The 10 Best Pregnancy Pillows for 2020 | Ultimate Guide & Reviews

Pregnancy is hard on our bodies and there are only a handful of steps we can take to get some relief while we sleep. The best and simplest solution is to upgrade to a specially designed pillow for pregnancy.

Many moms are already aware of the benefits of body pillows during pregnancy. Not only do they provide relief from back pain, but the Best Maternity Pillows also provide targeted support and comfort where Expecting Moms need it most!

However, some “Mothers-to-Be” struggle to find the comfort they need during pregnancy and need help figuring out which maternity pillow is best for their needs. Filtering through all the different types takes time and requires some research to sort them out.

Luckily, our team of experts put together this Buyer’s Guide to help you find the Perfect Pregnancy Pillows for 2020.

You will find easy-to-read comparison charts with benefits and features of the Best Pregnancy Pillows and Body Pillows. We designed our charts so you can compare the many types of pillows that provide support during pregnancy.

We also put together the Ultimate Buyer’s Guide complete with detailed reviews, close-up photos, care-tips and much more!

The goal of this article is to provide all the information pregnant women need to find that perfect pillow we all been dreaming of.


Introduction to Pregnancy Pillows

Pregnancy is hard on the body, and women have been trying to find the best remedies for making the experience more comfortable while also promoting their own health and well-being. As doctors educate us, the health of the mother is essential to the health of their baby, so these remedies are worth seeking out.

The process of expansion and adding weight, the hormonal changes, dietary changes and mobility restrictions can cause a lot of discomfort for women going through pregnancy. It changes your ability to eat, sit, stand, drive and sleep in the same way that you did prior to expecting. The experience of sleep facilitates so much about our health, and comfortable sleep is important for a mother-to-be in order for her to be rested and energized to care for herself for the nine months.

Although sleep is important to every living creature’s wellness, the average mattress is not developed with pregnant ladies in mind. As a result, they can be extremely uncomfortable after the 20-week mark when most women begin to experience expansion in their midsections. Since expecting mothers can’t rely on a mattress to provide support during pregnancy, they must turn to maternity pillows for support instead.


Best Full Size Body Pillows for Pregnancy Comparison Chart

Below you will find a comparison chart of the best full size body pillows for pregnant women. We included all the main features that makes these better than the rest to help you in finding the perfect pillow for any expecting mother.

The great thing about a full size body pillow is you can even use it after pregnancy for added comfort too. However, if you’re looking for a U Shaped or C Shaped body pillow, you will find those in the following charts as well.

PhotoNameMain FeaturesLink
Snuggle-Pedic
Full Size Body Pillow
  • Best Overall Full Size!
  • Bamboo Pillowcase
  • 20-Year Warranty
  • Made in the USA
Check Price Photos & Review
Coop Home Goods
Adjustable Body Pillow
  • Best Adjustable Body Pillow!
  • 100% Turkish Cotton
  • Made in the USA
  • 5 Year Warranty
Check Price Photos & Review
MyPillow
Full Size Body Pillow
  • Best Lumbar Support!
  • Interlocking Filling
  • Machine Washable
  • 10 Year Warranty
Check Price Photos & Review
Utopia Bedding
Cotton Body Pillow
  • Softest Body Pillow!
  • 250-tc Cotton Pillowcase
  • Double Stitched Edges
  • Machine Washable
Check Price Photos & Review
Lucid
Bamboo Maternity Pillow
  • Best Hypoallergenic!
  • Bamboo Rayon Pillowcase
  • Hypoallergenic
  • 5 Year Warranty
Check Price Photos & Review

Best U Shaped Pregnancy Pillows Comparison Chart

In the following chart, we compared and listed the best U Shaped pillows for Pregnant women. As usual, we listed all the features that makes them better than other maternity pillows in our review.

