Dr. Barry Jarvis
Pregnancy can bring discomfort, making adequate rest hard to come by. The right maternity pillow provides much-needed support for bumps, aches and pains. This guide reviews the 10 best pregnancy pillows for mom and baby plus tips for picking the ideal design for your needs.
Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow
A quality maternity pillow offers many advantages during pregnancy including:
- Supports the bump to take pressure off the back and hips
- Relieves pain in the legs, knees, neck and shoulders
- Promotes side sleeping which is ideal during pregnancy
- Allows resting your arms and legs in an elevated position to improve circulation
- Provides cushioning and comfort for nursing postpartum
- Lets you snooze in multiple positions as the body changes
The right support makes sleeping easier during a period where quality rest is essential but hard to come by.
What to Look for in a Pregnancy Pillow
Here are the key features to evaluate when shopping for the best pregnancy pillow:
1. Design and Shape
Look for C, U or wedge shapes that accommodate your preferred sleeping positions.
2. Fill Material
Evaluate options like microbeads, memory foam or polyfill for right balance of firmness.
3. Cover Fabric
Softer, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo feel best against the skin. Look for zip-off covers.
4. Adjustability
Removable or rearrangeable filling allows modifying firmness as the pregnancy progresses.
5. Size
Pick support length based on height, bed size and space for partner.
Using these guidelines, below are the top-rated pregnancy pillows of 2023.
The 10 Best Pregnancy Pillows in 2023
1. PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow
Highlights:
- C-shaped full body maternity support
- Detachable extension for adjustability
- Plush polyfill with cotton cover
- Contoured to relieve back, hips, knees
- Machine washable zippered cover
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
With a flexible design and ultra-soft cotton cover, PharMeDoc’s C-shaped pillow delivers customizable support for mamas from pregnancy through postpartum.
Price Range: $
Buy the PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon
2. Cozy Bump Maternity Pillow
Highlights:
- Inflatable adjustable air design
- Firmness customization as belly grows
- Contoured ergonomic bump support
- Allows stomach sleeping longer
- Elevates ankles and legs
- Portable and lightweight
This innovative inflatable pregnancy wedge makes it easier to sleep comfortably in multiple positions throughout all trimesters.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon
3. Boppy Pregnancy Wedge
Highlights:
- Compact supportive pregnancy wedge
- Ergonomic design relieves back and hips
- High-density firm foam maintains shape
- Removable jersey slipcover zips off
- Affordable price point
- Easy to travel with
This portable Boppy wedge targets common discomforts during and after pregnancy through strategic propping and support.
Price Range: $
Buy the Boppy Pregnancy Wedge on Amazon
4. Nest of Joy Body Pillow
Highlights:
- U-shaped ergonomic design
- Adaptable polyester microfiber filling
- Breathable zippered bamboo cover
- Provides hip, back and tummy support
- Stays fluffy and retains shape
- Affordable price point
This comfortable U-shaped maternity pillow from Nest of Joy offers full-body support for side sleeping during and after pregnancy.
Price Range: $
Buy the Nest of Joy Body Pillow on Amazon
5. hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow
Highlights:
- Soft, perforated memory foam filling
- Breathable cooling mesh cover
- Contoured U-shape design
- Removable pillow for lumbar support
- Rolls for easier storage and travel
- Manufacturer lifetime guarantee
This premium U-shaped maternity pillow from hiccapop gently cradles with soft memory foam and keeps moms cool overnight.
Price Range: $$
Buy the hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon
6. Meiz Pregnancy Body Pillow
Highlights:
- U-shaped full body design
- Plush polyester microfiber filling
- Long arms allow wrapping pillow
- Breathable inner liner and cover
- Provides back and hip alignment
- Satisfaction guarantee
Meiz’s oversized U-shaped maternity pillow cocoons in soft microfiber for full-body support during pregnancy and beyond.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Meiz Pregnancy Body Pillow on Amazon
7. Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow
Highlights:
- Unique U-shape with contoured ends
- Soft, springy polyester fiberfill
- Replaceable inner pillows
- Back and belly support
- Machine washable bamboo cover
- 90 day money back guarantee
Queen Rose’s hourglass-shaped pillow design provides customizable support for side sleeping and nursing during pregnancy.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon
8. Leachco Back ‘N Belly Pregnancy Pillow
Highlights:
- U-shaped design with contoured belly curve
- Middle cutout allows body positioning
- Removable polyfill insert for adjustability
- Boosts back, hip and neck support
- Machine washable cotton cover
- Designed and made in the USA
This supportive cushion from Leachco adapts to your preferred sleeping position at every stage of pregnancy.
Price Range: $$
Buy the Leachco Back ‘N Belly Chic Pillow on Amazon
9. QUEEN ROSE Full Body Pregnancy Pillow
Highlights:
- Long U-shape for full body support
- Filled with soft polyester fiber
- 300 thread count cotton cover
- Alleviates sciatica and back pain
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
This oversized Queen Rose pillow cocoons expectant mothers in softness to ease common aches and pains during pregnancy.
Price Range: $$
Buy the QUEEN ROSE Full Body Pregnancy Pillow on Amazon
10. Hiccapop Foam Wedge Pillow
Highlights:
- Firm supportive memory foam wedge
- Ideal for back, hip and belly support
- Removable soft velboa cover
- Helps relieve sciatica and reflux
- Lightweight and portable
- Manufacturer lifetime guarantee
Hiccapop’s supportive memory foam wedge maintains its shape to deliver targeted bump and back relief during and after pregnancy.
