The Best Pregnancy Pillow of 2021 – Comfort You Deserve

The most glorious times in a woman’s life is when she’s expecting a baby. Even so, this can also be quite challenging as your body undergoes so many changes during the 40 weeks before your baby arrives. 

Aside from gaining weight, most pregnant women endure morning sickness, back aches, overwhelming fatigue, heartburn and a whole lot more. It also becomes more and more difficult to get a good night’s sleep as their tummy grows. A standard pillow may be okay at first, but it cannot provide the relaxation and support needed throughout the pregnancy. Pillow manufacturers recognized the need for a special pillow designed to meet the needs of pregnant women. 

As a result, pregnancy pillows have been developed in many different shapes and sizes and they’re all designed to help pregnant women get as comfortable as possible in bed. They provide the support you need for your back, growing belly, hips, and legs while relieving pain and discomfort so that you can get the sleep you need during this crucial time. Also, as the months go by a pregnancy body pillow will help you adjust comfortably to your ever-changing sleep positions. 

To help you select the best pregnancy pillow for you, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the very best pregnancy pillows in a variety of categories. In reviewing these maternity body pillows, we’ve kept your specific needs in mind while considering other factors like size, shape, type of material, brand and affordability. 

Okay, let’s get started!

The Best Pregnancy Pillows 

Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity Pillow Review

Leachco has set a standard years ago with their innovative design and comfort and emerged as one of the most popular brands when it comes to pregnancy pillows. Originally conceived by a registered nurse who is also a mother, the Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity Pillow supports the neck, tummy, back, and hips simultaneously. Its unique shape allows it to be folded, twisted around, or reversed to fit a variety of support needs, making this the best pregnancy body pillow currently available on the market.

This C-shaped pillow comes with a cotton-polyester cover, and the entire polyfill pillow is machine washable. Additional removable zippered covers are also available if you want to replace the original with a color that better matches your décor.

The Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity Pillow measures 60” x 25” x 7” and works well for all stages of pregnancy. Once the baby is born, it provides upright support for relaxing while nursing the baby. The higher loft (thickness) gives your head and neck the support they need when you sleep on your side, while its innovative shape supports your entire body. This is also a very popular product for people recovering from surgery or an injury who needs to hold their body in a certain position while relaxing.

PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow Review

PharMeDoc specializes in producing orthopedic pillows and other products for the wellness and fitness market. Their collection of maternity body pillows was developed to provide overall body comfort while keeping the spine properly aligned. The PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow measures 57” x 30” x 7” and is totally adjustable so it can be used throughout your pregnancy and afterward.

Its symmetrical shape allows you to fold it for a lounging surface, and the wider, low loft gives you the ability to form a cozy “nest” to support your back and belly. The long body pillow provides more surface length for head, neck, leg, and hip support. It comes with a removable zippered machine-washable cotton jersey cover for a nice soft cool sleeping surface.

Designed specifically for pregnant women, the PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow also works well for anyone needing back and hip support during the night, as well as pain relief. The unique shape provides optimum sleep posture for a good night’s sleep. The shape and cover are very unisex in nature as well, which makes it a great choice for both genders. This product comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

QUEEN ROSE Pregnancy Pillow Review

QUEEN ROSE is known for their incredibly comfortable pillows, especially for pregnant women. Their QUEEN ROSE Pregnancy Pillow has a U shape that has been specifically designed to support the back, joints, and growing belly of expectant mothers. It’s also very helpful to those suffering from sciatica and recovering from an injury.

This pillow’s full-body design is particularly versatile as it can be used for a wide variety of needs. You can fold it for relaxing, you can wrap it around to support an arm while nursing and configure it in any number of ways to help you get a good night’s sleep. It comes with a removable zippered cover that is machine washable for easy cleaning. There are two cover choices: a pink and blue dual-sided cover or a gray fleece cover.

The QUEEN ROSE Pregnancy Pillow also works well for anyone seeking support while they recover from an injury or surgery and need to remain in a certain position. It does have a plush feel and higher loft than a lot of other models but still offers good cradling support by allowing you to sink in as needed. You can totally relax into this pillow without straining your back or putting unnecessary pressure on your joints. The QUEEN ROSE comes with a 90-day money-back or exchange guarantee if you’re dissatisfied with the product.

