Before pregnancy, I couldn’t fall asleep unless I was face-planted into my pillow. I was a full-on front sleeper. But as my belly grew and front sleeping became impossible, sleep turned into an endless cycle of tossing, turning, and pure frustration. One day, I casually complained to my pharmacist friend about my sleepless nights, and she immediately asked, “Do you know about pregnancy pillows?” When I said no, she told me to get one ASAP, and gave me a few recommendations.
A week later, all I could say was wow – this pillow had completely transformed my sleep, it was an absolute game changer for me!
Pregnancy pillows completely support your bump, back, hips, and legs, making it easier to actually sleep without waking up every hour in discomfort.
So If you’re struggling to get comfortable at night, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a side sleeper (which is recommended during pregnancy), a back sleeper trying to adjust, or a former front sleeper like me, a good pregnancy pillow can make a world of difference.
Here are the 7 best pregnancy pillows to help you sleep better and wake up feeling (at least somewhat) rested.
The Best Pregnancy pillows for comfort and support
1. PharMeDoc U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Best for: Full-body support without taking up too much space
U-shaped design cradles your head, back, belly, and legs. This was the first pregnancy pillow I tried, and I was shocked at how much better I slept after just one night. The U-shape provided all-around support, and I didn’t need to constantly readjust throughout the night.
💡 Tip: If you tend to overheat at night, opt for the cooling cover version to stay comfortable.
Where to buy: here
2. Boppy Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
Best for: Side sleepers who don’t want a bulky pillow
- Compact dual-support design
- Supports both back and bump
- Small enough to travel with
- Doesn’t take up a ton of bed space
If you’re not into the idea of a massive pillow, this one is a great compromise. It keeps you comfortably positioned on your side while preventing that annoying rolling onto your back moment in the middle of the night.
Where to buy: here
3. Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow
Best for: All-over body support with a C-shaped design
- C-shape supports neck, belly, back, and hips
- No need for extra pillows
- Perfect for postpartum recovery too
This pillow is a lifesaver if you constantly toss and turn because it keeps everything supported without needing to reposition pillows all night. Bonus? You can also use it for nursing support after the baby arrives.
Where to buy: here
4. Queen Rose Full-Body Pregnancy Pillow
Best for: Maximum comfort for all trimesters
- Soft and plush, but still supportive
- Comes in U-shape or C-shape
- Available in different firmness levels
If you like the feeling of being wrapped in a cloud, this is the one. It’s extra plush but still provides firm support where you need it. I found this one super comfortable in the third trimester when my belly needed more support.
Where to buy: here
5. Coop Home Goods Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Best for: Customizable firmness and support
- Adjustable fill lets you choose the firmness
- Hypoallergenic and breathable
- Great for back pain relief
This one is not specifically a pregnancy pillow, but it’s amazing for back sleepers trying to transition to side sleeping. You can adjust the filling to find your perfect level of support.
Where to buy: here
6. Hiccapop Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
Best for: Extra belly support without a full-body pillow
- Small but super supportive
- Great for lower back or belly support
- Perfect for travel or couch naps
If you don’t want to commit to a big pregnancy pillow, a wedge pillow is a great option. I loved this one for extra belly support while sitting on the couch or when I needed a little extra lift under my bump at night.
Where to buy: here
7. Meiz U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
Best for: Back pain relief and joint support
- U-shape provides full-body alignment
- Extra cushion for hips and knees
- Helps relieve sciatica and pelvic pain
If you’re dealing with serious back or hip pain, this is a great investment. The extra leg and hip support made a huge difference for me, especially in the third trimester when everything felt heavy.
Where to buy: here
FAQs About Choosing a Pregnancy Pillow
1.When should I start using a pregnancy pillow
You can start as soon as you feel uncomfortable! Many women begin using one around week 20, when the belly starts growing and sleeping positions become harder to maintain.
2. What shape pregnancy pillow is best?
U-shaped pillows: Best for full-body support, especially if you switch sides at night.
C-shaped pillows: Great for side sleepers who want belly, back, and hip support.
Wedge pillows: Best for targeted belly or back support without taking up too much space.
3. Can I use a pregnancy pillow after birth?
Yes! Many pregnancy pillows double as nursing support pillows or help with postpartum recovery.
4. Do I really need a pregnancy pillow?
If you’re waking up uncomfortable or struggling to find a good sleeping position, a pregnancy pillow can make a huge difference. Regular pillows can help, but a pillow designed for pregnancy provides better support and prevents tossing and turning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to get comfortable at night (like I did), a pregnancy pillow can be a total game-changer. Whether you need full-body support, targeted belly relief, or just something to keep you on your side, there’s an option that’ll work for you.
