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The best pregnancy pillow overall is the PharMeDoc Full Body U-Shaped Pillow. Testers report that it's versatile, supportive and is less bulky than similar pillows.
A restful night can be hard to come by when you’re pregnant — especially in the second and third trimesters, when finding the perfect sleeping position becomes more of a challenge. Stomach sleeping when pregnant is off the table; After all, laying on a beach ball that kicks isn’t particularly relaxing. Back sleeping is often discouraged after your first trimester because it puts pressure on a vital vein that carries blood to your baby. “During this time, it is best to sleep on your side,” says Amy Wetter, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group. “Specifically, sleeping on your left side can alleviate pressure on your internal organs and veins, which will help blood and nutrients reach your placenta and then the baby.”
However, even while sleeping on your side, your growing bump may put increased pressure on your hips and back when lying down. And, those who aren’t used to side sleeping might have a hard time adjusting to the new position. One way to get better sleep when you’re expecting is by using a pregnancy body pillow. It can make you more comfortable by providing support where you need it most, helping sleep come easier and potentially preventing aches and pains the next day.How we chose the best pregnancy pillows We sought expert advice from Dr. Wetter and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) to learn how pregnancy pillows work to support the body and what qualities are important to look for in on. Per their guidance, all products on this list aid in proper body positioning for side sleeping during pregnancy, and support multiple areas of the body, including the back, hips, knees and belly, in order to prevent discomfort. We reviewed results from the What to Expect Sleep Awards, which polled more than 2,700 mothers in the What to Expect Community. We spoke with four What to Expect staff members who have five children between them and who have tested most of the pregnancy pillows on this list.
We sought expert advice from Dr. Wetter and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) to learn how pregnancy pillows work to support the body and what qualities are important to look for in on. Per their guidance, all products on this list aid in proper body positioning for side sleeping during pregnancy, and support multiple areas of the body, including the back, hips, knees and belly, in order to prevent discomfort. We reviewed results from the What to Expect Sleep Awards, which polled more than 2,700 mothers in the What to Expect Community. We spoke with four What to Expect staff members who have five children between them and who have tested most of the pregnancy pillows on this list.
We reviewed results from the What to Expect Sleep Awards, which polled more than 2,700 mothers in the What to Expect Community. We spoke with four What to Expect staff members who have five children between them and who have tested most of the pregnancy pillows on this list.
We spoke with four What to Expect staff members who have five children between them and who have tested most of the pregnancy pillows on this list.
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
This pregnancy pillow was voted the Best Pregnancy Pillow in the What to Expect Sleep Awards because of its versatility, supportiveness and reasonable price point. The Pharmedoc U-shaped pillow provides full-body support because of its dual-sided design, making it easy to flip around in the middle of the night with no readjusting. It also has a detachable “leg” that you can remove if you’d rather save yourself the space in bed. “Loved the removable section to be able to get support where I needed,” one What to Expect community mom said of this pillow.
Plus, it’s not as large or bulky as other pregnancy pillows with similar shapes, which is a huge factor for many moms-to-be who use this particular pillow. However, those who sleep with a partner in a queen-sized bed might find it to be too large. Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director of Editorial Strategy and Growth at What to Expect, used the Pharmedoc U-shaped pillow and loved it, but found it to be most suitable for her and her husband’s bed once they got a king.
Moms say they love continuing to use all or part of this pregnancy pillow postpartum for support throughout recovery and while feeding.
“The cooling dark grey really is cooling and has been amazing. I’m an extremely hot sleeper & have only woken up in a puddle one time since buying this!!”
“I have this exact one too! Can confirm it is cooling and super comfy!!”
“I just got this one this weekend, so far so good! It fluffed back up nicely after unboxing and the cooling cover is a must for me. We have a king bed so I wasn't worried about it being too big, if we were in a queen it might be too big (my husband is a giant human and takes up more than his own half of the bed).”
“This is my second pregnancy using the same one! It’s a great pillow.”
This pregnancy pillow is a favorite C-shaped option in the What to Expect community, thanks to the all-around coverage and ample support for your back, hips and belly. Unlike some body pillows meant to be wrapped around in one direction, the Snoogle’s extended C-shaped design wraps around your entire body, from back to belly, for ultimate comfort throughout the duration of pregnancy. In the center, there is a curved space that provides more room in the shoulder and hip area than in the waist area to contour and cradle your body. Expectant moms say this feature allows the pillow to comfortably conform to their body, which provides tons of support to multiple areas at once.