Boppy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow Review

The Boppy brand is known for producing a wide range of top-quality products for both mothers and babies. Their products can be found at many different retailers at surprisingly affordable prices, considering the quality and functionality. Their Boppy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow may not look impressive; however, it offers amazing support and versatility to help you get the sleep you need. It comes with a removable, machine-washable soft jersey cover in a neutral color to blend with your décor. The maternity wedge is a firm, lightweight, portable cushion that can easily be positioned for optimum comfort.

The Boppy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow was developed to provide expectant mothers with excellent belly support. This is a 4” tall tapered foam wedge pillow, firm enough to support the weight of a large pregnant belly to relieve the pressure and strain affecting the back and hips. With this product, your soft tissues and muscles can fully relax, your spine will be properly aligned, and you will maintain healthy blood flow throughout your entire body. You can also use it to comfortably lay back on or in sitting positions for contouring support that molds to the arches and curves of your back, which often becomes more pronounced during pregnancy.

The compact size of this wedge works well for expectant moms who do not want a bulky pillow but still need the proper support to get a good night’s sleep. The Boppy wedge can be very helpful throughout your pregnancy, but especially in the last trimester, as your belly becomes heavier, and it’s even more difficult to get comfortable in bed. Compact design saves space in your bed and also makes a great travel companion.

Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow Review

The Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is a perfect option for expectant mothers who need support in a specific area and want a smaller pillow. Because one side has soft memory foam, and the opposite side is firm foam, you have both options at your fingertips. With proper support for your growing belly, you can reduce the swelling in your hands, arms, legs, and feet while relieving the muscle tension in your back, resulting from stress. The Hiccapop will provide perfect support when placed behind your back, under your belly, or between your legs to help you relax and sleep more comfortably.

This pillow’s compact size makes it great for travel, especially since it comes with its own carrying case. Rather than being forced to travel with a bulky full-body pillow, the Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow is very portable. It’s also a very healthy option since its the foam has the CertiPUR-US Certification, so it contains no PBDEs, TCEP or TDCPP flame retardants, CFCs, formaldehyde, heavy metals, lead, mercury or phthalates regulated by CPC and CPSC for health and safety. This product has been extensively tested, not only for durability but performance and emissions as well.

The Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow comes with a removable cover made of plushy soft velboa fabric, which is durable and machine washable. The foam filling is perforated for increased breathability and airflow, which is great for women who tend to get hot during the night. Hiccapop also offers a lifetime guarantee, which is virtually unheard of when it comes to pregnancy pillows.

Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow Review

If you’re looking for a maternity pillow for a wide variety of uses, then you can’t beat the Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow, from the same company that produces a wildly popular nursing pillow. This small pillow is shaped like a teardrop and fits comfortably between the knees or wrapped around the back or belly for added support. It can also be used anywhere for extra support and as a comfortable backrest.

The zippered removable cover is made of an ultra-soft cotton jersey knit that can be tossed in a washing machine so you can easily keep it clean. The Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow comes in a white and grey trellis pattern that fits well in just about any décor. Because of its small size, it takes up hardly any space in your bed.

Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow Review

The Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow is made up of two separate cushions sewn together with a thick cloth band. The two cushions are fiber filled with 100% virgin polyester. Compact and affordable, the pillow effectively supports your body in a variety of positions, allowing you to configure it wherever needed.

Like the Pregnancy Wedge by Boppy, this pillow is compact, so it doesn’t take up much space in the bed and makes a great travel companion. It’s been specifically designed for side sleeping, which works best for women during the final months of their pregnancy. It provides the belly support you need when placed by your legs under your belly, and a stretchy panel will accommodate your belly as it grows. This versatility makes it especially practical, as sometimes different areas are sore or ache.

The entire pillow is machine washable, which makes it easier to keep it clean, with a removable plushy soft knit cover made of cotton, wool, and various synthetic fibers. The Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow is not a full-body maternity pillow, but it provides a lot of comfort and support for pregnant women, compared to a standard pillow.

Leachco Pregnancy Contoured Body Pillow Review

The Leachco Pregnancy Contoured Body Pillow supports the back and belly at the same time. It has an inner curved shape like an hourglass to keep the spine and hips properly aligned.

The separation in the middle allows the user to stack both ends for twice the support wherever it’s most needed - your upper or lower body or under your head to relieve heartburn, which is very common during pregnancy. This product is not machine washable, and it weighs 7 lbs., so it’s fairly heavy and doesn’t move around very easily.

