Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but let’s face it, it can be an uncomfortable time, especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. A great maternity pillow, sometimes called a pregnancy pillow, can help alleviate some of the discomfort, aches, and pains related to pregnancy. They can also help you as you change positions during sleep. You can go from restless nights to having a great night’s sleep with the perfect pillow.
What is a Pregnancy Pillow?
A maternity or pregnancy pillow is a special type of body pillow you can use when you are expecting. They are designed to provide the support you need in key areas such as your back, belly, and neck while sleeping or relaxing. Pregnancy pillows can help you get a great night’s sleep and let you wake up more relaxed and with less pain due to pregnancy.
They are great for back and belly support and can help you sleep in a natural position to keep your hips aligned.
Towards the end of my pregnancy, I had a hard time breathing when I was sleeping. It would feel as if I had an elephant pushing on my chest.
My maternity pillow helped me sleep in a slightly elevated position and helped me breathe easier and sleep soundly. My only regret was not purchasing a pillow earlier.
I also used my pillow during nursing. When my daughter arrived, I used my pillow during nursing. It made me feel more comfortable while feeding her. It also helped to provide support to myself and my daughter.
Maternity pillows are not just for expecting moms.
They are also great for people who suffer from back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, joint pain, sore necks, aching shoulders, and other chronic pain conditions.
People who suffer from insomnia and people who toss and turn all night. Maternity pillows can also help to relieve heartburn or acid reflux symptoms.
We at kidsplayandcreate searched high and low for the best pregnancy pillows available today.
We obtained our results from product research, personal experiences, and reviews. Please read our list of the best maternity pillows. If you have a maternity pillow that you think we should have on the list, e-mail us at kidsplayandcreate@gmail.com.
Momcoze Pregnancy Pillow
One of the most popular pillows on the market, with over 10,000 reviews on Amazon and the Mom’s Choice award winner, the MomCozy Pregnancy pillow is one of the most highly recommended.
This U-shaped pillow claims it makes you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud.
It is filled with long silk cotton to provide a balance of support and comfort.
This pregnancy pillow is flexible for those who change positions through the night and is recommended for both side and back sleepers.
It is also recommended for those suffering from sciatica, fibromyalgia, gastric reflux, back pain, ankle pain, and leg pain.
It is flexible and durable.
This U-shaped pillow comes in various styles and designs, including light blue, pink, geometric pattern, velvet grey (shown), grey cooling, grey Jersey cotton, Hatha grey, Santa grey velvet, stripes, and Tiffany blue.
Key Features:
- Specifically designed to contour to a pregnant woman’s body
- Will provide support for breastfeeding and bottle-feeling moms
- 57 inches
- U Shape Pillow
- Machine washable
- Comfortable and durable
- Highly recommended by moms and the recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award
- It comes in many styles and colors
- Perfect for both side and back sleepers.
Leacho Snoogle Total Body Pillow
Leacho Snoogle Total Body Pillow is the ultimate pregnancy pillow. The C shape is designed to follow your body’s natural contour and shape from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.
This pillow provides ultimate comfort and support. The Leachco Snoogle is a great pillow for sleeping, relaxing, and providing comfort during nursing. The horseshoe-shaped head cushion helps support your neck.
The extra-long midsection supports your belly and back and helps prevent sciatica and lower back pain. It can also tuck between your knees to align your hips and help with back pain.
The Snoogle is flexible and can be used in a variety of ways.
You can curl it and use it as a backrest while watching TV; you can even wrap it around your body for upper body support. It’s definitely a great pick. We at kidsplayandcreate give it an A rating.
Key Features
- Horseshoe shape design
- 100% organic cotton removable, washable cover
- Full body support
- Multiple colors: Ivory, Sage, Brown, Khaki, Gray, and Mauve
- Flexible can be used in a variety of ways.
- Supports hips, back, and belly
- Helps aid and prevent back pain
- Dimensions 60 x 24.8 x 7.2 inches
- Weight 5.5 pounds
Bobby Side Sleeper Pregnancy Pillow
The Boppy Side Sleeper pregnancy pillow differs from traditional pregnancy pillows. This supportive pregnancy pillow is compact and is designed to keep you in the side sleeping position.
It is compact, the entire pillow is small, and it cradles your baby bump and back.
Taking up less space than other pregnancy pillows means more room for your partner in the bed. It also makes it the ideal pregnancy pillow for travel.
This pregnancy pillow is made of out cotton and has a machine-washable cover.
The Bobby Side Sleeper pillow was a top pick from the moms we spoke with.
Key Features:
- Compact, the pillow is 14 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 7 inches wide
- Machine washable cover
- Designed to encourage side sleeping
- cradles your baby bump
- Ideal for traveling
Pharmedoc Total Body Maternity Pillow
The PharMeDoc Total Body Maternity Pillow is a great choice, especially for someone with allergies or who can be sensitive to materials.
