By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
When you're pregnant, you may need extra rest to support the changes happening in your body since it's working overtime to grow and nourish your baby. As miraculous as pregnancy is, it can also be uncomfortable and can keep you from getting your best night's sleep. Luckily, the best pregnancy pillow can help alleviate some of this discomfort so you can get the quality rest you need.
During pregnancy, you may experience symptoms such as heartburn, morning sickness, soreness or pressure from your widening hips and belly, and even breathing changes like snoring. Also, you'll have to start sleeping on your side during the second trimester, which can be a tricky adjustment if you are a dedicated back or stomach sleeper. The best pregnancy body pillow will multitask to keep you comfy—contouring around your neck to relieve pressure from your back and belly while supporting your head (ideally in a propped up position) so you can breathe easily.
We took all of these factors into account when selecting the 10 best pillows for pregnancy. Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach, or are shopping on a budget, there’s a pillow on this list for you.
The Best Pregnancy Pillows of 2022 - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Pregnancy Pillow: Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow
- Best Budget Pregnancy Pillow: Boppy Side Sleeper
- Best Body Pillow for Pregnancy: Boppy Slipcovered Total Body Pillow
- Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Pain: Leacho Back N' Belly Body Pillow
- Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Yana Sleep Pillow
- Best Pregnancy Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow
- Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Sleepers: Belly Bandit S.O.S. Maternity Pillow
- Best Pregnancy Wedge Pillow: Boppy Pregnancy Wedge
- Best Memory Foam Pregnancy Pillow: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Full Body Pillow
- Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow: Leachco Snoogle Original Total Body Pillow
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall - Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 55" x 31" x 7"; 60" x 31" x 7"; 65" x 31" x 7"
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
If you're looking for a pillow that offers full-body support at an affordable price, the Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow might be a good pick for you. This U-shaped pillow comes in three different length options, so you can choose the one long enough to hug your entire body from head to toe. Just flip the pillow upside down, and rest your head on the bottom of the "U" shape while resting your belly, back, legs, and feet along the sides.
This body pillow arrives at your house in a vacuum-sealed bag. You simply open the bag, unfold the pillow and wait for it to take its full shape within 48 hours. Some reviewers mentioned that they experienced a slight off-gassing odor during this 48 hour period but the smell goes away over time.
What We Like
- U-shaped pillow offers full body support
- Washable cover
- Affordable price
What We Don't Like
- Temporary off-gassing when you first unbox the pillow
- Might sleep hot
BUY: Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow
Best Budget Pregnancy Pillow - Boppy Side Sleeper
SPECS
- Size: 24" x 14" x 7"
- Weight: 1.68 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
It can be difficult to get used to a new sleeping position in the middle of your pregnancy so the last thing you want to do is splurge on an expensive maternity pillow just to find that it doesn't work for you. But the Boppy Side Sleeper's wedge-shaped maternity pillow makes it easy to transition to your side, plus it's reasonably priced. It has a bean-sized cushion on both sides so you can lay between the two beans for a nice hugging sensation. That way, the pillow takes pressure off your back and belly while keeping you supported in the side-sleeping position.
We also like that the middle section of the pillow is stretchy so it will grow with your baby bump throughout your pregnancy. While this pillow is one of the most inexpensive options on this list, you'll want to splurge on a U- or C-shaped body pillow if you want more full-body support.
What We Like
- Compact size is travel-friendly
- Machine-washable cover
- Budget-friendly price
- Adjusts to your growing body
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't provide full body support
- One-size only
Best Body Pillow for Pregnancy - Boppy Slipcovered Total Body Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 48" x 26" x 7.5"
- Weight: 5.78 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
The Boppy Slipcovered Total Body Pillow is a C-shaped body pillow that, according to reviewers, supports a wide variety of body types, from plus-size to petite sleepers. You can stretch and fold this pillow to suit your sleeping position, using it to sleep on your back or stomach in the beginning of your pregnancy and then use it in the side-sleeping position further into your pregnancy. Some reviews noted that they also used this pillow to curl up on the couch or support breastfeeding post-pregnancy.
But, like other vacuum-compressed pillows, this pregnancy body pillow gave off a slight off-gassing odor upon opening.