Mommy Matters Portable Dual Density Foam Pillow Review

Pregnancy involves many physical challenges, and the Mommy Matters Portable Dual Density Foam Pillow can sure help you combat them. This is primarily a back-support pillow that you can use at home on the couch or on your office chair for backache relief. This innovative design was invented by an OB/GYN and has a removable hot/cold gel pack that you can insert when needed to treat sore muscles.

Made of dual-density memory foam, the Mommy Matters Portable Dual Density Foam Pillow has an ultra-soft removable, machine-washable cover that can easily be kept clean. For instant pain relief, slip it behind your neck or lower back while seated at your desk or at home on the sofa. To release muscle tension when lying down, place it between your knees or under your tummy. A portion of the profits from this product goes to a nonprofit that helps mothers in need across the world.

Why So Many Women Across the World Use a Pregnancy Pillow

Pregnant women have a variety of physical needs that they don’t experience otherwise. The additional belly weight increases the strain, not only on your back but your joints as well. As your tummy grows, it becomes harder and harder to get comfortable in bed, especially since you’re supposed to sleep on your side for safety reasons. 

Pregnancy pillows help expectant mothers get sufficiently comfortable to fully relax so they can get the sleep they need throughout their pregnancy. Some women make do with standard bed pillows, but for a lot of women, standard pillows just don’t give them the support they need. The truth is you’re going to need more cushioning in several different areas, starting with your belly. You’re also going to suffer back and hip strain and need extra cushioning in those areas as well. It makes no sense to stuff who knows how many pillows around your body every night just to get comfortable. The best pregnancy pillows for many women support their entire body with enough firmness to elevate certain areas when needed. 

Pregnancy body pillows are designed to meet the physical needs of a pregnant woman’s body, which means they are longer in length to support the entire body. A good maternity body pillow supports the head, neck, upper and lower back, the growing tummy, hips and legs. 

They come in a wide variety of shapes, with many curved to perform certain functions. For Example, a U-shaped body pillow is made to wrap around the entire body, supporting the front and back equally. Smaller wedge-shaped pillows are specifically sloped to either support the belly or an aching lower back. 

When to Start Using a Pregnancy Pillow

You can start using a pregnancy pillow anytime you begin feeling a little uncomfortable and need some additional support due to your changing body. 

Most pregnant women realize that they need a pregnancy pillow once they start their second trimester. This is when they begin feeling the increasing weight and expanding shape of their belly. This is when the need for additional support becomes clear. 

But that’s not to say that they’re aren’t other times when you could certainly use the extra support and comfort that a pregnancy pillow can offer. For example, once you’ve had the baby you might get a lot of use out of your pregnancy pillow when nursing your baby or as your body heals from the delivery.

Many women find that their pregnancy pillow offers just the support they need when breastfeeding. They place the pillow on their lap for the baby to rest on or to help support them when holding the baby. You may even continue using your pregnancy pillow to keep you comfortable while sleeping because you’re now used to it, which is perfectly okay. 

The whole point of having a pregnancy pillow is to provide added comfort. If it helps you sleep better, of course you should use it. With a new baby to take care of you’ll need your sleep. 

Pregnancy Pillows Offer Many Benefits

Props Up Your Growing Tummy

The muscles that run along your torso become stretched during pregnancy due to your belly weight. This leads to lower back pain. When you place a pregnancy pillow beneath your tummy it helps elevate it so that the overall stress on your body is reduced as well as your lower back pain. 

Provides Overall Body Support

Many pregnant women need several pillows to help them get comfortable in bed, but even this can prove inadequate as their tummy grows. A good pregnancy body pillow can effectively support her entire body throughout the pregnancy. They support the head, neck, shoulders, back, tummy, hips, legs and etc. This is essential because it relieves the additional stress that the extra weight puts on the joints and back. The support the maternity body pillow provides lets you sleep more comfortably throughout the night.

More Stability While Sleeping 

If you tend to frequently change positions while sleeping, a good pregnancy pillow can help you stabilize your sleep position, so you don’t move around as much. The best pregnancy pillows are specifically designed 

Helps Adjustment to New Sleep Position

If you are trying to get used to a new sleep position, perhaps switching to sleeping on your side, a pregnancy body pillow can be a big help. Allowing your body to conform to the pillow’s unusual shape helps muscle memory to retain that position, associating it with comfort and support. This will make it easier for you to sleep in that position, even when you’re not using the pregnancy pillow. 