PhotoNameMain FeaturesLink
Queen Rose
U Shaped Body Pillow
  • Amazon’s Choice!
  • Lightweight
  • Available in Multiple Sizes
  • 90 Day Sleep Trial
Check Price Photos & Review
ComfySure
Pregnancy Body Pillow
  • Jersey Knit Pillowcase!
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Machine Washable
  • Money Back Guarantee
Check Price Photos & Review
Meiz
U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow
  • Best Color Options!
  • Available in 55″ or 65″
  • Machine Washable
  • 100% Soft Cotton
Check Price Photos & Review
AngQi
U Shaped Body Pillow
  • Best Overall Value!
  • Available in 6 Sizes
  • 8 Color Options
  • 90 Day Sleep Trial
Check Price Photos & Review
NiDream Bedding
U Shaped Maternity Pillow
  • Best U Shaped!
  • Washable Velvet Cover
  • 7D PP Cotton Filling
  • Multiple Sleep Positions
Check Price Photos & Review

Expert Reviews of the Best Maternity Pillows

In this section we put together our team of experts to review the featured maternity pillows we mentioned in the charts above. Our goal is to provide you with every piece of information you need to help with your buying decision.

Our comprehensive reviews include the following information:

  • Information About the Company
  • Available Sizes and Shapes
  • Important Features and Benefits
  • Close-up Photos
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Pros and Cons

1. Snuggle-Pedic “Best Overall Body Pillow for Pregnancy”

pregnant lady sleeping with the snuggle pedic body pillow
Click to See on Amazon

The first pillow on this review has over 4,600 positive ratings on Amazon and it’s no secret why. Molding with every single move you make, the pillow is constantly voluminous and keeps its shape. The “Snuggle-Pedic” is composed of 43% Bamboo viscose, 56.4% polyester, and 6% Lycra all in which assists the pillows most coveted feature; the fact that it never goes flat. In a lot of similar products, people constantly find themselves readjusting and fluffing the pillow to keep it the way it originally was. But, with the snuggle-pedic that simply isn’t the case.

But this type of pillow may not be for everyone. So, that’s why Relief Mart, Inc. offers anyone who purchases the product from them a 20-year warranty, a 120-night sleep trial, and free customization if the product isn’t satisfactory. The company not only is committed to satisfying customers but also the planet. They use a medley of Biogreen and Certipur foam which doesn’t contribute to depletion of the ozone layer; shipping can be a hassle for the environment but Relief Mart uses vacuum-sealed eco-friendly transportation options.

Since the product is Made in the USA, specifically Southern California which has strict environmental laws, it complies with all environmental standards for production. All parts of the pillow are sourced and made in the USA. Now, just because the foam in the product is eco-friendly does not mean that it isn’t effective. It seems to prove quite the opposite in fact.

Features and Benefits: The brand uses a multi-faceted shredded design for the foam which aids in the malleability aspect of the product.  The foam is spread all over the inside of this 20 x 54 inch body pillow. Also, the entirety of the Snuggle-Pedic is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant in order for your sleep to be the most enjoyable one yet no matter the circumstance. It is also machine-washable in case it gets dirty somehow, so if something occurs just chuck it in the wash and it should be as good as new. Snuggle-Pedic also comes in different sizes such as Queen, King, and others.

Pros
  • Machine Washable
  • Dust-Mite Resistant
  • Hypo-Allergenic
  • Eco Friendly
  • Easily Adjustable for Everyone
  • Never goes flat
Cons
  • Foam can sometimes chunk up but 10 minutes in the dryer should do the trick
  • Cover is not completely Bamboo viscose

Conclusion: All in all, this product has proven itself to be great and 4,600 people and more think so as well. From its companies amazing return policy to the quality of the pillow that moves with your body to the hypo-allergenic materials it truly is a good investment. However, not one product is perfect from chunky foam to a poor taste in cover materials, there are some cons yet in the end there is a clear distinction of which one outweighs the other. (Hint: it’s not the latter!)