What We Like
- Supports a wide range of body types
- Machine-washable cover
- More compact than U-shaped pillows
What We Don't Like
- Off-gassing smell upon opening
- Not as durable as other options
BUY: Boppy Slipcovered Total Body Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Pain - Leacho Back N' Belly Body Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 48" x 26" x 7.5"
- Weight: 7.7 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
The Leacho Back N' Belly Body Pillow is a U-shaped pillow designed to take pressure off your back by cradling your entire body. You rest your head at the top of the pillow, and cuddle up next to two cushions that support your back and belly. This pillow also is a sturdy 7 pounds which means that it provides solid support and can prevent you from tossing and turning during the night so you can get the restorative sleep you need.
Some sleepers with queen-sized beds have noted that this pillow took up too much space on the bed for their partners to get comfortable, but those with king-size beds didn't tend to have issues.
What We Like
- U-shaped pillow offers full body support
- Comes in multiple color options
- Heavier weight helps keep you propped up in the side sleeping position
What We Don't Like
- Takes up more space on the bed than other options
- Can sleep hot
BUY: Leacho Back N' Belly Body Pillow
Best U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow - Yana Sleep Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 55" x 28.5" x 8"
- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Material: Gel-Infused Memory Foam or Cotton
We love that U-shaped pillows cradle your entire body, but they can also make you feel hot if you're dealing with pregnancy-related night sweats or live in a warmer climate. The Yana Sleep Pillow offers the full-body comfort of a u-shape pillow, but is made of breathable, temperature-regulating materials such as cotton and gel-infused memory foam that help move body heat away from the pillow so you wake up feeling refreshed instead of sweaty.
One note: This pillow is made of high quality materials, but those come at a higher price point. So, if you're on a tight budget, this might not be the best option for you.
What We Like
- Memory foam and cotton stay temperature neutral
- Made of more durable materials
- Heavier weight helps keep you propped up in the side sleeping position
- Made of all natural materials
- Takes up less space on the bed than other u-shaped pillows
What We Don't Like
- A more expensive option
- Temporary off-gassing period
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Stomach Sleepers - Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 72" x 28" x 9.5"
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Material: Vinyl
If you typically sleep on your stomach, it can be difficult to adjust to a different sleeping position in the middle of your pregnancy. With a growing bump, however, it can be uncomfortable or impossible to lay in this position without a little help. The Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow is an inflatable wedge with a cut-out for your baby bump so you can lay on your stomach safely.
However, you do have to manually inflate the pillow with an air pump and it can slowly deflate over time which might become a nuisance.
What We Like
- Helps stomach sleepers stay comfortable
- Sleeps cool
- Can relieve pressure from back
What We Don't Like
- Must be inflated with a air pump
- Only works for the side sleeping position
BUY: Cozy Bump Pregnancy Pillow
Best Pregnancy Pillow for Back Sleepers - Belly Bandit S.O.S. Maternity Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 25.4" L x 76.2" W
- Weight: 1.25 lbs.
- Material: Polyurethane
Developed by an OBGYN, this three-piece pillow set is designed to provide you with ergonomic support, keeping you comfy in the side-sleeping position throughout the night. The pillow has a simple setup—simply attach a belly pillow and back pillow to a band and cuddle up in-between them. You can move these two pillows closer together or further away to fit your body as it grows.
While this pillow can keep your belly supported and prevent you from rolling onto your back or stomach, if you're looking for a soft feel or full body support, you should consider a C- or U-shape pillow.
What We Like
- Adjustable
- Keeps sleepers in the side sleeping position
- Can relieve pressure from back
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't provide full-body support
- Comes in three pieces and requires set-up
BUY: Belly Bandit S.O.S. Maternity Pillow
Best Pregnancy Wedge Pillow - Boppy Pregnancy Wedge
SPECS
- Size: 14" x 4" x 12"
- Weight: 9.9 oz.
- Material: Polyurethane
This wedge can be put wherever you need support—under your belly to relieve pressure from your back or spine, or between your knees to help keep you comfortable in the side-sleeping position. This pillow is inexpensive and its small size allows you to take it with you virtually anywhere. You can also use this pillow post-pregnancy to help prop you up while you're breastfeeding or lounging.
But while this pillow adds targeted support to whichever area of the body you place it, it may not be enough if you're looking for full-body relief. It also won't help you stay positioned on your side if you're trying to stop tossing and turning throughout the night.