The fill is on the firmer side, which isn’t right for everyone, but some moms-to-be say this pillow has just the right amount of squish. Some believe this allowed the pillow to stay firm longer, with one What to Expect mom saying she’s used the pillow for four pregnancies. And, the removable cover is made from cotton, which reviewers say is great for staying cool at night.
“We call it my 'boyfriend' when I'm pregnant because I am in love with it. My husband doesn't understand the joy it brings me! Sweet relief!!!”
“My husband gave me a Snoogle pillow seven years ago, at the end of my first pregnancy, and I remember being irritated. It seemed like a silly waste. I am now expecting #4 and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Snoogle! I've told my husband more than once that it's the very best gift he's ever given me — and he's a very good gift-giver. I'm a stomach sleeper, so I especially appreciate the Snoogle's back support. I tuck the pillow's 'tail' between my thighs and under my growing belly for additional support. It feels like I'm sleeping on a cloud! The pillow's basic slipcover is a nightmare (it felt like I was on the losing end of a wrestling match with a boa constrictor whenever I tried to put the slipcover back on after washing!), so this time I purchased a newly designed Snoogle cover with a zipper. Now the pillow is perfect!”
“I bought a Snoogle a couple of weeks ago, and it was the best money I've spent in a long time. I wasn't sleeping because I was using five pillows to get comfortable and they kept slipping. Since I got my Snoogle, I have slept so well. I think it is worth every penny.”
“My sister sent me a Snoogle! She swears by it from her pregnancies. I just got it out for the first time this week. At first I was unsure, but now I love it! I like that there’s a few different positions I can get comfortable in, and my husband even likes snuggling it from his side of the bed too. I do still put my normal pillow up by where my head goes because my pillowcase is softer than the Snoogle cover.”
“I loved my snoogle last pregnancy! This time I was gifted a different brand and I don't like it half as much.”
“I love my snoogle. It’s comfy and cushiony.”
If you’ve been stuffing pillows alongside your back and between your legs in an effort to get comfy, this Momcozy J-shaped pregnancy pillow might be the right choice for you. The shape provides cradling support from head to knees that you can flip in either direction depending on which side you prefer to sleep on and whether you need more knee support or neck support. And, unlike C- and U-shaped pillows, its slimmer, one-sided shape means that it won’t take up the entire bed. Moms-to-be love that the Momcozy pillow fill is soft and malleable, making it easy to squish into (and stay in) the desired position shape. Because this pregnancy pillow isn’t quite as large as others, expectant moms love to use it for cozying up on the couch just as much as they do sleeping in bed. The jersey cover is lightweight enough for hot sleepers and can be machine washed for easy cleaning.
“I have the momcozy and it has been life changing. Very comfortable.”
“I used the pillow for the first time last night and slept like a newborn baby. I usually wake around 8am due to discomfort and tossing and turning but I slept in until 9:15 today. I was so confused when my 15 month old came to wake me, I’m usually up before him. GAME CHANGER!!... Very fluffy, firm but also soft. I love a pillow between my legs when sleeping and it also provides that as well.”
If you’re looking for a pregnancy pillow that takes up little to no space in your bed while still providing you with a more comfortable and supportive slumber, the Boppy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow might be the right buy for you. You can use it wherever you need support the most — be it your bump, your back or anywhere else on your ever-changing body. Users love the versatility of this pregnancy pillow’s wedge design because it can also be used as an arm support while breast or bottle feeding after you give birth.
Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect, experienced mild, sporadic pain during pregnancy and didn’t want to invest in a large body pillow. Instead, she opted for the Boppy wedge, which took up much less room in her bed, yet still provided the support she needed. “ Even though it's small, it still has the versatility of its larger counterparts,” she says. “I'd put it beneath my lower back when sitting, between my knees when sleeping, and even behind my head if I was reading in bed.” And, although her pain was mild, she felt that it definitely eased her discomfort and helped her sleep. “It's stiff enough to provide plenty of support but still soft, so you don't feel like you're resting on a brick, ” she sayss.
Plus, because it’s so small, lightweight and compact, moms-to-be say it’s great for travel. Our What to Expect community members also love that the cover stays soft, even after multiple washes over time.
"I just purchased the Boppy wedge. It's good for back and belly support while sleeping — and it's not expensive, too."
"The Boppy wedge does work great in the early uncomfortable days. Now I just mainly use the thinner side to go between my legs and find a softer pillow is more comfortable under my ginormous 34-week belly."
"I have the wedge pillow and love it! I use it at night and when I'm resting on the couch. I think it's helped me a ton!"
