How do I sleep with a pregnancy pillow?

How you sleep with a pregnancy pillow is really going to depend on where you need support the most and the type of pillow you buy. Once you’ve made a decision on your pillow, you can figure out a good sleeping position from there. For U-shape and C-shape pillows, you can typically put part of the pillow between your legs while resting your belly and arm on another part of the pillow. As for wedges, these are best for one spot, like between the legs, your belly, or even back.

When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?

You will more than likely begin using a pregnancy pillow during your second and third trimester, but you can really start at any time. During your second and third trimester, your baby is growing rapidly, and you may be feeling more aches and pains, so a pregnancy pillow will provide you with support. “Since comfort, support, and good quality sleep are very important during pregnancy, one can start using a specialized pillow right from the beginning of pregnancy,” says Dr. Basu. “Otherwise, it is definitely advisable after 12 weeks of pregnancy, as the uterus gets heavier, to ensure proper side sleeping, back support, and pressure relief.” Your doctor will tell you when you can no longer sleep on your back and when to switch to your side. “Pressure on inferior vena cava can cause decreased blood flow to the brain and dizziness in the mother,” explains Dr. Basu. “There is also [the] risk of stillbirth as well.” Sleeping on your left side is recommended over back sleeping during pregnancy, Dr. Basu suggests. “It is better to sleep on the left side in a curled up position to ensure good blood flow during sleep.This is when it would be best to start using a pregnancy pillow for support so that your body can accustom to the growing changes comfortably at night.”

The 14 Best Pregnancy Pillows of 2023

Trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in while pregnant can be challenging, so many expectant parents turn to pregnancy pillows. These pillows are designed to make sleeping on your side more comfortable. They also provide additional support where you need it most: tummy, back, legs, and more.

“The main goal of the pillow should be to provide adequate comfort and support during sleep,” JustAnswer physician DJ Basu, MD MPH, tells Verywell Family. “Properly designed pillows can prevent sleep apnea, acid reflux, and also can provide support for side sleeping. As the uterus grows with pregnancy, back sleeping should be avoided. After 16 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus is heavy enough to exert pressure on the inferior vena cava (IVC), the major blood vessel located just right to the center of the abdominal cavity vertically.”

When choosing a pregnancy pillow, comfort and support are the most important. Look at the various shape, size, and material options and how they’ll support your growing body. We carefully considered design, material, size, ease of cleaning, shapes, and support when reviewing products.

Here are the best pregnancy pillows on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Leachco Snoogle Maternity Body Pillow at Amazon

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Best Budget:

hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge at Amazon

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Best Organic:

Yana 360 Degrees Body Pillow at Amazon

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Best Adjustable:

Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow at Amazon

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Best for Sleeping:

PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow at Amazon

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Best Multipurpose:

Boppy Total Body Pillow at Amazon

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Best Full Pillow:

Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow at Amazon

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Best Eco-Friendly:

Buffy Cloud Pillow at Amazon

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Best Compact:

Boppy Side Sleeper at Amazon

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Best for Back Pain:

Leachco Back 'N Belly Contoured Body Pillow at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Pregnancy Pillows
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Follows natural contour/shape of your body
Removable sham-style cover

Cons

Bulky

Because it follows the natural contour and shape of your body and provides support right where you need it, the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow is our top choice. What we love most about this C-shaped pillow is that it supports your body from head to toe, including your back, knees, head, and stomach. The horseshoe-shaped head pillow allows for proper positioning and height, while the extra-long midsection is perfect for total back or tummy support, depending on how you position the pillow.

Made with 100% sateen cotton—which won’t trap body heat—the pillow has a 300 thread count, so it's soft to the touch. The removable sham-style cover is also machine washable, making it super easy to keep clean. When a registered nurse—who is also a mom—develops a product, you can bet it’ll be a good one.

Price at time of publication: $58

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 60 x 24.75 x 7.25 inches | Material: Sateen cotton | Shape: C-shape}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Two-sided design
Travel-friendly

Cons

Will only support one body area instead of full body

It’s not necessary to plunk down your life’s savings to get a great pregnancy pillow, and the Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge is a good example of that. Another compact choice, the two-sided design of the pillow allows you to decide if you prefer deluxe, soft memory foam, or the firmer support foam of the second side.

