In terms of aesthetics, it’s also certainly one of the prettiest pregnancy pillows we’ve reviewed. Choose from muted stripes and spots, pretty botanical patterns, and unique whimsical prints — and rest assured that every single pillow cover is made from super soft cotton, and is also totally safe to go in the washing machine.
Best U-shaped pregnancy pillow
Kally Sleep U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Really adaptable.
- Great for back sleepers.
- Helps a lot with back and hip pain.
Cons
- Would be nice if it came in a few more colours.
Kally Sleep U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
- Total length: Doesn’t say.
- Weight: Doesn’t say.
- Pillow filling: Hollowfibre.
- Pillow outer material: Cotton blend.
Why we love it: If you’ve always been a back sleeper, adjusting to snoozing on your side during pregnancy can be quite tricky. But with this trusty U-shaped pillow, it’ll be far less easy for you to toss and turn into the a different position. The result? A secure and supported sleep for you — as well as maximum safety for your baby.
Designed to take the pressure off your bump, reduce back and hip pain, and even provide leg support, it’s the pillow to pick if you’re after full-body orthopaedic assistance. Plus, you can even use it for additional back support when sitting up post-pregnancy, as well as to raise your baby towards you during breast or bottle feeding.
Best feeding pillow
DreamGenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed to support your bump, back and knees.
- Can double up as a feeding pillow.
- Removable cover is washable.
Cons
- Some reviewers say the back support doesn’t stop them rolling onto their back at night.
DreamGenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow
- Total length: 107cm.
- Weight: 1kg.
- Pillow filling: Polyester.
- Pillow outer material: Cotton jersey.
Why we love it: This uniquely shaped pillow from Dreamgenii is designed to help you sleep on your left side for optimal comfort while providing targeted support for your bump, back, and knees. Intended for use starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy, the pillow is designed to encourage ideal foetal positioning and enhance blood circulation between you and your baby.
If you’re used to sleeping on your back, it may take a few nights to adjust, but you’ll soon find that it gently encourages the left-side sleeping position. The longer section of the pillow can be placed between your legs to support your knees and hips, or it can be wrapped around your bump for additional support while sitting. What’s more? After baby arrives, it doubles as a feeding pillow.
Best large pregnancy pillow
Silentnight Body Support Pillow with Pillowcase
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can be used in a many different positions from pregnancy support to extra comfort when sitting up in bed or nursing.
- Comes with a handy pillowcase for extra protection.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- On the thicker side, so while it provides good support, it may be am little large for some.
Silentnight Body Support Pillow with Pillowcase
- Total length: 147cm.
- Weight: 1.98 kg.
- Pillow filling: Doesn’t say.
- Pillow outer material: Doesn’t say.
Why we love it: One of the largest options in our guide, this support pillow offers comprehensive full-body support from head to toe and is designed for those seeking maximum stability and comfort while sleeping.
Reviewers say it provides exceptional support for your bump, back, legs, and hips, ensuring a restful night’s sleep throughout your pregnancy. However, at 1.98kg, this pillow is definitely on the heavier side, which may make it a bit challenging to adjust or move around during the night. That said, we think it’s a solid choice for those who prefer a more substantial and supportive option.
Pregnancy pillow FAQs:
What are the different types of pregnancy pillow?
Pregnancy pillows come in an incredibly wide range of different shapes of sizes. Most of them are named after the letters of the alphabet that they most closely resemble — like so:
- U-Shape pregnancy pillows support everything from your neck down to your ankles on both sides of your body. They are a top pick for women who liked to sleep on their backs pre-pregnancy , as well as for mums-to-be in need of extra lower back support.
- C-Shape pregnancy pillows are slightly smaller and more compact — offering targeted support wherever you particularly need it. They’re great for placing underneath your baby bump, and can also double as a nursing prop once the baby arrives.
- J-Shape pregnancy pillows are essentially half of a U-shaped pillow — so you can use it on either side of your body. They’re popular amongst side sleepers, but will require moving and repositioning during the night if you often switch between sides.
- I-Shape pregnancy pillows are essentially just full body bolster pillows that you put between your knees and use to support the front half of your body.
- Wedge pillows look like a wedge of cheese, and can be placed under your belly or used to support the back. They offer targeted support, and are typically the cheapest kind of pregnancy pillow you can buy.
When should you get a pregnancy pillow?
It’s generally recommended to start using a pregnancy pillow as soon as possible — before you begin to feel uncomfortable or experience pain while sleeping. “For most women, a pregnancy pillow will start to sound like a good idea from around 20 weeks — as the tummy starts to get heavier,” says Baby and Parenting Expert, Rachel FitzD. “However, those with more flexible joints might even start to ache and get pelvic girdle pain before the start of the second trimester.”
How do you use a pregnancy pillow?
It’ll vary depending on the shape and type of pregnancy pillow you’ve picked, but as a general rule, you should be positioning your pillow to support any area where you’re experiencing discomfort. You’ll likely need to experiment with a few different sleeping positions before you find one that’s right for you.
Are C-shape or U-shape pregnancy pillows better?
Both U-shaped and C-shaped pregnancy pillows can be effective, depending on your individual needs and preferences. U-shaped pillows offer the maximum amount of support — however, they take up a lot of space, and can be a little too cumbersome or confining for wriggly sleepers.
“A U-shaped pillow will provide support across your whole body,” says midwife and birth trauma expert, Illiyin Morrison. “However, C-shaped pillows are smaller, easier to put away, and can easily be adapted for breastfeeding or bottle feeding later.” Essentially, it’s all about deciding whether you want to prioritise support or practicality.
What should you look for in a pregnancy pillow?
According to Dr Hilde Tavares — co-founder of bbhugme — adaptability is the most important thing to be on the look out for when picking out a pregnancy pillow. “During pregnancy your body will change quite a bit, but in different places at different times. “One week it may be the lower back that’s achy, whereas the next it could be your pelvis,” she explains. “Therefore, the best pregnancy pillow to have is one that’s adaptable in length, shape, and level of firmness.”
A removable and washable cover is also a massive bonus — especially if it’s made from a comfy hypoallergenic material like organic cotton. Plus, pregnant women usually run rather hot, so definitely weigh up whether you want to prioritise picking a pillow that’s been made with breathability in mind.
Can you use a maternity pillow after pregnancy?
Definitely! In fact, for many women, their ‘pregnancy’ pillow simply becomes their ‘always’ pillow. Just take care if you use it postnatally and choose to bring your baby into bed for night feeds or for safe co-sleeping that your pregnancy pillow is either swapped out for a regular one or is used in such a formation as to keep it well away from baby.
After something else? Head this way for the best baby changing bags, the best maternity leggings and the best maternity nightwear. Happy browsing!
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