“ If you are like me and want some support for your stomach if sleeping on your side but don’t want a huge pregnancy pillow in your bed, this Boppy wedge pillow is inexpensive and AMAZING!!! I was having trouble sleeping even with taking Unisom because I was so uncomfortable but ever since I got this, I’ve been sleeping so much better (still with help from Unisom) but I’m not waking up constantly due to being uncomfortable. I use it when I’m laying down and watching tv or reading too.”
“I HATED the large traditional pregnancy body pillow. This boppy wedge pillow is amazing. Also use one to put behind me under my hips. The only way I can actually sleep!”
The Queen Rose stands out for its oversized, longer-than-most design. If you have the space, many moms-to-be in the What to Expect community say it’s a good pregnancy pillow for someone who wants the maximum amount of support. It comes in 55- 60- and 65-inch sizes, perfect for moms-to-be who are tall or who want plenty of leg support.
“It was comfortable and helped me feel supported when lying on my side,” says Lisafe Carreon, Senior Product Manager at What to Expect. “It also helped alleviate my hip pain when lying on my side, by allowing me to put the pillow in between my legs.” She found that the large size took up a lot of space in her queen bed, however, and wished it was a little less firm.
Although designed for side sleeping, moms love that you can configure it any way you want so that it supports you when you’re lying back watching TV or are sitting upright nursing. The polyester fill is adjustable and easy to contort to a position that’s to your liking both during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Expectant moms also love the comfort of the velvety material (although it might be warm for those who tend to sleep hot).
Dimensions: 55 x 31 x 7 inches; 60 x 31 x 7 inches; 65 x 31 x 7 inches
“ I have a Queen Rose and it's such a life saver! My sciatica is no longer an issue and I sleep like a baby. I LOVE that pillow and will use it once baby arrives for breastfeeding, etc.”
“ Definitely the U pillow. Just purchased one on Amazon and it’s the best thing ever. Great price, super comfy even my dogs love it. Great back support if you turn a lot at night. Check out the Queen Rose brand. I got the gray color and love it.”
“ I finally slept well. After trying out the baby bub and being pretty unsatisfied, I caved and tried out a new pillow. It’s perfect for keeping my hips up when I swing my leg over to the side, which keeps my belly from full on smashing against the bed. I don’t know how this is related, but I also didn’t wake up with numb hands once.”
“I have a Queen Rose u-shape. I’m much more comfortable and my backaches have gone away. It could just be the space on my bed but it falls of the side so I’m constantly readjusting it. My biggest issue is that sometimes I wake up with my ear hurting so I have to switch sides. I’ve always been a side sleeper and have never had that problem with any other pillow before. I’m glad I have it though!”
If you’re looking for a pregnancy pillow that doesn’t invade too much of your partner’s personal space, but still provides full-body support, look no further than the Boppy Total Body Pillow. It has a uniquely contoured shape designed to be easily adjustable as your bump changes through pregnancy and the postpartum period. Specifically, it has an area that cradles your belly, a generous area for your head to rest, and another bump out to go between your legs to support your back and hips.
Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director at What to Expect, loved the Boppy Total Body Pillow and felt it did a great job of supporting her legs, which is what she needed most. “It contoured me really nicely without being super bulky,” she says, adding that it was perfect for her queen bed. “I loved being able to fold it in half postpartum to get support when breastfeeding. I actually even brought it to the hospital with me!”
Dr. Wetter recommends the Boppy Total Body, because it can be twisted and folded to use for back support while sitting or as a nursing pillow. Many of our What to Expect community members are in complete agreement about this pregnancy pillow’s versatility and support throughout pregnancy and beyond. One of its best qualities is that the entire thing can be thrown in the washing machine as needed — not just the cover.
Material: Cover: Rayon, Pillow skin: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent cotton
“ I bought the Boppy one and it's amazing. It has three pieces that Velcro so you can change it up as your body changes. It's the best money I've spent so far this pregnancy after suffering through my first one!”
I love my Boppy pregnancy pillow! I even took it to the hospital when we had our daughter.
“ My husband bought me the Boppy pregnancy pillow a few weeks ago as I was crying from lack of sleep. We call it my seahorse, and I have slept wonderfully since I had it. It is pricey, but my peaceful sleep is worth every penny.”
“ I have the boppy body pillow and I love it. I'm 5'2" and it fits me well. my BF uses it too when I'm not and he's 5'10". however, I notice that it looks like it's not quite long enough for him so I wouldn't recommend this pillow if you're tall! I have no complaints though, it does the job and it's extremely comfortable, particularly the part that goes in between the legs.”
“I have the boppy pillow and I absolutely looooove it and can't fall asleep without it. DH uses it when I'm not and he's 6'6. It's not as long on him as I'm 5'5. I looove it.”