What We Like
- Provides lower body support
- Inexpensive
- Compact size
- Versatile
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't provide full body support
- Won't help keep you on your side
Best Memory Foam Pregnancy Pillow - Coop Home Goods Adjustable Full Body Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 20" x 54"
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Material: Memory foam and microfiber
This long rectangular pillow may not look like a traditional pregnancy pillow, but it provides full-body support to help pregnant sleepers get the pressure relief they need. You can adjust the firmness of this pillow to your liking by removing or adding the filling inside. The blend of microfiber and memory foam inside this pillow are both GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning that they meet rigorous standards for quality and low chemical content.
You can hug this pillow or lean with your back against it, but this pillow can't support both sides of your body at once like a C- or U-shaped pillow will.
What We Like
- Supports a variety of sleeping positions
- Provides superior pressure relief
- GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified foams
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't provide targeted support
- Only supports one side of the body at a time
BUY: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Full Body Pillow
Best C-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow - Leachco Snoogie Original Total Body Pillow
SPECS
- Size: 60" x 25" x 7"
- Weight: 5.5 lbs.
- Material: Polyester
The Leechco Snoogie Original Total Body Pillow is a C-shaped pillow that supports both your belly and back as you sleep. You can also tuck your legs between the bottom of the pillow as you lay in the fetal position for extra pressure relief. Although it provides ample relief to your whole body, this pillow should still leave enough room on the mattress for your partner to sleep next to you without feeling cramped or crowded.
While this pillow does a great job of keeping you cuddled up in the side-sleeping position overnight, some reviewers note that it also makes it harder to get up in the middle of the night if you need to go to the bathroom or get a midnight snack.
What We Like
- Helps keep sleepers comfortable in the side sleeping position
- Supports front and back of body
- Removable, machine-washable cover
What We Don't Like
- Some reviewers note that they had trouble getting out of bed with this pillow
- Not as durable as memory foam pillow options
BUY: Leachco Snoogie Original Total Body Pillow
What to Look for in a Pregnancy Pillow
Size
If you want a pillow to provide full-body support, you'll likely prefer a U-shaped pillow and will want to look for one with more length so you'll be able to lean against your pillow from head to toe. However, you'll want to make sure that you have enough room on the bed for a pillow—especially if you sleep with a partner. If you don't have space for a larger U-shaped pillow, a C-shaped pillow will still provide support to your growing belly and back without taking up so much room on your bed.
Weight
The weight of your pregnancy pillow depends on your preference. Lightweight pillows are easier to maneuver and rearrange if you need to adjust support or change sleeping positions. Heavier pillows, however, will help keep your body in a healthy sleeping posture throughout the night even if you tend to toss and turn.
Materials
Pregnancy pillows come in a variety of different materials. The most common material is polyester. Polyester is inexpensive, hypoallergenic, and typically machine washable, but isn't as durable as other pillow materials.
Memory foam is another common pregnancy pillow material. Memory foam provides pressure relief to sore areas of your body and gently hugs your curves as you sink into the pillow. But, memory foam tends to trap body heat so if you sleep hot, opt for a temperature-neutral or gel-infused foam option to stay cool.
FAQs About Pregnancy Pillows
Is a C-shaped or U-shaped pregnancy pillow better?
It really depends on the type of sleeper you are as well as your personal preferences. A U-shaped pregnancy pillow is designed to provide full-body support, but it also takes up a lot of space on the bed and is more expensive. A C-shaped pillow is a more compact option, but this also means it doesn't offer full body support. It does, however, provide relief to the key areas where pregnant people need a little extra support. A C-shape pillow cradles your back and stomach and you can tuck it between your legs to offer pressure relief in the side sleeping position. It’s also helpful for preventing any tossing and turning.
When should you start using a pregnancy pillow?
You can start using a pregnancy pillow at any time, but since these pillows help take the pressure off your back and midsection, most moms-to-be start using the pillow around the second trimester when significant physical changes start happening in their body. Doctors suggest that women should stop sleeping on their backs at around week 20 of pregnancy, so pregnancy pillows can also be helpful when transitioning to more of a side-sleeping position.
Why do people use pregnancy pillows?
The changes that your body goes through during pregnancy may cause discomfort as you sleep at night. As your belly grows and your hips become wider, you may feel growing pressure in your back and joints and will need to transition to sleeping on your side. You may also experience breathing changes, snoring, or heartburn. A pregnancy pillow can help relieve stress from your joints, keep your upper body propped up to relieve breathing or heartburn symptoms, and help you get comfortable in the side-sleeping position.
Discuss This Article