2. Coop Home Goods

Coop Home Goods
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This next pillow from Coop Home Goods was designed with a lot of things in my mind but one stands out way more than others; the customization and adjustability of it. It has two separate foam sheets which you can move around in order to fit your own sleeping needs. The exterior is an off-white color with indented lines that run along the entirety of the pillow winding and intersecting with each other. However, this part won’t show much as Coop Home goods also sells a pillowcase with the same 20×54 dimensions as the original product.

Still, although the exact percentages of the pillow cover aren’t, it does specify that it is made out of Bamboo Rayon and polyester. Much like the Snuggle Pedic, the foam used in the Coop pillow is shredded. Though not specified, it is pretty obvious that the shredded style aids in the adjustable action of the pillow and that seems to be the pillow’s whole appeal and market point. And, most reviewers seem to agree with this with the exception of a few who argue that there is too much free space between the two sheets of foam.

If you do have a problem with this product, it’ll be fine because the company does have a great return policy which is if you don’t enjoy the product in the first 100 days you’ll get your money back guaranteed. Perhaps, you do love it but it somehow gets messed up, that’s alright too because it has a 5 year warranty.

Features and benefits: As aforementioned, the pillow really specializes on focusing on everyone’s specific and unique body type yet still holding firm. This way not only does it alleviate backache or soreness then it will continue to do so if used for an extended period of time. The memory foam in the pillow has no ozone depletors or any harmful metals, chemicals, or such and is actually one of the progressive types of pillows that has low VOC emissions which assures quality air that is safe for everyone ranging from babies to elderly.

Pros
  • Adjustable
  • Breathable Cover
  • Eases and prevents aches
  • Low VOC
  • Hypo-allergenic
Cons
  • Semi heavy and not fit for travel
  • Tinge of chemical odor however it varies from order to order

Conclusion: All in all, this item will hit or miss with you depending on what you’re sinking. It provides great support and is very flexible. However, it for sure isn’t the lightest pillow you’ll find and could be a hassle to move around in some situations. Still, it is hypo-allergenic and a great choice if you want something sturdy, supportive, and fitted for you.


3. MyPillow Body Pillow

MyPillow Body Pillow
Click to See on Amazon

The thing that makes the MyPillow Body Pillow more unique than other isn’t an exterior thing instead a crucial interior design schtick; the filling. Made with a patented filling unique to the MyPillow Company, the pillow proves itself to be more firm and supportive rather than malleable and flexible like the others. Still, it somehow manages to stay lighter and less bulky than the others. The outside case of the body cushion is made out of cotton which is a light, breezy material so you and your pillow don’t get overheated.

While other pillows, usually focus on being designed for everyone this pillow focuses on supporting people with pelvic, back, and pregnancy pain but it can still be used by others simply for comfort even if they do not have a pre-existing condition.

All of the materials are sourced and products are made in the USA and like the other pillows is hypo-allergenic however nowhere it is stated that they are dust-mite resistant. Find the pillow isn’t for you. That’s fine! There’s a 60-day money back guarantee and if you find any manufacturer mishap or an unforeseen event there is a 10 year warranty if you buy directly from MyPillow the company itself.

Features and benefits: This product’s main point is to help people who already suffer from pain relieve it both temporarily and permanently. The product has 2 inches less width than most standard body pillows which makes it easier to lug or move around. Moreover, the product is still comparatively less heavy than other pillows even if it is firmer than others. It unfortunately doesn’t come with a cover and as of right now MyPillow doesn’t sell any however any standard pillow case should do. (PS: If you want to add a little more zing to this pillow, you could add a satin pillowcase!) It comes in one solid white color with little MyPillow logos around the outside.

Pros
  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Unique filling
  • Supportive
Cons
  • Not dust-mite resistant
  • Keeps it shape so it isn’t too good at bending too much

Conclusion: This pillow truly caters to a specific type of person however if you are that person than you will find it great for you. It keeps its shape and offers a sort of mold for your body rather than your body molding it. This isn’t your standard body pillow and it delivers what others simply can’t.