The pillow is made of chemical-free polyester. It is hypoallergenic and free of lead, phthalate, latex, and BPA’s. It is also dust mite resistant.
What is also great about this pillow is that it was designed to absorb and withstand more weight than most pillows. It will not get saggy, flat, loose shape, or comfort.
The design follows the natural contours of your body and supports your head, back, hips, and knees. The pillow is tender but firm and extremely comfortable.
The cover is breathable and gives off a cooling effect so that you won’t get overheated. Another plus is that this pillow is fully compatible with large vacuum seal bags for easy storage when no longer in use.
This PharMeDoc is especially great for our plus-size moms or moms expecting twins. This is a strong but soft pillow. We also give this pillow an A rating.
Key Features
- Hypoallergenic, lead, phthalate, latex, BPA free, dust mite resistant
- Our pick for plus-size moms or moms expecting twins
- Body contouring design for full body support
- Full belly, back, hips, and knee support
- It helps relieve back pain.
- Great for nursing moms
- The zipper cover can be removed and easily washed
- It can be easily stored in a large vacuum seal bag.
- Dimensions 60 x 24 x 7 inches
- Weight 7 pounds
Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge
Hiccapop Pregnancy Pillow Wedge for Maternity | Memory Foam Maternity Pillows Support Body, Belly, Back, Knees
This is a great choice if you are not looking for a bulky pillow. The wedge is a great side sleeper pregnancy pillow for expecting moms. This wedge pillow by Hiccapop is a perfect alternative to the large maternity pillow. The people at Hiccapop know that discomfort doesn’t just end in bed.
This wedge has a small and compact design; you can easily take your wedge anywhere. The wedge has a two-sided design. One side is made of soft memory foam, and the other is firm.
You can go from soft support to firm support with a flip of the wedge. The wedge pillow provides belly support to help reduce swelling (edema) in the hands, legs, and feet. It also helps to relieve and prevent back pain.
You can place the wedge pillow behind your back, underbelly, or between your knees. It also helps relieve nerve pain and leg numbness. It has airflow ventilation technology.
The tiny perforated holes throughout the wedge encourage airflow to reduce moisture build-up and help control temperature. The wedge is great for targeted support, not a full pillow. We researched many wedges and voted this one the best wedge pregnancy pillow.
Key Features
- Compact design, you can take it anywhere for support
- The plush velboa cover is soft and washable
- Two-sided design, choose the firm side or the soft side
- Supports belly, back, and knees
- Aids in the relief of back pain, nerve pain, and leg numbness
- Air Flow Ventilation Technology to help control the temperature
- Dimensions 13.2 x 15 x 4.5 inches
- Weight 12.8 ounces
- Lifetime guarantee
Lecho Back ‘N Belly Contoured Body Pillow
Cradle yourself in custom comfort with the Leacho Back ‘N Belly Body Pillow. This Back ‘N Belly Body Pillow has a popular U-shaped design. It is one of the best pregnancy pillows.
It provides back, neck, shoulders, and belly support with a cushion on both sides. This pillow allows you to turn from side to side without losing support. The inner contours were designed to follow the natural curved shape of our body and give you full body support.
It will feel as if it was custom-made for your body. No repositioning is needed. It will align your hips to a neutral position to relieve joint pain.
You can also reverse the end for more head support. Comes in two colors white and tea. We rate this as the best U-shaped pillow and give it an A rating.
This pillow comes in a variety of colors, including ivory, gray, rose, cool blue, peaceful gray, soothing white, and tea
Key Features
- Hourglass Shape
- 100% polyester fiberfill
- Machine washable cover
- Great head support to help with nasal congestion
- Move from side to side without losing support
- It comes in a variety of colors
- Dimensions 51 x 33.5 x 8 inches
- Weight 7 pounds
Leacho Snoogle Mini Compact Side Sleeper
A smaller version of the original Snoogle, this mini compact Snoogle is a great alternative to having a large-body pregnancy pillow. It is one of the best pregnancy pillows.
Smaller than the traditional maternity pillows, however, larger than the wedge. It also leaves lots of room in the bed or is great if you have a smaller bed, such as a full or twin.
This compact pillow is great for targeted head and belly support. It can also be used in a variety of ways.
You can lay on it and use it for head and belly support; you can put it between your knees to help align your hips, you can put it under your knees for elevation or use it as support while nursing your baby.
Its great design will keep you relaxed, cool, and comfortable all night long. We love that this pillow is an in-between pillow, not huge, but not too small either.
We believe the Snoogle Mini Compact Side Sleeper is the best in-between maternity/pregnancy pillow.
It is great for expecting moms who want the feel of a large pillow but still, want something that fits comfortably in the bed. We give this side sleeper an A rating.
Key Features
- Compact for targeted support
- Removable, machine washable cover
- Great for smaller beds or as an alternative to large bulky pillows
- Can be used in a variety of ways
- Comes in two colors sage with white tiny white dots or brown
- Conforms to the natural shape of your body.
