Best Pregnancy Pillows for Cozy, Restful Sleep

The way the body changes during pregnancy affects almost everything you do on a daily basis, from walking and sitting, to eating and completing to-dos. In what seems like a twisted turn of fate for pregnant people, each day that passes you tend to find yourself a little more tired and a little less able to find a restful night of sleep. That’s why, along with stocking up on maternity clothes, it’s smart to invest in a pregnancy pillow.

Here, we’re rounding up the best pregnancy pillows, of all shapes and sizes, that will help you get the comfortable, nourishing sleep you need in the final months of pregnancy.

Our top picks for the best pregnancy pillows

How to choose the best pregnancy pillow for you

There’s more to a good pillow than just size. Here’s what else to think about before you make your purchase:

Preferred sleeping position

When you’re not pregnant, are you a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper? If you’re already a side sleeper, you may only need a small or moderately supportive pillow to help you balance on your side. If you’re a back sleeper, you likely want a pillow that will keep you from rolling off your side and onto your back in the middle of the night. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you might need a wedge to support your belly and counteract your tendency to roll forward. If you sleep in a variety of positions, you are going to want a pillow that can accommodate that.

Pregnancy ailments

From back pain and joint pain, to round ligament pain, the right pregnancy pillow can help counteract these aches and allow you to get much-needed, restful sleep. Where your pain resides will determine whether you look for a pillow with more back support, belly support, or leg and hip support.

Bed and pillow size

Some pregnancy pillows, especially U-shaped pillows, can get pretty huge. If you get claustrophobic, have a smaller bed, or even a large dog that sleeps with you, your mattress could get crowded pretty fast once you add a pregnancy pillow to the mix. That’s why it’s key to take both your bed size and pillow size into account when making your pick. Likewise, consider whether you want to continue using your regular pillow or if you’re ok with resting your head on the pregnancy pillow. If you get a larger one, you’ll likely be doing the latter.

How we chose the best pregnancy pillows

To choose the best pregnancy pillows, I used my own experience with pregnancy and pregnancy pillows to narrow down the best options. I also talked to other moms (just like I did to find the best travel strollers) to find out what pillows they used during their pregnancies and what they loved about them, as well as sought advice from pregnancy experts. I then compiled all of this input into a final list of the best pregnancy pillows.

Best way to sleep with a pregnancy pillow

The best way to sleep with a pregnancy pillow is the way that you feel most comfortable and that allows you to get the most restful sleep. Most pregnant people are looking for support for their back, under their belly or between their legs. Depending on the size and shape of the pillow you choose, one pillow can deliver support at all of these places. If you don’t need support in specific areas (say you’re not a back sleeper, so you don’t need a pillow behind you to prevent you from rolling over), you can sleep with the pillow only delivering support where you need it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What month should I get a pregnancy pillow?

“Most pregnant people will start to consider a pregnancy pillow when they begin having discomfort while sleeping or lying down. For many pregnant folks that will be after their 20-week mark,” Jordan says. Especially if it’s your first pregnancy, you might want to wait until then to make your pick. “I suggest getting pillows at this point and not in the beginning as you'll have a better grasp of what you are feeling and what will be more helpful to getting you more comfortable rest time,” Jordan adds.

Is a C- or U-shaped pillow better for pregnancy?

While the best pillow is the one that you find most comfortable and the one that helps you sleep best, Jordan is partial to the C-shaped pillows for a few reasons. “I think it provides more back, neck, and shoulder support and gives more of a cuddle feeling than the U-shaped design which I find feels cumbersome and oddly shaped when you are already not as agile as your pre-pregnancy state,” she says. “They are also enormous! Every pregnant person knows the feeling of finally getting into a comfortable position only to have to go to the bathroom ten minutes later. The last thing you need is to have to untangle yourself from the elephant sized U-shaped pillow design on top of that!”

Why do you put a pillow between your legs when pregnant?

There are a few reasons having a pillow between your legs is helpful when you’re pregnant. First, because your belly is pulling your center of gravity toward the front of your body, it can create a pulling/pressure sensation on your top leg when you’re lying on your side that a pillow can alleviate. “It can take much-needed pressure off your tired joints and improve circulation,” adds Jordan, “so not only will you sleep better, but you also feel more rested when you wake up.”

What is the difference between a J and U pregnancy pillow?

Simply look at the letters and you will see the difference. With a U-shaped pregnancy pillow, you would sleep inside the U and have part of the pillow on either side of your body. With a J-shaped pillow, you will only have the pillow on one side.

When should I stop lying on my back during pregnancy?

“Most physicians will state that pregnant mothers begin side lying from 28 weeks,” Jordan says. “Sleeping on your back can lead to a reduction of oxygenated blood and circulation that could lead to poor transfer of needed oxygen and blood to the placenta which keeps the baby healthy and safe.” Sleeping on your back late in your pregnancy can compress the vena cava, a major blood vessel that runs down the back. This can affect the baby’s oxygen supply and even potentially lead to complications.

What is the best pregnancy sleeping position?

The best pregnancy sleeping position is technically on your left side, says Jordan. “This is to create more circulation and nutrient-packed oxygenated blood to your placenta and baby. It also prevents less pressure on your liver as your body grows with a baby.” That said, if you can only get comfortable on your right side, that is still preferable to sleeping on your back.