4. Utopia Body Pillow

Utopia Body Pillow
Click to See on Amazon

This next pillow is in it for the long run for you and your family. With 700 and counting positive reviews on Amazon, this product has proven itself to be a quality purchase as a gift or for yourself. And if you do enjoy this product and want more bed products like it, fear no longer as Utopia also sells sheet protectors, bedding, comforters, etc. I also want to mention that this pillow is considerably cheaper compared to other leading brands at a price point of under $50.

The exterior of the product is a clean white with gray stripes going horizontally throughout the pillow. This is made of 100% cotton which makes for a super breezy, soft, and durable shell. Even though this product doesn’t come with a pillow case, you can find multiple cases on their site and stores which sell their product. The cotton outside is double-stitched to save you from any worry of tearing or loose strings flying about in shipping or personal use. Inside the pillow, you will find 100% Polyester 15D Hollowized which in turn makes the pillow pretty thick yet still blendable and somewhat lightweight.

Features and Benefits: The product like most others is completely machine washable but the company boasts after a wash it will be 100% new which so far most people agree with. The dimensions are the standard 24×50 as most body pillows are. Still, some consumers do say that it is fairly large for their bed and compare it to “sleeping next to a very rotund person.” People also say this product is specifically good for side-sleeping styles. Simply put it between your knees or cuddle with it in front of you and that should do the trick!

Pros
  • Very Durable
  • Machine Washable
  • Fluffy
  • Good Price Point
Cons
  • Not USA made
  • Not Very Adjustable
  • No mentioned warranty or return policy

Conclusion: This product seems to differ a lot from person to person but overall it is your pretty standard body pillow. It’ll stay by your side (literally) for a long time and do what is needed from you but not much more. However, at its price, most would consider it a good purchase. I would personally recommend this to people just starting to use body pillows so they can figure out what they want from a body pillow without dishing out too much cash.


5. Lucid Full Body Pillow

Lucid Full Body Pillow
Click to See on Amazon

The Lucid pillow is a hidden gem among the best body pillows for pregnancy. It may be underrated however it will do its job just as well as any other pillow. Made by the Lucid Company, another corporation like Utopia which also sells bedding and beds among other things, this cushion’s price stands at a solid 50 dollars which is only ten bucks more expensive than the Utopia pillow and 20 bucks cheaper than most body pillows so it stands at a pretty good middle ground.

The outside of the pillow is your basic, white shell with porous looking features and has the Lucid company logo imprinted on the front side.

The exterior part of the pillow is Bamboo rayon which is one of the best options when it comes to picking any type of pillow. Inside the cover, you will find shredded, hypo-allergenic, and comfortable memory foam which, much like rayon, is one of the best options for pillows.

Features and Benefits: You might have been wondering why the rayon and memory foam I was raving on about was so important. Prepare to get your world rocked by the amazing combination of Bamboo rayon and breathable memory foam. They are easy, breezy, and overall lemon-squeezy. From the moment you put your head (or body) on that pillow, it won’t overheat however on those cold winter nights if you snuggle it, it can get as warm as you want.

Memory foam is also one of the best materials for softness and adjustability. Even though you won’t get much support from this pillow, your body will feel as light as a feather. The only issue with this product would be the fact that it isn’t machine washable. So, you may want to invest in a pillowcase like now. But, even if it does get messed up, Lucid offers a full five year warranty

Pros
  • Breathable
  • Adjustable
  • Hypo-allergenic
  • Will remain the temperature you want
Cons
  • Not machine-washable

Conclusion: Out of all body pillows, this one is a winner for many. It is a pretty fair price point especially for the high-end materials used. In spite of that, a big turn off for many is the fact it isn’t machine washable. Plus, it isn’t the best for preventing soreness and aches after the sleep or cuddle session. Still, this is one of the best body pillows on the market right now for the loft, softness, and coolness.