Provides Comfort

Pregnancy pillows are specifically designed for a woman’s pregnant body. Four or five smaller pillows can be used to cushion you comfortably in bed, but you’ll find yourself continually readjusting them. And this many pillows aren’t easy for you to move around unless you’re fully awake. A pregnancy pillow can be readjusted quite easily, so you can sleep more easily through the night. 

Relieves Pregnancy Pains

The overwhelming majority of women experience severe pain at times during their pregnancy. They have no choice but to carry around all that excess weight, which puts stress on their back, legs and joints. Regular use of a good maternity body pillow can ease a lot of that pain. Once you lie down and wrap your body around the pillow, you’ll begin to relax, and the pain will subside. 

Can Combat Allergic Reactions

Being pregnant is not easy and it can be even more difficult for women who suffer from allergies. The best pregnancy pillows are made of hypoallergenic materials. So, if you routinely wake up during the night sneezing and/or blowing your nose, you can get relief by using a hypoallergenic pregnancy pillow. You will not only be a lot more comfortable you’ll also get the support you need where you need it and sleep through the night more easily. 

Heartburn Relief

Heartburn is a huge annoyance for many women when they’re pregnant. A good pregnancy pillow can elevate your upper body sufficiently to prevent stomach acids from flowing back into your esophagus, which is what causes heartburn. 

Not Just for When You’re Pregnant

After using a pregnancy body pillow throughout their pregnancy, many women continue using theirs long after they’ve given birth. It’s a big help for nursing mothers because it can prop up the baby and cradle it at the same time. Once you’ve enjoyed the comfort that a full-body pregnancy pillow can offer it’s hard to give it up. 

Sleep Position During Pregnancy

Women who routinely sleep on their stomach won’t be able to continue that for very long into their pregnancy. Back sleepers may also become uncomfortable as the pregnancy moves along, and both may end up trying to sleep on their sides to better support their growing bellies. The fact is that sleeping on your side may still not give you the support you need when you’re pregnant, forcing you to seek help. A good pregnancy pillow can definitely help. 

Your comfort depends upon your specific needs and preferences. In looking for the right pregnancy pillow, you should focus on what will relieve the stresses you’re beginning to feel on various parts of your body. 

Needs of Back Sleepers

Anyone who sleeps on their back should make sure their head and neck are properly aligned with the rest of their spine. A thinner pillow can allow this, but as your tummy begins to swell, and you begin sleeping on your side to shift the weight, you may start feeling pain in your lower back, which can be helped by switching to a slightly thicker pillow. 

Most pregnant women complain about back pain and the physical stress on their body due to the never- ending pressure as their body reshapes itself to accommodate their growing belly. Therefore, it is vital to sleep in such a way that their back can get the rest it needs during the night. 

As mentioned earlier, it is important that the head and upper body be elevated a bit when you start getting heartburn. This is when you can benefit from a pregnancy pillow with sufficient loft to support your head, neck, shoulders and lower back so that when you lay back to relax, your spine stays straight. 

Needs of Side Sleepers

No matter how you usually sleep, as your pregnancy progresses and your stomach becomes larger and heavier, you will likely be forced to sleep on your side just to get comfortable. Most pregnant women say this is inevitable and the best pregnancy pillows are designed to keep you comfortable so you can get a good night’s sleep on your side. 

Medical experts recommend sleeping on your left side because this better facilitates blood flow and vital nutrients to the placenta, which then reach the baby. Sleeping on either side can also relieve back pain, something most pregnant women complain about. As the pregnancy progresses, a lot of women get heartburn. Sleeping in any position that puts your head on the same level as the rest of your body will exacerbate your heartburn. The solution is a pregnancy pillow that raises your head and upper body while you sleep.  

Placing pillows under your neck, between your legs, and around your lower back can help align the spine. A good full-body pregnancy pillow can help because it will allow you to naturally roll into a more relaxed sleeping position, so you can get the sleep you need. 