Reduce swelling in your hands, legs, and feet by relieving back tension, or place it under your belly or knees to help you feel more comfortable at night. The pillow can help relieve nerve pain and leg numbness, as well. The small shape of this pillow makes it easy to travel with.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 13.25 x 15 x 4.5 inches | Material: Memory foam | Shape: Wedge}

Pros

Made of organic bamboo and cotton
Choose your own filling material
Contoured design

Cons

Costly
Odor possible upon opening

Recommended by Dr. Basu, the Yana 360 Body Pillow is a U-shape body pillow that has a contoured design to wrap comfortably around your growing body. Made from organic cotton and bamboo, this pillow washes easily with a gentle detergent and can be tumbled dried on low.

Whether you choose the natural latex or cooling gel filling option, you’ll feel supported in multiple areas of the body, like your back or legs. And, you can easily tie the pillow into a knot for compact storage.

Price at time of publication: $199

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 55 x 28.5 inches | Material: Cotton and bamboo | Shape: U-shape}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Adjustable
Soft fabric
Micro-bead filling

Cons

Could use more fluff/beads
Beads make mess if ripped

No matter what maternity pillow shape you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it in this pregnancy pillow from Frida Mom. This pillow twists and squishes into four different maternity pillow shapes for optimal comfort: C,I,L or U-shape. Thanks to multiple shape options, this pillow supports your belly, legs, and back so you can sleep comfortably.

The pillow has a micro-bead filling to help you find the most comfortable position, and features a machine washable cover for a quick clean. Plus, the pillow comes in a convenient storage bag you can use to take it with you to the hospital.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 54 x 9 x 9 inches | Material: Polyester, nylon, and spandex | Shape: Adjustable (C,I,L, or U)}

Pros

Budget-friendly
Supports back, hips, knees, and head

Cons

Bulky

Another C-shaped pregnancy pillow option, the PharMeDoc Full Body Pregnancy Pillow supports your back, hips, knees, neck, and head for optimal sleep, and allows you to easily rearrange your positioning based on your current needs.

Pick from several different color options, and the zipper removable pillow cover is machine-washable, hypoallergenic, and contains zero phthalates, latex, or lead, and is BPA-free.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 30 x 57 x 7 inches | Material: Jersey knit cotton (cover) | Shape: C-shape}

Courtesy of BuyBuy Baby

Pros

Contoured design
Machine washable
Soft fabric

Cons

Fabric feels a bit scratchy

No matter how you like to sleep, the Boppy Total Body Pillow has you covered from head to toe thanks to its contoured design. The pillow’s full-body design can be used for support during pregnancy and the fourth trimester.

Both the slipcover and the pillow itself are machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. The pillow weighs just under 5 pounds, and measures 48 x 25 x 8 inches, so it doesn’t take up too much space.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 8 inches | Material: Polyester, rayon, and cotton | Shape: C-shape}

Amazon

Pros

Total body coverage
Soft
Can add or take away filling to customize firmness

Cons

Big
Heavy

The unique “U” shape of this maternity pillow allows for maximum support while sleeping. Rather than deciding between two ways to sleep with it, the shape of this pillow allows for full support of the belly, back, neck, and legs, all at the same time. If you’re looking for total body coverage, this is likely a good option.

Color options include blue, gray, and a blue and pink combination. The high density, extra soft filling can be added or taken out based on the user’s firmness preference, and the unique makeup of the filling retains fluffiness for better performance and longer use.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 55 x 32 x 8 inches | Material: Velvet | Shape: U-shape}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Made from sustainable materials
300 single-ply thread count
Several size/firmness options

Cons

Small (will not cover more than one body area at once)

For a pillow you can use for support during pregnancy and beyond, we think you’ll love the Buffy Cloud Pillow. Dr. Basu recommends that expecting parents find a pillow that provides the right support and comfort during sleep, and the Buffy Cloud pillow does just that. Made from BPA-free, eco-friendly materials, this pillow is soft, supportive, and comes in various sizes and firmness levels to help you find your perfect pillow.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 20 x 28 inches (standard) | Material: Tencel lyocell fiber | Shape: Regular standard pillow}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Small footprint
Stretch panel holds pillow in place
Machine washable

Cons

Stretch panel needs more stretch

If you’re looking for a pillow that doesn’t take up the entire bed, we think you’ll love the Boppy Side Sleeper. This compact pregnancy pillow measures 13.5 x 23.5 x 7 inches, and is made of a polyester and cotton blend that’s machine washable for easy cleaning.