- Dimensions 21.1 x 13.7 x 4.5 inches
- Weight 2.9 pounds
Lavish Home Full Contoured Body Pillow Maternity/Pregnancy Support Cushion
This full-body pillow by Lavish Home is great for expecting moms and is one of the best pregnancy pillows. It provides full back, belly, and neck support to help relieve discomfort due to pregnancy aches and pains.
It is a great u-shaped pillow designed to contour the natural shape of your body. This u-shaped pillow is a full-body pillow that will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable to help you get a great night’s sleep.
It also provides great support for mom and baby during nursing. This Lavish Home Full Contoured Body Pillow, Maternity/Pregnancy Support Cushion is another great choice.
This pillow is like a regular full-body pillow with extra support for pregnant moms. We at kidsplayandcreate love this pillow and give it an A rating.
Key Features
- Hourglass inner shape contours to the natural shape of your body
- It supports your belly, back, and neck.
- 100% outer cotton cover that can be removed and is machine washable.
- The inner cover is made of polypropylene
- The pillow is filled with polyester hollow fiber
- Provides nursing support
- Dimensions 60 x 38 x 7 inches
- Weight 7.2 pounds
How do I choose the perfect maternity pillow?
As an expecting mom, you want the best pregnancy pillow. We suggest purchasing a pregnancy pillow based on your personal needs. Before purchasing a maternity/pregnancy pillow, consider a couple of things.
What is your preferred sleeping position?
Are you waking up in pain? If so, where is the pain? Is it your back or neck? If so, it could be because those areas aren’t getting enough support.
If this is the case, you may pick a pillow that provides extra support in those areas.
Do you have heartburn or acid reflux? If so, try choosing a pillow that has upper body support and can keep you slightly elevated.
Are you sensitive to fabrics or have allergies? If that sounds like you, you may choose a hypoallergenic pillow and a machine-washable cover.
You should also consider the size of the pillow. Many maternity pillows are large. If you have a full or a twin bed, it may be too large for your bed.
Make sure you check the dimensions of the pillow before purchasing.
Do you plan on traveling with your pillow? If so, again, you want to look at the side. Do you need something for the car?
You may need extra support in the car if you have a long commute to work, school, or the doctor. If this is the case, you may want to consider the wedge.
Try to think about all everything listed above, then pick a pillow based on your needs.
Using your pregnancy pillow
During your nine months of pregnancy, your body will undergo many changes. A pregnancy pillow specifically designed to give support as your bump grows. Many doctors recommend sleeping on your side during pregnancy.
Using your pregnancy pillow will give you the support you need. You will notice your bump getting bigger in the 2nd trimester. If you are planning on using a pregnancy pillow, it is recommended they you purchase one as part of your baby gear before your second trimester.
Are Maternity Pillows just for expecting moms?
Absolutely not! Let’s face it, expecting moms aren’t the only ones who have difficulty sleeping due to discomfort and pain.
These pillows can benefit people who suffer from back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, joint pain, sore necks, aching shoulders, and other chronic pain conditions.
People who suffer from insomnia and people who toss and turn all night.
They are also great for people who suffer from acid reflux/ heartburn. Maternity/pregnancy pillows are also good for people who want a little extra cushion or like snuggling at night.
My daughter just turned three, and I still use mine.
Is there a difference between a maternity pillow and a body pillow?
The answer is yes. Maternity pillows are designed to contour your changing body’s natural shape. They help support your back, neck, belly, and knees. They can give extra support for those who are stomach sleepers.
Body pillows are usually long and straight. They provide extra cushion but not always the extra support you need for your changing body.
Can a maternity pillow help soothe acid reflux or heartburn?
Expecting moms can experience acid reflux or heartburn at any time throughout pregnancy. In early pregnancy, it can be caused by hormones.
Your hormones slow down your stomach’s ability to process food. The longer the food sits in your stomach, the more acid collects, which can result in heartburn.
In late pregnancy, your growing belly pushes your stomach up, leading to less space for food and stomach acid. The stomach acids get pushed up your esophagus leading to heartburn.
Lying down can make heartburn or acid reflux worse. It is recommended that you sleep on a slant with your upper body slightly elevated to help with stomach acid.
This is where a maternity pillow comes in. Most maternity pillows provide extra cushion for your upper body so that you are not lying flat in the bed.
Most are flexible, where you can add extra support to the upper body and give you more of a cushion or elevation right where you need it.
Don’t forget to speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing to get more helpful information or treatment as needed.
Are maternity pillows washable?
Many maternity pillows have removable covers that are machine washable.
Make sure you check the label from the manufacturer for proper cleaning information.
If you are an expecting mom suffering from sleepless nights, heartburn/acid reflux, or chronic pain, don’t forget to speak to a doctor about your symptoms and also try purchasing a maternity/pregnancy pillow.
They can change restless nights and waking up in pain to get a great night and waking up relaxed and pain-free.