Sleeping on your side during pregnancy may work well until the last month or two when the weight of your growing baby starts pulling downwards and puts a lot of strain on your back. You may also find it uncomfortable to have your legs positioned in the same way they’ve always been. A pregnancy pillow can help by giving you complete belly support. You can even place it between your legs to keep you more comfortable and if needed, it can be used for back support. 

When you’re comfortable and getting the support you need, your body is better able to stay aligned for optimum blood flow and a good night’s sleep. 

Pregnancy Pillows Come in a Variety of Types

There are many different shapes and sizes of pregnancy pillows and a variety of different fillings as well. After one or two pregnancies, you may start realizing that a certain type of pillow works best in the early stages and in your second trimester you prefer another type and then towards the end, you like a third type. Also, what may work well for one woman may not work at all for her pregnant best friend. When shopping for a pregnancy pillow you need to first learn what each type is for so that you can determine which one will best meet your needs.  

Pregnancy Wedge Pillow

The name says it all: a pregnancy wedge pillow is simply a wedge-shaped pillow that can be placed under your upper-body, belly or back to give you the additional support while you sleep. Compared to other types of pregnancy pillows, a wedge pillow would be less expensive and it has the added benefit of being quite useful after the baby comes. 

Wedge pillows can be used in several different positions: 

• Under your belly: A wedge pillow can support your growing belly, keeping the weight from putting too much strain on your back, hips and legs. 

• Behind your back: Placing the wedge behind your back can keep you on your side while sleeping if you tend to toss and turn during the night. 

• Under a standard pillow: If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, a wedge pillow placed beneath your standard pillow will elevate your head and upper body, which prevents stomach acid from backing up through the esophagus during the night, causing heartburn. 

Pregnancy wedge pillows come in two different shapes:

• Rounded: A rounded wedge pillow is shaped like the dark side of a crescent moon. 
• Triangular: This is shaped just like you would expect, like a large wedge of cheese. 

There are a number of reasons why pregnancy wedge pillows are so popular. The main one is that they take up very little space in your bed. Some pregnancy pillows are so large they can hardly fit in a twin-size bed. If you don’t want your partner to be forced into sleeping on the sofa, or you don’t want to be forced into buying a king-size bed, a wedge may be your best option because they are the smallest when it comes to pregnancy pillows. 

One drawback is that this pillow cannot be simultaneously used under your head and body. So, you will continue to use your standard pillow. If you plan on traveling during your pregnancy, the compact size is a real benefit!

Full-Length Pregnancy Pillow

Many women picture a maternity body pillow as being one that is the entire length of their body. This is what’s known as a “full-length pregnancy pillow.” These are long straight pillows that some people call “body pillows.” For women who love cuddling during the night, a full-length pregnancy pillow might be perfect. However, it won’t give you as much back support as other pregnancy pillows. 

Rather than being forced to place several standard pillows in various places around your body, a full-length pregnancy pillow is all you need. This will save you from having to readjust a bunch of pillows throughout the night to stay comfortable. A full-length pregnancy pillow can remain in place much easier than a bunch of smaller pillows. 

Full-length pregnancy pillows come in two different styles: 

• Straight: This is very similar to a standard pillow, but much longer. It’s probably just what you’ve been picturing in your mind. You can easily wrap an arm and leg around it for comfort, but it won’t twist or bend like the flexible ones do. 

• Flexible: This full-length pregnancy pillow is shaped like a long noodle, which some compare to a draft stopper that goes in front of the crack under your door. It’s totally flexible, so bends to conform to any shape you want. This style may cost more because they are usually filled full of microbeads. The less expensive flexible full-length pregnancy pillows are filled with little balls of Styrofoam, but they do not provide as much support. 

Full-length pregnancy pillows are designed for pregnant women to hug and cuddle them, so whichever one you get, that’s what you’ll likely do. Women normally wrap their arms and legs around it, with the center part of the pillow under their belly. 

A pregnancy body pillow is different than a standard body pillow in that the one designed for pregnant women provide more support. A pregnancy body pillow is made with contours and curves, whereas a standard body pillow is just one long straight pillow. A standard body pillow may be comfortable enough when you’re not pregnant, but you will likely be a lot more comfortable sleeping with one designed for pregnant women once you’re pregnant and your body starts changing shape. 

Full-Body Pregnancy Pillows

A full-body pregnancy pillow is the most supportive pregnancy pillow available because it wraps entirely around your body, which means they’re ENORMOUS! They measure from 5 ft. to 6 ft. long and you can easily curl up inside one for a great big snuggle. Who needs a partner? You now have a full-body pillow!