If you’re looking for a pregnancy pillow that doesn’t break the bank, this Target option can serve that purpose. It’s a basic body pillow that provides just enough comfort and extra support for a mom-to-be’s growing belly. It doesn’t have contours or curves like a body pillow marketed for pregnancy, but it will still help support your back, legs and bump. Compared to pregnancy-specific pillows, it falls in the medium-range size-wise, which moms-to-be say is great for staying cool and leaving space in the bed for your partner.
Some moms in the What to Expect community suggest picking up two of these basic pillows — one for your front and one for your back — to serve as a makeshift U-shaped pillow for a fraction of the price. Just make sure you buy a few body pillow-sized pillowcases as well, as this one doesn't come with one included and is not machine washable.
"I don't use a pregnancy pillow but I do use a normal body pillow. Just wrap my leg and arm around it or put my back against it to keep me comfortable when sleeping. I was a stomach sleeper and couldn't get comfortable in my side. "
"I used a normal body pillow that typically costs around $10 at most stores and then regular pillows elsewhere. I preferred using multiple as different nights different positions felt better and I could adjust every night to make sure I was comfortable "
“I’ve honestly just been using my body pillow it’s works just as good I think! Plus it saves me $40-50 on a pregnancy pillow.”
The Hiccapop pillow’s memory foam fill sets it apart from others, providing firm support for your growing belly and hips. Pregnant users appreciate that the wedge is not as dense as other memory foam pillows, yet they still feel well-supported. It’s designed to be well-ventilated with a layer of foam that helps keep the pillow cool.
What makes this wedge extra special, however, is that it’s dual-sided; one with soft memory foam and the other with firmer foam. This gives you options depending on what type of support you need and where you’ll be using it. For instance, you might want to use the softer, body-contouring memory foam side under your bump, while the firm foam might be better suited between your legs or behind your back when sitting.
It weighs less than a pound, and moms-to-be say this pregnancy pillow is easy to travel with so you have comfort 24/7. At a lower price point than other memory foam options, some moms report purchasing two to support different areas of their body at the same time.
“ I got that same hiccapop wedge pillow and I like it! Right now I’m using it to keep myself from rolling over on my back, don’t necessarily need it for my stomach yet. I’m intrigued by the big pillows too but didn’t want to take up the entire bed.”
“That little pillow is the best even if you do one in front one in back and a standard btw legs bc you can still easily get up to go potty lol.”
“I put one under my stomach and one behind my back…it was heavenly!”
“Very pleased with this little wedge pillow! I currently sleep with a pregnancy pillow AND two king size pillows and this little wedge makes it that much more comfortable for me to sleep! If any of you are looking for something to help with sleeping comfortably I would 10/10 recommend this! I either put it under my belly or place it behind my butt to help with hip pain. I was already practically sleeping on all my pillows but I’m telling you this little wedge has been a game changer for me!”
If you’re dealing with round ligament pain during pregnancy , this pillow could be a game-changer. Unlike other pregnancy pillows, the babybub Maternity Pillow has a butterfly-shaped design to support both your belly and back at the same time to relieve pressure on the hips. Many pregnant moms rave about its ability to help former back or stomach sleepers adapt to sleeping on their side more comfortably. It’ll keep you securely in place while you sleep without the possibly claustrophobic feeling of a large dual-sided body pillow. Plus, the band in the middle is adjustable, so you can shorten or lengthen the distance between the two sides depending on your body.
Some members of our What to Expect community say that this pick works well when paired with a regular pillow between your knees as opposed to the small “extra” pillow included but not attached to the main butterfly pillow.
The entire pillow, including the cover, is machine washable, too, so you can easily keep everything clean. Moms report that this pregnancy pillow is also an excellent option for postpartum recovery and while breast or bottle feeding.
“I love my baby bub wedge pillow. it lets me sleep on my regular pillow for my head while still supporting my back and belly!”
“ I really like mine. I got it around 14 weeks and I’m 24 weeks now. I love that it allows me to use my regular pillow for my head and I can roll back and forth easily. I also put one pillow between my knees and it’s perfect for me.”
“I have been using it since like week 20. I like it cause it's not too bulky and I think it's great if you previously liked sleeping on your stomach, or want extra belly support. It's good to pair with a regular pillow between your legs.”
“I got mine when I was about 16 wks and use it every night. I think it's pretty comfy and prevents me from rolling onto my stomach. I will wake up on my back but in a sort of reclined position, if that makes sense. I really like that it's not bulky/huge.”
“I ordered one too and definitely like it!! It definitely helps with the pelvic and hip pain I was having.”
