All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
When I found out I was pregnant, I started searching right away for the best pregnancy pillows — as well as any trusty maternity knickers and bump-friendly leggings, of course. Designed to provide some much-needed extra support, reduce back pain, and encourage you into a safe side sleeping position, finding a trusty pregnancy pillow can be a game-changer during the nine months you're carrying your baby.
“A pregnancy pillow will make it easier for you to position your body into comfortable positions for better rest, pain relief and sleep,” explains co-founder of bbhugme, Dr Hilde Tavares. “A good pillow will reduce any pain and discomfort, and ensure better alignment — both of which are crucial for getting a good night's sleep, and promoting wellbeing in your pregnancy.”
Plus — if you're anything like me — you'll live cocooned in your pregnancy pillow far beyond your pregnancy — using it post-partum to stay comfortable whilst feeding baby during the middle of the night. So that's why it's well worth really taking the time to do all the necessary research, and invest in one that's truly perfect for you and your growing family.
SKIP TO: Our top pregnancy pillow picks | What are the different types of pregnancy pillow? | When should you get a pregnancy pillow? | How do you use a pregnancy pillow? | Are C-shaped or U-shaped pregnancy pillows better? | What should you look for in a pregnancy pillow? | Can you use a maternity pillow after pregnancy?
Meet the experts:
- Dr Hilde Tavares, co-founder of bbhugme.
- Illiyin Morrison aka Mixingupmotherhood, midwife and birth trauma expert at The Baby Show
- Baby and Parenting Expert, Rachel FitzD.
How we tested:
I love my sleep, so putting the best pregnancy pillows on the market through their paces was a challenge I relished. I selected a wide range of pregnancy pillows at differing price points and tested them both day and night. I've tested them for comfort, support, innovation and longevity beyond pregnancy when breastfeeding (because you'll spend a lot of time in a specific feeding position on your bed or sofa, so comfort is key). Friends of mine who've had C-sections relied on their pregnancy pillows for getting comfortable post-partum, so I grilled them for their favourites.
Ahead, the best pregnancy pillows to add to your checkout.
Kally Sleep Body Support Pillow
- Total length: 160cm.
- Weight: 1.8kg.
- Pillow filling: Hollowfibre.
- Pillow outer material: Cotton blend.
Why we love it: This award-winning body pillow hasn’t been designed exclusively for pregnancy, but it’s genuinely the best full-body option we’ve found — and we guarantee you’ll never want to spend a night without it ever again.
For proper positioning, lie down on your side, tuck the pillow between your knees, and hug the top with your arms. The result? Pressure is completely taken off your bump and joints — so you’ll wake up free from niggling aches and pains — and your pelvis is also kept in proper alignment with your spine while you sleep. Plus, having this kind of full body orthopaedic support will make you less likely to toss and turn throughout the night — which will come in handy for pregnant mums who aren’t used to having to sleep on their sides.
Clearly, there are lots of full body pillows out there to choose from — but it’s the extra details that truly set this one apart. Both the inner pillow and the removable cover are machine washable — and the covers come in a range of different cotton blend or Sherpa fleece fabrics. We love it!
Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow
- Total length: 116cm.
- Weight: 1.47kg.
- Pillow filling: 100% polyester.
- Pillow outer material: 100% polyester mesh with 100% cotton cover.
Why we love it: The Purflow Breathe Pregnancy Pillow is a great all-rounder. The brand pride it as ‘the next step up from a traditional pregnancy pillow’. Why? Because rather than a traditional sausage-shaped construction, this one features a central 3D spacer mesh panel that follows the natural shape of an expectant mum.
But best of all, 3D spacer mesh and silky soft jersey cotton cover are both supremely breathable — which is key, because your body temperature rises loads during pregnancy. And post-partum night sweats are also genuinely no joke — so it helpfully doubles as a great breastfeeding pillow for sweaty summer nights.
Clearly, it also offers excellent ergonomic support — as the top and bottom of the pillow are curved to support the head, hips, knees, and ankles in all the right places. This means that it truly aids back and pelvic pain.
- Total length: 145cm.
- Weight: 2.1kg.
- Pillow filling: Microbeads.
- Pillow outer material: 95% cotton, and 5% spandex jersey.
Why we love it: Quite frankly the ✨it✨ girl of pregnancy pillows, this bbhugme beauty boasts an undeniably steep price tag — but we reckon it well and truly earns it with its impeccable adaptability, and surprisingly chic design. Best of all, the removable cover stays lovely and cool all night — and you’ve got a ridiculously chic selection of colours to choose from. Think: Seashell Beige, Dusty Pink, and Eucalyptus.
Forget picking one shape — this pillow can be turned into any style you fancy by simply moving the two BPA-free silicone pebbles to adjust the firmness and length. Whether you’re using it as a firm C-shaped pillow, or a long and squashy body pillow sausage, you can guarantee that the plush and responsive Biofoam filling will rush to relieve the pressure from any part of your body that it touches.
- Total length: 135cm
- Weight: 2kg.
- Pillow filling: Polystyrene beads and foam.
- Pillow outer material: 92% cotton, and 8% elastane.
Why we love it: Truly one of a kind, the SnuzCurve has been specifically designed to ensure you’re sleeping in the correct position for pregnancy. Designed in collaboration with a panel of midwives, chiropractors, health visitors, and mums, it’s a well-trusted alternative to the traditional pregnancy pillow design.