6. Queen Rose

Queen Rose
Click to See on Amazon

The Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow exists to help women fully enjoy their pregnancy in the area of a good night’s sleep—something that’s definitely in high demand once the baby is born.

This pregnancy pillow will continue to dominate its place in the competitive market by creating a product that delivers a truly relaxed sleep for every pregnant woman. By improving the materials used in crafting their pregnancy pillows, Queen Rose makes the hard parts of pregnancy a little easier.

They use only the softest knit, the gentlest organic cotton, the safest clothing colours and the most eco-friendly processing methods to ensure that mommy and baby are supported and protected by a premium-grade maternity pillow.

The Queen Rose full body maternity pillow has been rated as an Amazon’s Choice product for u shape body pillows. Not only is this product in high regard by Amazon, but also a multiple of magazines and pregnancy websites such as What to Expect, New York Magazine, and Best Mom Products.

Queen Rose offers their pregnancy pillow in 3 different sizes: 55, 61, and 65 inches long. They also come in blue and pink in honor of the little baby boy or girl expected to come.

Contoured Support pregnancy body pillow lets you get a good night of sleep throughout your pregnancy. The uniquely designed to follow the shape of the pregnancy mom, oversized U-shaped pillow, long enough for you to stretch out and support both sides of your body. You can also use it as a bed pillow too.

Customers have used this pillow effectively for pregnancy support, nursing and for drug free pain relief and comfort. For people experiencing gastric reflux and other ailments during pregnancy, this pillow helps support back, belly, sides, head, knees and feet as well.

Allergenic, comfort and support is now available with this uniquely designed to follow the shape of the pregnancy mom, and big “U” shaped maternity support pillow for sleeping and feeding.

Queen Rose provides 90 days refund or exchange if you don’t like it. Their goal is for you to be completely satisfied.

Pros
  • Belly, back, and feet support
  • Oversized U shape provides ultimate comfort
  • Works for pregnancy support and nursing
  • Multiple sizes available for varied heights
Cons
  • Will not be cooling for nighttime or hot days

7. ComfySure

ComfySure
Click to See on Amazon

ComfySure’s body pillows are as much as the height of an adult. They are utilized for both neck and head support while the u-shape design helps side sleepers by separating legs to help relieve pain and discomfort.

This full body pillow can be used as a lounging or reading cushion, or even to watch TV. It offers a cushioned support, prevents sleep repositioning, and relieves aches associated with sciatica, gastric reflux and more.

This extra-large pregnancy body pillow measures 39″ x 59″, ideal for queen and king sized beds.

ComfySure’s body pillows are made from 100% polyester, and ideal for people with allergies and sensitive skin or other medical conditions.

Pregnant women utilize this comfortable cushion after birth for infants to rest on while breastfeeding. This can replace all other bed cushions and pillows for you to enjoy total comfort and therapeutic benefits.

This pillow is also super easy to clean:  simply toss the pillow into the washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle. The U shaped pregnancy pillow makes the best gifts for expecting mothers or present for any side sleeper, nursing moms, or expecting mom.

ComfySure guarantees that their maternity pillow will provide you with supreme comfort and peace of mind, or they will refund your entire purchase.

Pros
  • Easy to wash and take care of
  • Gives full support and relieves discomfort with U-shape design
  • Works for more than just pregnant women, use for your own desires
Cons
  • Thinner outer fabric cover

8. Meiz Pregnancy Pillow

Meiz Pregnancy Pillow
Click to See on Amazon

In today’s cluttered online world, Meiz body-pillow’s mission is to help consumers make confident purchasing decisions when they don’t know exactly what to buy.

Helping change the way consumers shop and merchants sell online for consumers, Meiz is a one-stop shop for body pillows. They focus on delivering consumers a superior shopping experience with quality products that reduce the need to fact check and compare multiple sources.