What we love most about this pillow is a side panel that stretches for ultimate comfort. When stretched and placed between the legs, the panel helps keep the pillow in place as you sleep. Use it for comfortable side sleeping or for support during the fourth trimester.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 13.5 x 23.5 x 7 inches | Material: Polyester and cotton | Shape: Not Listed}

Pros

Supports back/belly at same time
Ends can be stacked for double support
Hourglass inner curve design

Cons

Costly
Not machine washable
Heavy

Similar to the Queen Rose Full Pregnancy Pillow, Leachco makes the Back ‘N Belly Contoured Body Pillow, which provides equal support for the back and tummy at the same time with its hourglass inner curve design, which also helps align hips for better spine positioning.

The user can also easily flip from side to side if they’d like. Or, since the pillow is separated in the middle, both ends can be stacked to create double the support for your head, upper, and lower body. (Stacking the pillow for extra head support can help relieve heartburn, a dreaded pregnancy symptom). This particular pillow is not machine washable, however, and it weighs 7 pounds, making it quite substantial and not easy to move around.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 55 x 33 x 8.5 inches | Material: Polyester and cotton | Shape: U-shape}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Designed for tall people
Lumbar support

Cons

Bulky

For tall women, finding a pillow that’s long enough for the proper support can be difficult, while shorter pillows don’t necessarily target the right spots for maximum aid. This U-shaped option, the ComfySure Full Body Pregnancy Pillow offers lumbar support, prevents sleep repositioning, and offers belly, arm, and neck support while relieving the pain and discomfort often associated with pregnancy. The extra-long measurements of this full-body pillow mean it’ll even fit on most queen and king-sized beds. This pillow is machine washable for easy cleaning, as well.

Price at time of publication: $36

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: Not Listed | Material: Polyester | Shape: U-shape}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Compact shape
Conforms to your body shape

Cons

Can only provide target support to back, legs, or tummy

If a full body pillow isn’t your thing, the Leachco Snoogle Mini Compact Side Sleeper provides targeted support during pregnancy, allowing you to pick between your back, legs, or tummy. This pillow naturally conforms to the shape of your body and helps align your hips to ensure neutral joint positioning. The compact shape of this pillow option makes it perfect to bring on travel, as well, although taller people may not find as much support as they’d like. The small shape of this pillow also makes it easy to transition use after your pregnancy to a breastfeeding pillow, as well.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 27.8 x 7 x 21.8 inches | Material: Not Listed | Shape: J-shape}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Great for sciatic nerve pain
Budget-friendly

Cons

Does not support tummy

If you get sciatic nerve pain when you're pregnant, you might want to try a knee pillow that can help ease tension. This memory foam option supports your upper knees when you sleep on your side, putting you in the proper position for sleep. Beyond sciatic pain, this may also help relieve knee, ankle, hip, and joint pain.

This popular choice is known for offering relief and staying in place overnight. With some customers saying they got relief after one night of sleep.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 10 x 5.5 x 8 inches | Material: Memory foam | Shape: Wedge}

Amazon

Pros

Cushioned
Removable cover is machine washable

Cons

Possible strong smell

For all the excitement and anticipation pregnancy brings, it can also bring on unfortunate side effects including heartburn, indigestion, and back pain. This wedge pillow from FitPlus is designed to help alleviate those symptoms so you can get a good night’s sleep. The foam base is topped with 1.5 inches of memory foam, so it’s supportive yet cushioned and will shape to your head, neck, and shoulders. It measures 24 x 28 x 7.5 inches and comes with a removable cover that’s machine washable.

Customers say it’s a high-quality pillow that works well to alleviate a variety of issues, aches, and pains. Many say it provides them with the best sleep they’ve had in years. Some note there is initially a strong smell to the pillow, but that dissipates after a few days.

Bonus: If you want to go back to your regular pillow once the baby is born, you may want to hand this one over to your partner as it’s designed to prevent snoring, too. It’s also great for reading and watching TV, so you can use it long beyond your pregnancy, one way or another.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 24 x 28 x 7.5 inches | Material: Memory foam and polyurethane foam | Shape: Wedge}

Final Verdict

Check out the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, if you’re looking for a pillow that supports you from head to toe. The horseshoe-shaped head pillow allows for proper positioning and height, while the extra-long midsection is perfect for total back or tummy support. There’s also the Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge, which helps to reduce swelling in your hands, legs, and feet by relieving back tension. You can also place it under your belly or knees to help you feel more comfortable at night.