Essentially, the unique curvature of the innovative KneeBlade™ guides you into what experts deem to be the safest sleep posture for you and your baby — all while also taking pressure off any key stress points, and ensuring your spine posture stays neutral.
Slim and relatively compact, it’s a great option if you’re after a pillow that won’t force your partner onto the sofa. And we love that every SnuzCurve customer also gets access to the brand’s expert-led sleep support video series.
- Total length: 120cm.
- Weight: 1.8kg.
- Pillow filling: Simba Renew Bio® clusters.
- Pillow outer material: 100% cotton cover with Stratos® technology.
Why we love it: A brand that's already incredibly well regarded in the ever-expanding world of hybrid pillows, it comes as no surprise that Simba's innovative body pillow is just as impressive as we'd hoped. Designed with side sleepers in mind, its gently curved shape ensures the entire body is kept in alignment — therefore reducing pressure on your shoulders, hips, back and — most importantly — growing bump.
Sick of overheating? This pillow is filled with soft, down-like Simba Renew Bio™ — which has been gently combed into separate springy layersto ensure optimum airflow. Plus, the removable and washable cover features the brand's iconic Stratos® ‘cool-touch’ tech, which instantly draws excess heat away from the body.
- Total length: 150cm.
- Weight: 1.68kg.
- Pillow filling: SuprelleTM Duo Fibres.
- Pillow outer material: Doesn't say.
Why we love it: Dockatot is best known for their cult-favourite docks and nursing pillows, but this chic body pillow is the latest addition to their line-up of stylish parenting products. The ideal finishing touch to a beautifully made bed, the removable cover come in a range of different elevated fabrics — and each one is complete with chic decorative tassels.
It's filled with SuprelleTM Duo Fibres — which are hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and breathable — and it's supple and malleable enough to be used in a variety of different positions. Designed to support improved spinal, head, and neck alignment while sleeping, reduce tossing and turning in the night, and relieve any kind of discomfort, it's the kind of pillow that everybody in your household will end up using at some point.
- Total length: 84cm.
- Weight: Doesn't say.
- Pillow filling: 100% polyester.
- Pillow outer material: 100% cotton.
Why we love it: An absolute classic option, chances are that someone in your family used this pillow for a period of time when you were growing up. Great for keeping you propped up in bed or on the sofa, many people turn to a v-shaped pillow when recovering from illness or operations.
As a maternity option, it can be used like a c-shape pillow to support your bump when lying down in bed, or you can use it to slightly elevate the upper half of your body while you sleep to help reduce acid reflux and heartburn — a bit like how you would use a traditional pregnancy wedge pillow. Plus, once baby's arrived, it'll help keep you propped up and provide some much-needed neck support during those long night feeds.
Mamas & Papas Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow & Cover Bundle
- Total length: 143cm.
- Weight: 1.12kg.
- Pillow filling: 100% polyester fibres.
- Pillow outer material: 100% cotton.
Why we love it: Narrower than some bolster pregnancy pillows and your regular pillow, the Mamas & Papas pregnancy and nursing pillow is slim enough to wrap your arms around for a cuddle — while still providing plenty of support. Put simply, it's truly the best c-shaped pillow we’ve found.
Slightly on the firmer side, it might take a little getting used to — but it's been expertly designed to offer 5-point support in the pelvis, lower back, abdomen, knees, and ankles. And this also makes it a great option for additional comfort and support during feeds.
In terms of practicality, it's got an integrated carry handle for easy transporting. Plus, the cover's warm white base and delicate seed print feels like a fitting choice for a stylish mum-to-be who likes muted tones and neutral colour palettes.
Save money on multi-use pregnancy pillows with these Mamas & Papas discount codes.
Niimo XXL+ Pregnancy Pillow & Nursing Pillow
- Total length: 200cm.
- Weight: 1.26kg
- Pillow filling: 100% polyester fibre.
- Pillow outer material: 100% cotton.
Why we love it: We love the clever design of this pillow — as well as the fact that it's a great budget-friendly option that's readily available on Amazon. As well as making a fabulous full-body pillow for sleeping, its hook and eye design means it can also be quickly converted into a back support, leg rest, or even a sturdy breastfeeding pillow.
Advertised as a baby nest, it comes with a soft central insert to fill the gap in the middle, and turn it into a place to pop your baby down when your arms need a rest. However – obviously — never leave them unattended, or allow them to fall asleep.
- Total length: 140cm.
- Weight: Doesn't say.
- Pillow filling: 100% polyester.
- Pillow outer material: 100% cotton.
Why we love it: When it comes to functionality, you'll be hard-pressed to find a pregnancy pillow with more to offer than this BellaMoon 3-in-1 beauty. Seeing you through pregnancy and beyond, its handy modular design consists of three separate segments that can be reconfigured so the pillow can be used in three different ways; as a pregnancy pillow, as a feeding pillow, and as a baby support pillow to assist with tummy time and sitting up.
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.
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.
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 more sleep content? Head this way for the best mattresses, over here for the best pocket sprung mattresses and this way for the best memory foam mattresses. We've also got the best pillow for side sleepers, the best bed sheets and the best duvets. For mums, check out our round ups of the best baby changing bags, the best maternity leggings and the best maternity nightwear. Happy browsing!