The Meiz outer pillowcase is 100% soft cotton and the inner cover is durable brushed fabric. The filling is premium polyester, which offers persistent comfort and is full and durable. The pillowcase is machine washable and comes with a double zipper for easy removal and cleaning. Also, you can remove some filling to adjust to your height or desired firmness.

This pillow comes in 2 size lengths: 55 and 65 inches as well as two colors, both blue and pink.

Their unique design follows the shape of the human body, and is long enough for you to stretch out and support both sides of your body. This pillow is not only for pregnant mothers, but it is also comfortable for everyone who is eager for a better sleep.

Not only for pregnant women, this pillow is also suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers. It creates a relaxed position for sleeping, reading, nursing, or watching TV. The total body support of this pillow provides a painless and sweet sleep.

Meiz provides 30-day refund guaranteed if you are not satisfied. Customer satisfaction is their top priority.

Pros
  • Double zipper
  • Removable stuffing to adjust the firmness and height of the pillow
  • Perfect for any comfortable situation
  • Creates a relaxed position for all types of sleepers
Cons
  • Filling was harder to remove and add back in

9. Angqui Body Pillow

Angqui Body Pillow
Click to See on Amazon

Angqi Company is a direct seller on Amazon, aiming to grow their business and leave a mark on business by satisfying their customers.

Their mission is to be a leading supplier of providing premium home and lifestyle products to you. All of their products have a 90-day minimum guarantee. This body pillow reaches 55 to 60 inches with a sturdy jersey knit cover.

The U-shaped body pillow lets you get a good night of sleep throughout your pregnancy. It’s uniquely designed to follow the natural shape of your body for full support. This makes it an excellent pillow for pregnant women and just about anyone else looking for support and comfort during sleepless nights.

Their customers have been using this maternity pillow effectively for support back, hips, knees, neck, and head to help ease discomfort associated with pregnancy: sciatica, fibromyalgia, gastric reflux, and more.

Full body pregnancy pillow are easily formed into multiple shapes and provide great support for sleeping, reading in bed, or just relaxing with a friend. Angqui promises full body support and helps relieve back pain to get a better sleep.

The outer cover is super soft and stretchy with double zipper for easy removal and machine washing. The inner cover is 100% polyester, with long-lasting resilience and durability. The filling is 100% polyester hollow fiber.

AngQi provides 90-day refund or exchange guarantee if you are not satisfied with this full body pillow.

Pros
  • Super soft and stretchy
  • Easy to remove and wash covers
  • Polyester fiber filling for supreme comfort
  • Good for all ages
Cons
  • Durability not as long as other pillows, reported fraying

10. NiDream

NiDream
Click to See on Amazon

NiDream bedding makes cotton products for a pleasant sleep experience all around the world. They use cotton grown on well sourced farms that give the softness for a much needed sleep.

The 100% Cotton maternity pillow follows the shape of the human body, and is long enough for you to stretch out and support both sides. This u-shaped pregnancy pillow is not only great for pregnant women, but also comfortable for everyone who is eager for a better sleep.

Made from premium polyester fibers and hypoallergenic material, NiDream bedding provides a safe place for nursing, reading, watching TV, or just everyday relaxing.

It is ideal for relief from leg swelling and back pain, and prevents hypertension syndrome and pressure on the liver. Being surrounded by cushioned material helps eliminate tossing and turning. When a pregnant woman is lying on her side, the NiDream body pillow supports the stomach and cushions the mothers’ belly.

NiDream Bedding provides 90-day refund and return guarantee if you are not satisfied for manufacturing without any questions asked.

Pros
  • 360 full support
  • Unzips to move around and adjust the polyester fiber filling
  • Hypoallergenic and good for sensitive skin
  • Can be used anytime for any occasion
Cons
  • Went flat and didn’t have enough stuffing inside

History of Pregnancy Pillows

Ancient pillows were hard, made mostly of stone or bamboo or more ethereal materials like jade to honor the head based on ancient customs and beliefs. Pillows were seen as a status symbol and were not typically used by the masses. Confucius famously referenced his “bended arm for a pillow – therein is happiness”.