Pregnant women love these maternity body pillows because they provide support for every part of the body. With this type of pregnancy pillow you can have the support you need for your belly and back all at the same time. There’s no waking up in the middle of the night just to readjust a bunch of pillows! What could be better?

Full-body pregnancy pillows come in two different shapes: 

• C-shaped: This pillow is shaped just like the letter C and designed to be used as if you’re riding it. You place the bottom of the C right between your legs with the top resting beneath your head. The curved part of the pillow cradles your back, taking the pressure off your spine. 

• U-shaped: The U-shaped pregnancy pillow is shaped just like the letter and designed for you to straddle one side just like a koala would cling to a tree! Many women love it because it supports both your tummy and back at the same time. It’s especially good for women who prefer to sleep on their back, but because of their belly, they can’t. 

Materials Used in Pregnancy Pillows

Like the filling in most standard pillows, the most popular pregnancy pillows contain a poly fiber filling and come with a cotton cover. But other materials are used as well and typically chosen for comfort and support. However, the shape of the pillow seems to be the determining factor for most women when they make their choice as to which would offer the most comfort. 

Covers

For a better night’s sleep, you should have a breathable pillow with good airflow that lasts all night. A cover made with a low thread count natural fiber is what works best to achieve this. Most of the covers on pregnancy pillows are made of a machine-washable cotton or a cotton blend that can easily be pulled off and put back on even if the pillow has an odd shape. Some covers on full-body pregnancy pillows are difficult to take off and put back on, due to their construction. What helps most is if the cover has a nice long zipper, but unfortunately many come without a zipper and constructed more like a sham.  

• Cotton: A cotton cover provides a nice, soft breathable sleeping surface for pregnant women who tend to get hot in their sleep. For women who want a natural fiber, organic cotton works well, except that it does not wick away moisture. 

• Polyester: You can count on a polyester cover to be very durable, which is a nice benefit. It also comes in several different textures. Polyester also comes in a stretchy version, which makes it easier to remove and put back on after it’s been washed. 

Fillings

The type of filling contained in pregnancy pillows can be as varied as the shapes themselves. The most popular filling is poly fiber because it can fit into all shapes, has good airflow and is machine washable. But a lot of pregnant women prefer microbeads or memory foam because they conform so well to body shape. Typically, the type of pregnancy pillow will dictate which type of filling it has because they are used differently. 

• Poly Fiber: This filling is actually polyester, which offers a soft fluffy feel and excellent airflow. It is often used in full-body pregnancy pillows because it is very soft and flexible. Poly fiber can be used to create all different levels of firmness, so it’s very versatile. It’s also a very popular filling because it’s machine-washable, which makes it so easy to keep the entire pillow clean. 

• Memory Foam: Memory foam is unique in its ability to conform to the shape of your body. It’s also not as firm as other filling materials, while being very responsive to every move. You will often find memory foam in smaller pregnancy pillows, such as knee or wedge-shaped pillows, but there are some pregnancy body pillows that are made of memory foam, not many though.

• Microbeads: These are tiny little polystyrene balls, which when used as a pillow filling make it extremely conforming. Like memory foam, they too are most often found in smaller-sized pregnancy pillows. 

• High-Density Foam: Typically used to make wedge pillows, this foam is likely the firmest filling you’ll come across in a pregnancy pillow. It’s perfect for propping up your growing tummy, or any other areas that could use more support. 

• Feathers: We all know how soft and comfy feather pillows are, but they are really not a sensible option for pregnant women. First of all, many people are allergic to feathers and who wants to sneeze all night long? Secondly, feathers do not offer the level of support women need during pregnancy. 

Important Things to Evaluate When Choosing a Pregnancy Pillow

There are a number of things you’ll want to consider before choosing which pregnancy pillow to buy: 

Size

As you evaluate the various types of pregnancy pillows, you will come across some that are absolutely huge. This can be a problem if you sleep with your partner and don’t have a King-size bed. Once you add the pillow there may not be much room left for either of you to move around. The good news is that there are plenty of smaller pregnancy pillows to choose from as well. You can choose a full-body pillow if you have a large bed, but if not, just get a smaller one that can support you where it’s needed most. 

