, the fill is often different than what’s used in a regular pillow, and it could make noise when you shift at night.
Snuggle against your flexible pillow much like you would your partner. Tilt the top inward to function as a regular head pillow, and bend the bottom between your knees to keep your hips parallel.
Pros
- It is flexible, so you can customize your comfort.
- It does not take up as much room in the bed as other pillows.
- You may not need any other support.
Cons
- It could be noisy due to the filler.
- They may be expensive.
- It does not offer back support.
C-Shaped Pillow
Some pillows are shaped like the letter “C” and can completely replace your need for any other supportive pillows. One end cradles your head, and the pillow curves to run down along your back and then between your knees to keep your hips parallel.
While some women may prefer to face the long edge of the pillow, most women let it run along their back to offer support and keep them from shifting around throughout the night. The larger end of the “C” — if they are of differing sizes — goes under your head, while the smaller end goes between your knees.
Pros
- It offers whole-body support.
- It is designed specifically for pregnancy comfort.
- You do not need to use a regular pillow.
Cons
- It may cause you to feel hot.
- It is bulky.
- It is pricier.
U-Shaped Pillow
A U-shaped pregnancy pillow resembles two full-length body pillows that are connected in the middle. They offer support along both your front and back, keeping you in position and cradling your body wherever you need it. They also offer support for your head and neck and between your knees.
While it offers the maximum support, it may be more than some women need.
Pros
- It offers unparalleled support.
- It can help you achieve maximum comfort.
- You do not need a regular pillow.
Cons
- It can insulate you and make you hot.
- It is a single-use item — not practical for use when you’re not pregnant.
- It takes up a lot of space in the bed.
To use a U-shaped pregnancy pillow, place the bottom of the “U” between your knees to keep your hips parallel. One side of the “U” will run up your body along your back, while the other end runs along your front.
Use the top of the portion that runs along the front to cradle your head. Or, you can use the bottom of the “U” in place of your regular pillow and allow each side to run parallel to your body. You could then snuggle up against one side and place your knee on top of it to provide support.
Inflatable Pillow
Inflatable pregnancy pillows were designed for the die-hard stomach sleeper. It resembles a single-sized blow-up air mattress or pool float, but with a hole in the middle to accommodate your belly.
You can use it for sleeping flat on your belly or for those who enjoy side sleeping and tend to lean toward their stomach, putting pressure on their belly.
It also helps relieve pressure on your legs and back.
Pros
- It allows a stomach sleep position while pregnant.
- It is portable.
- It helps relieve back and leg pain.
Cons
- You cannot use it in bed.
- It doesn’t keep the hips parallel for side sleeping.
- It may not work well for women with a long torso.
To use an inflatable pillow, inflate it and place it on the ground. Make adjustments to the firmness of the air chambers to customize it to your size and comfort level. You may be more comfortable if you use an additional pillow for your head.
How to Choose a Pregnancy Pillow
If you’ve decided to buy a pregnancy pillow, keep the following things in mind:
Your Primary Sleep Complaints
What are your primary physical complaints? Do you struggle to get comfortable in general, or do you need your stomach and knees propped up? Choose a pregnancy pillow that will help meet your specific needs — don’t just pick the one your bestie chose because it was right for her body.
If you’re not sure exactly what will help, try to prop several pillows at different pressure points on your body. See what feels best, and opt for a pregnancy pillow that will mimic your collection.
The Fill Material
Pregnancy pillows are made of different types of material.
These include:
- Regular pillow fill/fluff.
- Styrofoam beads, similar to what’s used in a bean bag chair.
- Shredded foam or memory foam.
- Micro-beads.
They all have different qualities they bring to the table. Memory foam holds its shape but can be hot. Regular pillow fill is affordable but may compress over time.
Styrofoam beads are inexpensive but make noise when they shift. Microbeads are quiet but don’t rebound quite like a regular pillow. Choose the material that best meets your needs and offers the right support for you.
Your Bed Size
Some pillows are very bulky. If you plan to continue sleeping in a bed with your spouse, then consider the size of your bed.
If you’ve got a California King, you can probably pick from the whole list of options. But if you’re snuggled up in a full-sized bed, you might need to choose something more compact.
Your Height
Pregnancy pillows come in varying lengths. If you have a long torso or are exceptionally tall, look for something long enough if you’re hoping to support both your head and your knees.
Washable Cover
Depending on the size of your pillow, you may or may not be able to pop it in your washing machine. But you definitely want to be able to wash the pillow cover. Since pregnancy pillows come in unique shapes and sizes, you’re not going to be able to buy a generic cover off the shelf.
So unless you’ve got some mad sewing skills, make sure the pillow you choose has a removable cover that can go in the washing machine.
FAQs
What Week Should You Start Sleeping With a Pregnancy Pillow?
You should start sleeping with a pregnancy pillow whenever you feel the need for it, usually around the 20th week when your belly starts to expand significantly. This can help provide support and alleviate discomfort.
Can You Put a Pillow Between Your Legs When Pregnant?
Absolutely, a pillow between your legs can help keep your kips aligned and reduce lower back pain. Many pregnancy pillows are designed to support multiple areas, including your belly and legs.
Should I Sleep With a Pillow Under My Belly While Pregnant?
A pillow under your belly can help support your growing uterus and relieve back pain. It’s a personal choice and depends on what makes you feel comfortable.
Is a C-shaped or U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow Better?
Both types of pillows have their benefits. A U-shaped pillow offers support on both sides, which can be beneficial if you toss and turn at night. A C-shaped pillow, on the other hand, provides targeted support and can be easier to move around.
What are the Benefits of a V-Shaped Pillow?
A V-shaped pillow provides good support for the neck and can also be used for back or hip support when you’re sitting up or lying down. It’s versatile but may not offer the same full-body support as C or U-shaped pillows.
How Many Pillows Should You Sleep With When Pregnant?
This depends on your comfort. Some pregnant women find a single pregnancy pillow sufficient, while others use additional pillows for back support, between the knees, or under the abdomen. Experiment to see what works best for you.
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best pregnancy pillow is the Coop Memory Foam Body Pillow. It is made of ultra-supportive shredded memory foam, so it will maintain its firmness and support, while still having cooling technology to prevent you from overheating.
It offers full-body support to keep your spine in alignment and relieve common pregnancy discomforts, but it is not exceptionally bulky in your bed since it is a simple straight pillow design. You may even find yourself continuing to use it post-pregnancy as it’s so comfortable.