“Yes I really like it so far! I’ve had mine a couple weeks now. Im usually a belly sleeper and this has helped me try to stay on my side, gives me back and belly support. I tried a big u-shaped one and wound up chucking it off the bed halfway through the night.”
Of the many different types of pregnancy pillows on the market, each offers something unique that can be beneficial to sleep during pregnancy. The one you ultimately pick will depend on your preferences, but there are a few things to consider when choosing a pillow for pregnancy: Material: Most pregnancy pillows will come with a cover, which can be available in a variety of materials from lightweight cotton to plush velvet. If you run warm when you sleep, Dr. Wetter recommends choosing a pregnancy pillow with a cotton cover instead of one made of polyester, which is less breathable. Shape: There are three common pregnancy pillow shapes: J-shaped, C-shaped or U-shaped, and the once you chose “may depend on how much support you need,” says Dr. Wetter. C-shaped pillows curve to tuck under your head and between your knees, while J-shaped pillows run parallel to your body with one curve that can either go under your head or between your knees. Or, if you often switch the side that you sleep on during the night (and plan to continue doing so, even as your bump makes it difficult), you might opt for a U-shaped pillow that you won’t have to readjust every time you move. You can also try a smaller option, such as a pregnancy wedge pillow to use under your back for added support without taking up a ton of space. Fill type: Most pregnancy pillow fillings are made from polyester and designed to hold their shape. However, just like a regular pillow, you may prefer a fill type that is more or less firm. Firmer fills like memory foam may offer increased support, but some people prefer a softer fill, like down, that can be snuggled and squished against the body more easily.
Material: Most pregnancy pillows will come with a cover, which can be available in a variety of materials from lightweight cotton to plush velvet. If you run warm when you sleep, Dr. Wetter recommends choosing a pregnancy pillow with a cotton cover instead of one made of polyester, which is less breathable. Shape: There are three common pregnancy pillow shapes: J-shaped, C-shaped or U-shaped, and the once you chose “may depend on how much support you need,” says Dr. Wetter. C-shaped pillows curve to tuck under your head and between your knees, while J-shaped pillows run parallel to your body with one curve that can either go under your head or between your knees. Or, if you often switch the side that you sleep on during the night (and plan to continue doing so, even as your bump makes it difficult), you might opt for a U-shaped pillow that you won’t have to readjust every time you move. You can also try a smaller option, such as a pregnancy wedge pillow to use under your back for added support without taking up a ton of space. Fill type: Most pregnancy pillow fillings are made from polyester and designed to hold their shape. However, just like a regular pillow, you may prefer a fill type that is more or less firm. Firmer fills like memory foam may offer increased support, but some people prefer a softer fill, like down, that can be snuggled and squished against the body more easily.
Shape: There are three common pregnancy pillow shapes: J-shaped, C-shaped or U-shaped, and the once you chose “may depend on how much support you need,” says Dr. Wetter. C-shaped pillows curve to tuck under your head and between your knees, while J-shaped pillows run parallel to your body with one curve that can either go under your head or between your knees. Or, if you often switch the side that you sleep on during the night (and plan to continue doing so, even as your bump makes it difficult), you might opt for a U-shaped pillow that you won’t have to readjust every time you move. You can also try a smaller option, such as a pregnancy wedge pillow to use under your back for added support without taking up a ton of space. Fill type: Most pregnancy pillow fillings are made from polyester and designed to hold their shape. However, just like a regular pillow, you may prefer a fill type that is more or less firm. Firmer fills like memory foam may offer increased support, but some people prefer a softer fill, like down, that can be snuggled and squished against the body more easily.
Fill type: Most pregnancy pillow fillings are made from polyester and designed to hold their shape. However, just like a regular pillow, you may prefer a fill type that is more or less firm. Firmer fills like memory foam may offer increased support, but some people prefer a softer fill, like down, that can be snuggled and squished against the body more easily.
There's no set time that you should start using a pregnancy pillow. Some moms-to-be begin using one during the first trimester, while others are much further along. That said, most moms begin using a pregnancy pillow around halfway through pregnancy, when their expanding bellies begin making it more difficult to shift positions during the night.
Doctors typically recommend that a moms-to-be sleep on her side during pregnancy, and a pregnancy pillow can make that more comfortable. That said, if you find yourself waking up on your back, don't sweat it.
C-shaped: These pillows tuck under your head and between your knees.
J-shaped: Similar to C-shaped, but a little more streamlined.
U-shaped: U-shaped pillows have two panels that run parallel to your body, with one curve that can either go under your head or between your knees.
Wedge: A smaller pregnancy pillow that nestles under your belly to offer extra support.
Butterfly-shaped: A smaller pregnancy pillow that supports your back and belly at the same time.
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