As a part of Greek and Roman evolutions, the soft pillow began to be introduced. The material within pillows, ranged from straw to feathers and others in order to provide a more peaceful rest. As time has gone on, humans have come up with all kinds of materials to improve the level of comfort in the pillows that facilitate our sweet dreams.

Interestingly, King Henry VIII at one point banned the use of soft pillows and there is much dispute as to what his reason for that was. However, the only members of his kingdom who were exempt from that ban were pregnant women. Even King Henry knew that women who were preparing for birth deserved a good night’s sleep!

Although every culture and period in history has had their methods in providing comfort to expecting mothers, every woman’s journey is different. When, how or why to start using a pregnancy pillow will depend on the needs, shape and challenges that your specific body is going through. What is universal, is that the concept of the comforting pregnancy pillow can aide in more ways than one!


Benefits of Pregnancy Pillows

There is so much about the pregnancy pillow for women to love, but let’s break down just a few.

  • Soreness and discomfort: Any woman who has gone through pregnancy knows that the pressure and added weight on your joints and muscles can make your body sore and achy. Whether it is your back, legs or hips, a pregnancy pillow placed in just the right spot can alleviate some of that uneasiness. Again, everyone experiences pregnancy differently so the aches and pains of your journey won’t be the same as the experiences of others.
  • Better Sleep: As mentioned earlier, sleep is essential to overall health and the use of a pregnancy pillow can facilitate that. Additionally, the better sleep that a mother-to-be receives, the more nutrients are flowing from her to her baby. That means that your little one has a better chance of growing at a healthy rate and being as comfortable as possible in your belly!
  • Blood Circulation: The better positioned a woman’s body is during pregnancy, the better her blood will be able to flow freely through her body. In combination with a healthy diet and a good balance of vitamins and minerals, this can reduce some common discomforts of pregnancy like leg cramps or heartburn. Better blood circulation can also improve your energy levels throughout the day, making you a better and happier mommy-to-be!
  • Overall comfort: Sleep isn’t the only time that women feel uncomfortable while pregnant. Any woman who has experienced the expansion process of their baby’s growth understands that being able to sit for long periods of time can be a challenge. Additionally, getting up from a seated position can also be difficult without assistance. A well-placed body pillow in the small of a woman’s back can make the ability to sit and stand easier, making the overall pregnancy experience smoother.

How to Choose the Best Pregnancy Pillow

There are many different shapes and sizes of pillows out there for women who want to try one out for their pregnancy challenged. Each type may have a different impact on your body type and your personal pregnancy woes or needs. This is not like the midnight ice-cream run, folks, so you can’t send your significant other out to get it for you and expect to get it right on the first try!

It is always best to try different pillows out for yourself in order to be sure of how they mold to your shape and physical ailments. If you can, try to make the trip to the store and limit the number of attempts to get the best one for your needs. Here is a little guidance on the categories of pregnancy pillows to help you narrow it down a bit before you get there.

  • The Wedge Pillow: This pillow is normally used when sitting for long periods of time, but can be used otherwise based on your body’s needs. These pillows can be round or squared but can be wedged under a section of the body that needs to be propped up or supported.Typically, the wedge pillows are a bit thinner and better utilized by those who only need light support. This pillow may be used while sleeping, but typically will be appreciated by women who normally sleep on their backs but are struggling to find their sweet spot while pregnant.
  • Full-length Pillow: This pillow is less about support and more about comfort. It is meant to be held by the mother in order to create security while lying down and can create a sense of comfort simply from that.Often this pillow type can support women who have issues snoring or who attempt to sleep on their stomachs. If you are one of these women, try to use a pillow with a softer filling material to avoid discomfort.
  • The Total Body Pillow: These pillows encompass the woman’s body to contour to the shape of her entire silhouette. This relieves pressure on her midsection and provides an ease of rest when lying down.