Price Range: $
Buy the Hiccapop Foam Wedge Pillow on Amazon
Pregnancy Pillow Buying Guide
These tips help expectant mothers narrow down their perfect maternity pillow match:
- Size of Mattress – Ensure pillow fits with partner in bed
- Sleep Position – Pick shape catering to side, back or stomach sleeping
- Stage of Pregnancy – Full body designs better support later term
- Fill Material – Evaluate support vs. softness preferences
- Adjustability – Removable fills allow customization as belly grows
- Budget – Set a reasonable spending limit for temporary use
Measuring your bed and preferred sleeping positions helps determine the ideal pregnancy pillow selection.
Best Pregnancy Pillows for Each Trimester
First Trimester
- Compact wedge design
- Provides hip, back, and tummy lift
- Allows stomach sleeping longer
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable simpler option
Second Trimester
- U or C-shaped fuller body pillow
- Targets back, hips, legs and knees
- Encourages side sleeping
- Molds comfortably around belly
- Enables wrapping arms and legs
Third Trimester
- Extra-large U or long body design
- Supports growing heavier belly
- Allows multiple sleeping positions
- Full nesting around pillow
- Provides nursing support
As the body changes each trimester, pillow needs evolve too.
Position-Specific Support
For Side Sleepers
Look for contoured U or C-shapes that fit between your legs and tuck under the bump.
For Back Sleepers
Wedges and firm cushions help tilt the pelvis for spinal alignment and support the bump.
For Stomach Sleepers
Thin, angled wedges gently tilt the pelvis for continued stomach sleeping.
Match your pillow’s shape, size and firmness to your preferred snoozing positions.
Pregnancy Pillow Filling Materials
Polyester Fiberfill
Plush, lightweight and fluffy. Allows shaping and scrunching.
Microbeads
Moldable support. Retains structure but conforms more than fiber.
Memory Foam
Close contouring and pressure relief. Dense options can sleep warm.
Poly Foam
Traditional cushioning in varied firmness. Less conforming than memory foam.
Air
Light, adjustable. Requires inflation. No filling to reshape.
Evaluate your support and comfort priorities when selecting fill material.
Special Features
- Removable covers – Allow adjusting or replacing fill. Keep clean.
- Zip-off extensions – Provide incremental size adjustments.
- Contours – Targeted shaping mirrors body better.
- Adjustable fill – Modify firmness and support by removing fill.
- Body positioning – Contoured ends allow propping legs and arms.
- Portable – Compresses for travel and space-saving.
Consider features suiting your pregnancy, sleep habits and comfort best.
Caring for Your Pregnancy Pillow
- Check care instructions and wash covers only when allowed
- Spot clean pillows themselves with only mild soap if needed
- Shake and fluff filling frequently to avoid flattening
- Use a mattress protector below pillow to protect from leaks
- Air out pillows in sunlight regularly to reduce odors
- Store loosely when not in use to prevent clumping and flattening
Proper care keeps pregnancy pillows clean and supportive for the duration of pregnancy.
Creating a Comfortable Pregnancy Nest
- Supportive mattress – cradles body and relieves pressure
- Comfortable pajamas – cotton, bamboo and modal feel best
- Breathable bedding – prevents overheating
- Room temperature – keep bedroom cool around 65-68°F
- Soothing sound machine – blocks disruptive noises
- Nightlight – prevents falls for middle of night bathroom trips
Optimizing your entire sleep space helps maximize the benefits of your maternity pillow.
Transitioning Pillow Use Postpartum
Pregnancy pillows adapt for use after baby arrives:
- Nursing support – prop pillows to cradle baby while breastfeeding
- Tummy time aid – cushion and prop baby with pillows
- Co-sleeping – position pillows to create protective barriers
- Caregiver rest – use during feedings and recovery downtime
- Toddler napping – pillows become comfy kid napping spots
With some creativity, a pregnancy pillow pulls double duty for motherhood after the baby bump days.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pregnancy Pillow
- Flattening, loss of loft and lumpiness
- Pillow no longer providing adequate support
- Strong, unpleasant odors even after washing
- Visible yellowing discoloration
- Split seams, fabric tears or fill coming out
- Discomfort or pain when using the pillow
When a pregnancy pillow starts underperforming or feels uncomfortable, it’s time to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Pillows
When should you start using a pregnancy pillow?
Pregnancy pillow use can begin as soon as the first trimester when back and hip aches often start. Choose smaller, versatile shapes early on.
What size pregnancy pillow is best?
Larger U-shaped options around 5 to 6 feet suit most needs but can take up significant bed space. Measure your mattress and space requirements before choosing.
How should a pregnancy pillow fit?
It should fit snugly under and between your legs, tucking completely under your bump without creating unnatural alignments or forcing your body to contour to it.
Can pregnancy pillows be washed?
While some pregnancy pillows have removable, machine washable covers, the pillow itself should only be spot cleaned with mild soap and water unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
When should you stop using a pregnancy pillow?
There’s no medical need to stop using a pregnancy pillow after giving birth if you continue finding it comfortable and beneficial for sleep.
Closing Summary
The right maternity pillow improves restful sleep critical for mom and baby during pregnancy. Evaluate your sleep position, stage of pregnancy, and features to select the ideal design to relieve discomfort and support your changing body. Sweet dreams!
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 8:51 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