Level of Firmness

Just like standard pillows, pregnancy pillows come in different levels of firmness. A soft plushy pillow may work well if you’re just looking for comfort, but if you have back and/or hip pain you may be better served with a firmer pillow. The level of support a pillow can provide often depends on its shape. A full-body pregnancy pillow can support several parts of the body simultaneously, but they’re usually on the soft side. A smaller pillow, like a wedge are usually firm and designed to support a specific area. 

Versatility

You really should consider how versatile the pillow is before making your final choice, unless you have a very specific need. Think whether the pregnancy pillow would work well when you breast feed. Some types are just too large and cumbersome to use for anything but sleeping. Do you want a versatile pillow that works for other purposes, or are you happy to use several different types of pillows?

Heat 

Most pregnant women get hot while they’re sleeping. The flannel cover on the pregnancy pillow you’re considering may look great, but if you’re going to be pregnant when the weather is warm, that may not be a good choice. Find out whether a cooler cover is available for that pillow before you buy. A full-body pillow may not be a good option in warm weather either because it may retain heat. It’s important to consider the entire picture before making your purchase. 

Weight

Lightweight pillows generally make the best pregnancy pillows. You will probably not have to carry your pillow around with you much, but when you’re pregnant you’ll want to conserve your energy. So, having a heavy pillow that you need to lug around or adjust in bed for comfort would not be ideal. A lightweight pregnancy pillow works well in the long run because you will be lifting it on a regular basis just making the bed. Pregnancy pillows are usually no more than 7 lbs., but there are differences in weight that you will want to consider before buying. 

Removable Machine-Washable Cover

Pregnancy pillows come in all different shapes and they are often not easy to wash and keep clean. So, you may want to choose one that has a removable machine-washable cover. This way you won’t have a problem keeping it clean, at least on the surface. 

Noise

Some types of pillow fillings are noisy. By this we mean that when you lay your head down on the pillow or move it around for support, you wouldn’t want to make a crackling or rustling sound that can wake you up during the night. Find out what type of filling the pillow has before you buy and make sure that you avoid the ones that will likely make noise when you’re trying to sleep. 

Hypoallergenic

Your body is going to undergo a lot of changes while you’re pregnant and you’re likely to become more sensitive than you previously were. This is especially true of the types of fibers and filling materials that pillows are often made of. This is why the best pregnancy pillows are hypoallergenic. 

The added assurance that you have a hypoallergenic pregnancy pillow will keep this problem at bay. If you already know you have allergies or suffer from asthma or other types of breathing problems, then it’s an absolute must that your pregnancy pillow be hypoallergenic. 

Affordability

It goes without saying that you need to consider your budget when choosing a pregnancy pillow, especially now when there are so many other expenses related to the baby. If money is not an issue, or this is a top priority for you, it may be fine to splurge on a pregnancy pillow that will ensure that you always get a good night’s sleep, which you certainly need when you’re pregnant!

Warranty

Unless you have a chance to try it out first, it’s nearly impossible to determine whether the pregnancy pillow you choose will work out in the end. This is why you need to find out if the company offers a trial period and what their return policies are. The best pregnancy pillows have a 30-day return policy, but you need to read the fine print because some insist the pillow not be used and returned in its original packaging. This would require you to try the pillow out by sleeping on the plastic it comes wrapped in. Also, a lot of pregnancy pillows have a 30-90-day limited warranty. This would allow you to return the pillow if it arrives damaged. 

Other Factors to Consider

Your Preferred Sleep Position

If you normally sleep on your side, you probably won’t have to change your sleep position during your pregnancy. But if you routinely sleep on your stomach or back, it’s likely that you will. If this is the case, you will be best looking for full-body support. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll probably want a pillow that gives you the support you need as your stomach grows. If your preferred sleep position is on your back or stomach, you’ll likely need added back support to keep you on your side later on in your pregnancy. 

Body Changes Due to Pregnancy

Every women experiences pregnancy differently, but they all undergo numerous physical changes. What seems to be bothering you most? Are you feeling a lot of strain on your lower back due to all the extra weight you’re carrying? Or, is it the abdominal pain you’re feeling from all that pressure? Are you feeling pain in your widening hips? Or, are you just not getting enough sleep?