How We Selected the Best Pregnancy Pillows

We chose the best pregnancy pillows by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and we studied the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered price, design, material, ease of cleaning, and size when deciding our picks. We also consulted with JustAnswer physician DJ Basu, MD, MPH, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the American Pregnancy Association on sleeping during pregnancy.

What to Look for in a Pregnancy Pillow

Shape

If you’ve already started shopping for a pregnancy pillow, you’ve probably noticed they come in many different shapes and sizes. There are three main shapes you will see when browsing: U-shape, C-shape, and wedge. It’s important to know the difference between these three types of shapes as they each offer different support.

A U-shape pillow follows the natural shape of a growing baby bump, while also allowing the parent to turn to either side. These types of pillows give you maximum support in all areas, typically covering your entire body. There’s also a C-shape pillow, which looks like the letter “C,” and allows you to reposition easily for wherever you need support the most. Some pregnant people opt for wedges instead of pillows because they’re more compact and target specific areas instead of the entire body. Some are great for bump support while others are perfect for knee or back pain.

No matter what type of pillow you decide to use, Dr. Basu recommends finding a pillow that’s comfortable and supportive. “The main goal of the pillow should be to provide adequate comfort and support during sleep. Properly designed pillows can prevent sleep apnea, acid reflux, and also can provide support for side sleeping. C-shaped and U-shaped pillows provide total body support, while wedge shaped pillows can be used to provide localized support like back or stomach during side sleeping.”

Type of Material

You may not think of the material when buying a pregnancy pillow, but it’s definitely a factor to think about. Some materials are more breathable than others, while there’s also many that conform to your body shape.

“Body pillows with organic cotton lining separating it from inner fills can be ideal for preventing heat and sweat during sleep,” Dr. Basu says. “The fill should retain little heat. The pillow should be easy to wash or dry clean for hygiene purposes. The pillow should be hypoallergenic as well to prevent allergies and nasal congestion during sleep.”

If you tend to get hot during the night, you’ll want to look for a pillow made with cotton as it’s a breathable fabric. Polyester, however, is not breathable, and is best for cold nights or people who stay cold at night in general. Memory foam pillows are soft and shape to your body. While not as breathable as cotton, it’s definitely comfortable to sleep with.

Size

Many pregnancy pillows, especially U-shape and C-shape pillows, take up quite a bit of space. For those who sleep alone, this more than likely won’t be a problem. However, if you sleep with a partner, it may be an issue depending on where you both sleep. If you’re tall, a longer pillow may fit your needs better, while a wider pillow will support a back and belly. There are also wedges, which are more compact but still provide you with support.

Overall, you want a pillow that’s comfortable for your growing bump and body type. “Pillows should also be able to provide good back support and pressure relief—good for pregnant women with chronic back pain issues,” Dr. Basu says.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sleep with a pregnancy pillow?

How you sleep with a pregnancy pillow is really going to depend on where you need support the most and the type of pillow you buy. Once you’ve made a decision on your pillow, you can figure out a good sleeping position from there.
For U-shape and C-shape pillows, you can typically put part of the pillow between your legs while resting your belly and arm on another part of the pillow. As for wedges, these are best for one spot, like between the legs, your belly, or even back.
When should I start using a pregnancy pillow?

You will more than likely begin using a pregnancy pillow during your second and third trimester, but you can really start at any time. During your second and third trimester, your baby is growing rapidly, and you may be feeling more aches and pains, so a pregnancy pillow will provide you with support.
“Since comfort, support, and good quality sleep are very important during pregnancy, one can start using a specialized pillow right from the beginning of pregnancy,” says Dr. Basu. “Otherwise, it is definitely advisable after 12 weeks of pregnancy, as the uterus gets heavier, to ensure proper side sleeping, back support, and pressure relief.”
Your doctor will tell you when you can no longer sleep on your back and when to switch to your side. “Pressure on inferior vena cava can cause decreased blood flow to the brain and dizziness in the mother,” explains Dr. Basu. “There is also [the] risk of stillbirth as well.”
Sleeping on your left side is recommended over back sleeping during pregnancy, Dr. Basu suggests. “It is better to sleep on the left side in a curled up position to ensure good blood flow during sleep.This is when it would be best to start using a pregnancy pillow for support so that your body can accustom to the growing changes comfortably at night.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself and found a U-shape pregnancy pillow to be the most supportive during her own pregnancy. She loved how she could sleep on her side and still feel support on both sides.