Typically, these pillows come in either a U- or C-shape and can be so large as to wrap completely around the mother, outlining her entire body. This pillow often helps plus-sized women and women who are carrying twins. The more plush and fluffy the better on this one!


What Else to Look For in a Pillow For Pregnancy

So much of what goes into picking the right pillow is choosing one with the right materials. There are several things to consider in this regard before choosing the pillow that best supports your overall health and wellness during pregnancy.

Women experience many bodily changes during pregnancy for a plethora of reasons, one of which being the hormonal changes. One common result in that change of hormonal balance is the development or exacerbation of allergic reactions. Because of this, women are encouraged to try and find hypoallergenic filling materials as well as pillow covers for the pregnancy pillows that they consider.

Outside of allergens, there are other considerations of the material used to fill pillows used by mothers-to-be. Let’s go through some of the different categories to look into!

  • Polyester fibers: This is the most common type of filling material for pregnancy pillows and can vary in their strength. Some polyester fibers are softer than others, but they typically provide great comfort.
  • Buckwheat filling: This organic material has a very low allergy risk and also prevents the accumulation of body heat in the user. Although everyone’s body and reaction to each pillow is different, this material has a pretty good chance of making the mother clinging to it very happy!
  • Microbeads: The sand-like material is soft but firm enough to provide support. The smooth nature of the material makes its use really conducive to the mother’s need to change positions and move the pillow around. If may feel like sand, but the right type of pillow shouldn’t be as heavy as a sandbag!
  • Memory foam: This is the most highly recommended material for a pregnancy pillow by doctors. It is a firm, but comfy material that will both soothe and support. It additionally will prevent the wearing down of the material because memory foam is extremely durable.
  • Water: Yes, that’s right, water can be used as the filling for a therapy pillow depending on the challenges of your pregnancy. You might find that this material does wonders for your level of comfort, particularly if you need it for a more soothing sleep.
  • Styrofoam filling: Beware! This material is cheap and very common, but it can be really challenging for women who try to use it. Not only does the material lack support, but it can make a lot of loud, crunchy sounds when you sleep thus working against one of the main benefits for using a pillow in the first place.

Care Tips for your Pregnancy Pillow

Another reality of pregnancy is the fact that you can get hot flashes and night sweats as a result of the extra body weight and pressure that you are carrying. This means that having a removable pillow cover that can be regularly washed is a crucial component to maintaining the hygiene of your pillow. There is more that can be done to make sure you’re keeping clean, though.

Most pillows can be washed on a gentle cycle in your machine, but be sure that you are following the laundry directions on the pillow’s tag. You also should consider any zippers on the pillow that may be keeping the filling materials on the inside of the pillow casing. Be certain that everything is closed up tightly before washing!

If you attempt to use the washer and dryer, do not go above the gentle wash cycle until you know how that pillow’s material interacts with the strength of your machine. When you get to the drying portion, keep the heat as low as possible. Although most recommend low-medium heat, low heat is the safest bet for preventing any distortion of the pillow’s materials.

Some women prefer to hand wash their pillows to ensure that the cleaning process does not disturb or damage the materials. You can soak and gently wash and rinse by hand if you don’t want to risk using your machine on your favorite pillow, and you can even hang or pat the pillow dry if you would prefer.

The detergent can also make a big impact on the way that you choose to clean your pillow. Of course, you need to select something that will get it squeaky-clean but you also need to choose a detergent with as mild a fragrance as possible. This will prevent any allergic reactions or changes in your body’s reaction to the smell due to the hormone balance shifting during your pregnancy.

Here’s our Complete Guide to Washing your Down Pillow!


Conclusion

Now you have all of the information that you need to make the best decision for your body and your baby. At the end of the day, be sure that you are trying as many pillows as you can to ensure that your body’s needs are being met. We can share advice and information, but you are the best judge for what works to support your pregnancy journey.

Good luck in finding the pillow that best fits you, and enjoy the journey of providing comfort and health to your coming baby!