Extra Weight

How much extra weight are you carrying? Are you having twins or triplets? Keep in mind that the pillow you choose should be capable of serving you well throughout your pregnancy, so you will need to think about large you’re likely to become, including your weight. You will probably want a firmer and more highly specialized pregnancy pillow if you’re carrying multiple babies. The stress on your body and the difficulty you’ll have getting comfortable in bed will be more severe than most. 

Your Significant Other

Most pregnant women sleep with their partner. Although you feel all the stress and discomfort directly, you must admit that your partner is experiencing his fair share as well. Your comfort is top priority, but it’s also important to be considerate. Make sure that the pillow you choose will not take up so much of the bed that he’s relegated to the sofa.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pregnancy pillow actually help me sleep better?

Yes! A good pregnancy pillow will relieve the stress and pressure you’re feeling from your growing body. Most pregnant women feel pain all over, in their neck, back, stomach, hips and joints, especially when they lay down. A pregnancy pillow can make a huge difference in helping you get comfortable laying down and can really help you get a good night’s sleep. 

At what stage should I begin sleeping with a pregnancy pillow?

It’s completely up to you. Most women don’t feel they need one until they’re about 20 weeks pregnant. This is when their growing belly begins to affect the rest of their body. If this is your 2^nd or 3^rd pregnancy and you notice you’re getting bigger much faster, start using your pregnancy pillow as soon as you want.

Why doesn’t a standard pillow work just as well?

A standard pillow can certainly provide you with some support and comfort, but a pregnancy pillow can do far more. A standard pillow cannot conform to your changing body shape and won’t give you the level of support you need. Standard pillows almost always slide around at night, which can disrupt your sleep. But if you feel that your regular pillow is perfectly fine, keep on using it. Many pregnant women report that the only way they can get comfortable in bed is with a pregnancy pillow. 

Are pregnancy pillows washable?

Each pillow will come with specific washing instructions from the manufacturer. Generally speaking, the best pregnancy pillows are washable, but look for the tag attached to the side of the pillow to be sure. If there are no washing instructions, play it safe by washing it in cold water on the gentle cycle and put it in the dryer on low, or you can always air dry it. 

The main thing is that your pillow needs to move around freely in the washer and dryer. If it’s really large, you may need to wash it in a commercial washing machine, which can be found in a laundromat. 

Can a pregnancy pillow help relieve my heartburn?

A pregnancy pillow can prop your head, neck and torso up to prevent stomach acids from backing up into your esophagus, which is what causes heartburn. Any thick pillow can do this, but a wedge pillow would be the most effective in preventing heartburn. 

Will a pregnancy pillow keep me on my side?

Yes, a good pregnancy pillow can keep you from rolling back. Just place the wedge beneath your lower back or a full-body pregnancy pillow can be placed along your entire back side and that will keep you on you sleeping on your side. 

Which one is best, a wedge or a full-body pregnancy pillow?

Each one has their advantages and disadvantages, which means that you are the only one who can decide which one will best meet your needs during pregnancy. The wedge is a lot smaller than a full-body pregnancy pillow, plus it’s much less expensive and it can prop up and support your belly and/or relieve lower back and hip pain. 

A full-body pillow will provide you with all the support you need, including your head and neck, but it tends to cause overheating, which is its main drawback. 

Conclusion

Many women find a pregnancy pillow to be absolutely essential because without it they are unable to get comfortable enough in bed to get a good night’s sleep. 

A high-quality full-body pillow is designed to support the head, neck, back, knees and stomach of pregnant women, which is no easy task. 

It is extremely important that pregnant women get the sleep they need to maintain their health and energy level during these challenging months. The companies that make pregnancy pillows do their best to produce a collection of pillows to address the specific needs of pregnant women at every stage. 

This is why you will see so many different types of pregnancy pillows, all making huge promises. Do not be daunted by the range of options. Be patient in evaluating all aspects of these pillows, including the size, materials used, shape, price, return policy, warranty and etc. 

In writing this article/review we did a lot of the research for you and narrowed the list down to the very best pregnancy pillows currently available on the market. 

No matter which one you choose, we are confident that you will be happy with your choice. And, don’t forget that you can continue using the pillow after you give birth. Also, it won’t hurt to ask your doctor if he/she can recommend anything specific for you in terms of a pregnancy pillow. 

We hope you got the information you were looking for in this article/review and wish you the best of luck with your purchase.